Mayfield out to maintain safety climb
MATT Calland and Sam Butterworth take to the road today, travelling to Cumbria where their Mayfield side take on second placed Egremont Rangers in the Kingstone Press NCL premier division.
Expectations in the Mayfield camp are high after last week’s great win against Thatto Heath.
Egremont have already lost two games at home so they are not untouchable on their own ground.
One of their home losses was to Thatto so Mayfield know they have a real chance today to take the points.
Last week’s win lifted Mayfield out of the relegation zone albeit on points difference, so they will be looking to consolidate that position today.
They travel without Aidan Gleeson and Jack Sampson, and although this is a loss it has not affected confidence in the camp.
The coaches have worked the lads hard in training and tried to make the players aware that even though their performance last week was outstanding, there is still work to do.
Completion rate was just 50 per cent and if they can improve on that it will give them even more of a chance in this afternoon’s game.
There were some good performances against Thatto with the forwards in particular dominating their opposite numbers.
Paul Brearley ran the show while Si Moore, Luke Fowden and Callum Marriott were immense.
Not to be outdone, the backs too were back to their best, with the Sheridan brothers leading the way along with full back and mr reliable Wayne English.
It was also pleasing to see Jimmy Connaughton come through the game after a strong performance.
So Mayfield go into this game at the best possible time for them and are travelling with the knowledge that they are capable of bringing back the points.
Craig White’s NWML side entertain Latchford Albion at the Mayfield Sports Centre this afternoon.
Mayfield had a week off which has seen them shake off any injuries picked up the week before, apart from classy full back Corey Newsham, who is still suffering the effects of concussion sustained at St Pats.
They may also lose a couple of players to the first team.
Whatever happens they know they have a talented squad with players eager to step in and take their chance.
Players like Joe Muir, Joe Schofield, Sean Mulcahy, Jack Rush and Bob Kershaw have been outstanding and they will have to be on top form again today to beat third placed Latchford, who are level on points at the top with Walney and Mayfield.
Only points difference separates the top three in what is the closest battle for promotion for years.
Mayfield have by far the tightest defence in the division and are hoping they perform to their best today.
Supporters need to take note that both games will kick off at 1pm so that players and fans can cheer on England as they take on Sweden in the World Cup.
The game will be shown in the club and everyone is welcome to stay and watch.