Let's Get A Double In

Last updated : 11 February 2006 By Stray Shots Team
Terry Brown is gunning for his first double of the season by beating York City on the road this weekend, — thus keeping alive his feint play-off hopes, writes Rebekah Wheller.

Having beaten the Minstermen at the Recreation Ground 2-1 earlier in the season, the boss is looking for victory at KitKat Crescent on Sunday, to bring to an end to a run of disappointing away form.

Indeed, the Shots haven't won away from home since NOVEMBER, when they beat Cambridge City, but Brown was encouraged by the performance at Stevenage last weekend, despite losing 2-1.

“Our away record is very poor and that's something we've got to change. It's not so much about the northern aspect but just being away from home. We beat them at home earlier this season so it would be nice to get the double over them.

“I was pleased with the performance at Stevenage and I think we can build on that for Sunday,” added Brown.

One positive perhaps for Brown is the fact that whilst his Shots' form on the road is poor, York have a similarly bad record at home, having failed to win at their own ground since Boxing Day.

Brown added: “It's good for my morale that's for sure but I don't know whether it'll help the players!”

Having said that, the Minstermen officially have the best strike force in the Conference with 20 goals shared between front duo Andy Bishop (11) and Clayton Donaldson (9).

“York are a strong, young side who started off very well, but they're going through a little blip at the moment. We know all about their forwards and they've got some good players so it will be a tough game,” added Brown.

Nick Crittenden opened the scoring against York at the Rec earlier this season, Donaldson levelled before Darren Barnard netted a late winner.

The boss though is without the former Welsh international as Barnard faces a two-match suspension following his second sending off of the season at Stevenage.

This means the boss will once again reshuffle his back line with the ever-improving Lewis Hamilton expected to fill in on the left and Matt Somner likely to win his place back at right-back after being dropped to the bench last week.

“It is disappointing not having Darren available, he was just starting to get his game back as well. It does mean I've got to change things round but I haven't really got a lot choice in there.

“Matty [Somner] has had a kick up the backside after last week and will be out to prove himself and I've got no problem bringing Lewis in as he has been doing well,” added Brown.

There are no new injury concerns for Brown, although as the News went to press the boss had a strong side out for the reserves playing at Gillingham.

That squad did include Kirk Hudson, returning for his first game since going down with the mumps before the Altrincham game.

“It's good to have him back as cover although it's clear he is a game or two away from being fit. There's a few other lads getting a run-out but no triallists today,” added Brown.

The boss, however, has not ruled out a return to the loan market before the end of the season and will be casting his eye over potential recruits in the coming weeks, before the loan window shuts at the end of next month.

Meanwhile, the boss is continuing in his bid to tie up loan deals for Tarkan Mustafa and Tobi Jinadu.

For York Billy McEwan has a fully fit side available as they too look to turn round a serious dip in form, the Minstermen have had only two wins in 13 League games.

When you match that against Aldershot, who have had seven victories in that many games, maybe that late play-off bid isn't quite as far-fetched as it seems.

Don't forget kick off at KitKat Crescent is at 1.30pm on Sunday.


With thanks to the Aldershot News.