Young Guns Get Egg-stra Chance

Last updated : 14 April 2006 By Stray Shots Team

Boss Terry Brown has earmarked Bank Holiday Monday's fixture at home to Grays as the return date for several senior figures, out with injuries or suspension, meaning that a youthful team will once again be on show for the Shots on Saturday.

Both Crawley and Grays are in form, but it is clear that Brown has one eye on the Bank Holiday fixture as he prepares for Saturday's trip to the Broadfield Stadium.

“I think we're going to have more of the senior players back for Monday's game, a lot of them are earmarked for making their return.

“The problem is when you're coming back from injury it's unlikely you would play on the Saturday then be fit enough for the Monday, but we've got enough resources to juggle it about,” said Brown.

Indeed, as Brown continues his mission to build for next season by attending Exit Trials for youngsters coming out of Premiership Academies with new Shots' scout Simon Pullen.

“There are so many games and players to look at and I'm sure they will filter down the food chain. There's a lot of good players coming out of these Premiership clubs,” added Brown.

It's likely to be a youthful side on show at Crawley, currently unbeaten in their last six with five consecutive wins in that run. John Hollins' side could be safe with a cracking set of Easter results, something Brown is aware of.

“Crawley are in a rich vein of form at the moment they've captured the winning habit and it will be a very difficult game for us,” added Brown.

Making it more difficult are a couple of ex-Shots, none more so than Omari Coleman who has netted three times in the Red Devils' last six games, having scored just once whilst on loan with the Shots.

Another former Shot, Chris Giles has also been on the scoresheet lately as he has been deputising up front from his usual defensive position.

After Crawley, the Shots take on a side enjoying life at the other end of the table, as Grays will be looking to boost their chances of making the play-offs.

Indeed, with Mark Stimson's side also unbeaten in their last seven, including their most recent 3-0 victory over Exeter City in midweek, this too will be a tough fixture.

“After Saturday we go onto Grays on Monday who are scrapping for play-off points and out of the two fixtures, we owe our home supporters, and Grays a decent performance,” said Brown.

The game is likely to see the return of Jonny Dixon (hamstring), Darren Barnard (shoulder) and skipper Steve Watson who returns from suspension.

Gary Holloway is likely to miss both fixtures as he struggles to overcome an ankle injury.

Grays too have some familiar names on the team-sheet, many of whom failed to set the world alight at their previous clubs.

Former Shots include Aaron McLean, John Nutter and Jamie Slabber, while Dennis Oli, Michael Kightly and Johnny Martin are all ex Farnborough Town.

The Shots have had precious little change from their Grays fixtures this season, going down 2-1 in the reverse Bank Holiday fixture back in August. The side did hold Grays to a draw in the FA Trophy, only to lose 1-0 in the replay.

The good news for the Shots is that goalkeeper Nikki Bull is fit after being taken off at half-time on Saturday with a thigh strain.

With thanks to the Aldershot News.