Mayfield out to stave off Pilks shock

MAYFIELD go looking for their sixth victory on the bounce this afternoon as they travel to face Pilkington Recs in the Kingstone Press NCL premier division.

Pilks are sitting in the relegation zone at the minute so will be desperate to get something from this game and resurrect their chances of remaining in the top division.

Mayfield on the other hand are looking to stay in the third spot they achieved with last week’s victory over Wath Brow.

Coaches Matt Calland and Sam Butterworth are only too aware of the potential banana skins the basement clubs offer up and have been including this in the game preparation at training sessions this week.

They must be switched on from the off and keep their concentration for the full eighty minutes, not allowing Pilks the opportunity to get the upper hand.

One thing that is for sure, Mayfield certainly have the talent in the squad to do that.

However on a couple of occasions this season they have had lapses in concentration and have been made to pay dearly for it.

Sean Watkins is back in the squad today following suspension and he is raring to get back to action, Matt Calland and Sam Butterworth will also run the rule over some of the NWML side after some excellent performances from them over recent weeks.

The forwards are buzzing at the moment with Callum Marriott at the top of his game, also firing at the minute are Jimmy Connaughton and recent signing Luke Fowden.

These are three top class forwards and they are supported by some top class backs with Lewis and Dec Sheridan, James McDade and Wayne English all looking good.

At the moment this Mayfield side is certainly a side to be reckoned with and will travel today full of confidence and looking to bring back two points.

The Mayfield NWML side are in action at the Mayfield Sports Centre this afternoon where they play hosts to Leyland Warriors.

Warriors are in the bottom half of the table but are a team you shouldnt underestimate as they have had some very good results so far.

Mayfield though are firing on all cylinders and should be strong enough to overcome today’s opposition.

That said they will be paying them the utmost respect and have been training hard for this clash as they look to consolidate at the top of the table.

Players like Cameron Connolly, Corey Newsham, Jordan Cella, and JAmes Ainley have shown true class this season while the recently returned Brad Gartland showed some good touches last week.

Dave Harmer and Marvin Connolly’s side cannot allow any slip ups now on the run in to the end of the season.

Although they are four points clear at the top second placed Manchester RAngers have two games in hand and Mayfield have to travel there in a few weeks for what could be the title decider.

So there’s only one thing on the minds of the players and coaches today – victory.