Match Preview

Article by Paddy Gladman

It's a local rivalry in the Southern League, South Division this weekend, as Bishop's Cleeve travel to Malvern Town's HDAnywhere Community Stadium with aspirations of earning themselves three points on the road - for the first time since late November.

Both side's come into the match with identical records over the course of their last six league outings, with both accruing seven points.

The hosts are unbeaten in their last three at home, beating Bristol Manor Farm 1-0 in that time, a side who Cleeve were unfortunate to lose to last time out. Manager Paul Collicutt told me at full-time after that defeat that his side were beaten by the better team "on the night".

“They were more clinical than what we were and it’s not very often that I’ve said that this season, but they were. Fair play to them, you know they’ve come here and they’ve done a job, and, on the night - they deserved it.'

'We’ve got to stand up and be counted, at the end of the day. We’ve been scoring goals for fun, and they’ve kept a clean sheet which they’re very pleased with and best of luck to them.”

Kayte Lane's artificial surface has helped the Mitres to the seventh best home record in the league, however in recent months Collicutt's men have suffered on the road, struggling on boggy, grass pitches at the likes of Westbury; which has seen Cleeve fail to win on their travels since late November and Collicutt is determined to see his side end that rotten run ...

"We need to turn a corner on our away performances, so hopefully that can start next week.”

However, despite Malvern lurking in the lower reaches of mid-table in 14th place, they are strong at home, boasting the fifth best home record in the division on a pitch which like Cleeve's home surface is also artificial ...

“In the past, we’ve played on grass and then had to go to Malvern and play on the Astro. It’s two teams that are used to playing on it – so I’m sure it’ll be a good game of football.”

The visitors had aspirations of achieving a play-off spot earlier on this season, but as things stand with the Mitres being five points adrift and teams around them having games in hand it appears an uphill task.

Nonetheless, Malvern away is seen as a big match this season for Cleeve with it being a rivalry and an opportunity for a team who still believe they can accomplish their target - to get back on track ...

“It’s very important (that we get back to winning ways). And, to keep the momentum going between now and the end of the season, you’ve got to be winning games of football. We go to Malvern looking to win – simple as that.”

Controversial officiating has affected the Mitres in recent weeks and not for the the first time, the boss was left disappointed last time out against 'Manor Farm ...

“I think the referee and the linesman got the decision wrong and unfortunately, with 46' - 47' minutes on the clock, we thought it was a throw-in for us, but he gave it to them!'

'Then the corner, which again we though was a goal-kick … they knock it in and then thanks very much, 1-0 – so, yeah I wasn’t too pleased to be honest.”

All will be hoping for less controversy this Saturday afternoon, as this rivalry looks set to produce a very evenly matched affair between two good sides.

When both met for the reverse fixture at Kayte Lane, back in October - nothing could split the two sides as the deadlock remained untouched. You won't want to miss this one.