Match Preview

Estadio de Mark Lopez will hopefully kick off its 2017 with the visit of the League Leaders

It’s only February but it feels like we have been waiting for this for years….tomorrow we will hopefully have a home game, with Estadio de Mark Lopez hosting its first game of 2017. The weather, the council and the ref shortage have all played a part in three home postponements thus far. This will be the first time we have welcomed our visitors to EdML. With Rhostyllen new to the WNL Div 1 this season, we have only ever met once in our history. We travelled to Rhostyllen last December for what was at the time 1st v 2nd. Despite a strong opening first 15 minutes, in which we had the better chances, we didn’t take those early chances and after Rhostyllen took the lead, they showed their experience and quality, running out deserved winners. It was another important lesson for our young squad.

Our new look youthful side, both on and off the field, is still on course to meet our preseason targets for the league. However it is important we continue to build on the good work done prior to the New Year; ensuring we finish the season well and continue to push that top 4.

2017 so far…

NBV kicked off the year with a historically tricky away trip to Point of Ayr. A hard fought game on a small pitch that had seen better days, we came away with a well-deserved 3 points; winning 3-1. The original date for this cup tie, 14th Jan, then fell victim of the weather. A free week and a postponement due to the ref shortage followed as we very much had our own DryJan. That sequence continued into February, when our League Cup Quarter Final vs Rhostyllen was called off by the council due to the weather. With this second postponement by the council we regrettable relinquished home advantage for the tie, with the game now scheduled for March 4th at Rhostyllen. We finally had a game last weekend as we travelled to much face a much improved Johnstown. A game played in difficult conditions, and one we ended with 9 men, was won 4-2 with all the goals coming in the first half.

Rhostyllen started their year with a NEWFA cup game on Bank Holiday Monday. An impressive 4-3 win over a Cefn Druids outfit, was quickly followed by a top of the table clash with Lex Glyndwr. Lex were ruthless on the day as they came away from Rhostyllen with a 4-1 win. After a free week followed, with this original tie being called off, Rhostyllen have responded with three wins that remind the league how ruthless they can be themselves. They beat Point of Ayr 6-1 at home, before a league record 20-0 win away at Maesgwyn. Then last weekend they successfully negotiated a potential tricky away game at Point of Ayr, coming away 3-1 winners.

Team News

Following last week’s dismissals, Adam Funnell and Leigh Griffiths are suspended from the squad. Nathan Blythin (away) is also out as we welcome back Jack Gregory, Tom Pennington and Martin Jones. Jordan Sweeney is also in line to make his long awaited home debut at Estadio de Mark Lopez. Max Quinn continues to be our only long term injury; with news that Big T should be back in training next week.

Squad for tomorrow;

Rhys Peers; Dean Blythin, Sam Reilly, Tom Pennington, Braden Lavin, Jack Gregory; Sam Wainwright, Jordan Sweeney, Jordan Dorrington, Martin Jones; Lewis Jones, Craig Williams, Grant Spencer, Ste Orsler; Ross Sumner.

Kick-off is 2pm at Estadio de Mark Lopez (CH7 6QX) so come on down and enjoy a game without the sideshow (or price) that the professional game has become. A game that promises goals and loads of action, for the price of zero pound and zero pence you cannot go wrong!!

#NBV #YellowRevolution #SupportLocalFootball

Saturday 18th February

Full fixtures

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