FA Vase Cribbs manager expecting the toughest of tests at Christchurch
RICHARD Luffman insists his Cribbs cup charges can go to Christchurch “full of confidence” tomorrow while warning: “This is as tough as it gets at this stage.”
The high-riding Toolstation League Premier Division team head to Dorset for a FA Vase second round date with hosts enjoying similar encouraging fortunes seated fifth in the Sydenhams Wessex League’s top-flight.
Luffman knows tomorrow’s opponents “pretty well” as he explained: “When I was manager at Alresford last season and we were top of the Wessex Prem when the football came to a standstill (in mid-March), Christchurch were our main title rivals who we drew 1-1 with at theirs and beat 3-1 at ours.
“They’re an expensively assembled side who can play both directly and on the floor, and they have a lad called Ron Frost who throws the ball a ridiculous distance.
“It’s as tough a game as we could have had at this stage of the competition.”
Luffman’s caution is mixed with ebullience at his team’s impressive march up the table and into third spot as it stands on the strength of seven wins and two draws from 12 appearances. He maintains he isn’t fazed by the fact Cribbs’ last competitive appearance, a 2-0 home victory over Odd Down, was way back on November 3.
“We’ve been calling on a Welsh football coach called Matt Jones to put the lads through a series of timed fitness sessions live online,” the Lawns leader said. “There were the 20 little boxes on the screens of us all getting involved and seeing what each other was doing, which was perfect at the time of lockdown. Even I joined in and managed to shed some weight!
“It got us all together virtually over a period of four-and-a-half weeks but we enjoyed a good inhouse game at the weekend, with the help of some under-18 players, and then beat Bristol Manor Farm (4-1) in a friendly at ours on Tuesday night, so our preparations haven’t been too bad.
“Matt Spiller scored a great goal along the ground from the halfway line and Jake Hodgson did likewise with a long-range curler into the top corner for our third on his comeback from injury.
“Steve Murray and Dan Webb, our two centre-forwards, both hit the target against a Manor Farm side parading a strong line-up, including their new striker Kyle Tooze. We were dominant and play like that again this Saturday, we’ll do well I’m sure.
“Christchurch returned to competitive action on Tuesday night (beating Bashley 1-0 away) so they’ll be into their stride too, which should make for a cracking game.” Luffman’s hopes of Vase progression have been boosted by the return of “inspirational” captain Hodgson from a lengthy knee ligament injury lay-off.
Victory for Cribbs at Christchurch would offer them a thirdround home tie next Saturday, December 19, against either Falmouth Town, second in SW Peninsula League Premier West, or fourth-placed Hellenic Premier outfit Bishop’s Cleeve, who clash in Cornwall tomorrow.
Cribbs’ Toolstation Prem compatriots Clevedon Town are already through courtesy of last Saturday’s thrilling 4-3 victory over Bitton at the Everyone Active Stadium.
The Seasiders now host, at the third round juncture on December 19, either New Milton Town, struggling in Wessex Division One, or Gloucestershire outfit Longlevens, who occupy a mid-table berth in Hellenic Premier Division.
Jay Murray’s close-in conversion from George King’s low cross clinched it for Clevedon at the expense of Bitton five minutes from time, prompting co-assistant boss Alex White to say: “It was a great day all round as our manager (Micky Bell) was at Ashton Gate to watch his son Sam make his debut from the bench up front for Bristol City, Micky’s old club, against Birmingham.
“It was also fantastic to see Liam Dempsey (right midfield) back in action for us after two years out following a second serious ACL knee injury, affecting his other leg, and score to put us 3-2 up on 82 minutes only a few minutes after coming on. That was a really great moment for him.
They’re an expensively assembled side who can play both directly and on the floor
“Jay scored our winner after Bitton equalised three minutes on from Liam’s goal and he’s certainly a player who can play at a higher level as he’s in his dad’s mould (Scott Murray, ex-Bristol City winger) when it comes to pace and scoring abilities.”
White said: “It was pure elation at the end after what had been a very strange occasion with neither side having played for so many weeks. And of course no spectators were allowed in to watch.
“I think in the end the tough training schedule we put our lads through during lockdown paid off against a fantastic Bitton team.”
White’s fellow No 2, Lee Rendall, said: “We were thrilled with the win although I was not surprised.
“We had already proved we can go toe-to-toe with the better sides and to beat last year’s semi-finalists was a massive achievement as Bitton are a very strong team with quality in depth.
“It was a joy to be part of and our lads did us, the club and themselves proud.”
» The Toolstation League will resume fixtures on Saturday, December 19.
The league recognise that many clubs in Tier 3 have indicated that they are not prepared to play at home without spectators. In light of that, Toolstation League clubs in Tier 3 who have a match against a club in Tier 2 have been given the opportunity to play that match, be it home or away, provided that both clubs agree. This agreement must be sent via email seven days in advance of the matchday, otherwise the match will be considered as postponed.
If both clubs are in Tier 2 then the league will expect the match to go ahead. However, in the event that clubs have reasons why this cannot happen, they are being invited to contact the league outlining those reasons. Once all clubs are in Tier 2 then the league will continue as per normal.