Gary Ablett’s County side make the long trip down to Yeovil tomorrow looking for their second away win, and second win, of the season.
The long trip to Brighton proved fruitful for the Hatters and their only win of the season to date, and Ablett, who brought in former Liverpool YT Coach Hughie McAuley to assist the side, will be hoping for three more points to make the long journey worthwhile.
A major talking point will be, inevitably, Carl Baker. The man in form for County but, as we’ve heard, the tragic passing of his older brother earlier this week, who was bravely fighting leukaemia, may mean that Baker doesn’t take part in the match. We wish him and his family all the best.
Meanwhile, County will be taking McAuley down to Yeovil with them as Ablett does not yet know whether he is banned from the touchline or not after being sent to the stands in County’s 2-0 defeat to Leeds.
Vital Quotes:
Gary Ablett: “I haven’t heard anything from the FA and unless I hear different I’ll be sat on the bench.”
“I’ve brought Hugh McAuley in from Liverpool who’s someone I know and I trust and he’s agreed to work with us for the next week or so.”
“He’ll travel down to Yeovil with us just in case I’m not allowed to sit on the bench.”
Yeovil boss Terry Skiverton: ‘We’ve been positive this week, we’ve trained really well. I’m very pleased and very relaxed going into this game.’
‘Sometimes you’ve got to relax and wait for your turn in the side of luck.’
‘Our supporters have been 100% behind me even with a couple of disappointing results and I really appreciate that.’
Yeovil Team News:
Striker Gavin Tomlin should be fit.
Sam Williams, who hasn’t trained due to a knock on his hip, will be in contention.
Striker Dean Bowditch will remain sidelined after injuring his shoulder on the opening day of the season.
Player to watch: Andy Welsh
Staying with the former player theme, and Welsh epitomises the dark times at EP a few years back when he was sold to Sunderland for £15k.
After a few seasons bobbing in and out of the Championship and Premier League, Welsh signed for Yeovil and signed a new contract extension this summer taking him to 2011. Always a danger from the wing but his final ball was never the best. Let’s see if he’s improved.
County Team News:
On loan Leeds defender Paul Huntington will make his debut after signing on a 28 day loan deal.
Carl Baker may not travel with the team after the sad loss of his brother, while Adam Griffin trained this morning just before the tea departed for Yeovil.
Michael Raynes is still not fit after a groin injury in the 1-1 draw with Southampton, though he expects to be ready for the visit of Leyton Orient next week.
Loanees Liam Bridcutt and Nick Bignall will both continue in the side.
Player to watch: Liam Bridcutt
Unfortunately, Edgeley Park hasn’t seen Bridcutt play yet but the lad has got real talent. Makes the holding role look simple and can get forward. Links up well with the side and gets involved. Let’s see if he can keep it up.
Match Facts & Stats
Yeovil – Evens
Draw – 11/5
County – 11/5
Helpful.
Match Prediction:
1-0 County. Like Ablett says, (and no offence to Yeovil), this is the kind of game where we need to pick up points to survive.
Next Fixtures:
STOCKPORT v Leyton Orient
League One
Edgeley Park
Saturday 19th September ’09
