Second chance for Marine upset

9:30am Wednesday 17th December 2008

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IT will be the biggest game in Supermarine’s history ‘take-two’ tonight when Blue Square Premier outfit Eastbourne Borough lay down the gauntlet in the first round proper of the FA Trophy.

Saturday’s showcase between the sides was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, leaving both sets of players kicking their heels for four days.

But with the playing surface now back to its immaculate best, the countdown is on to what promises to be a memorable evening in South Marston.

“Obviously it’s a huge game for the players and the club, so we will be giving it everything,” said Marine boss Mark Collier.

“I said there was bound to be a shock in the FA Trophy somewhere along the line, so why can’t we be the ones to provide it?

“It will be a big challenge against a team some 30-odd places above us on the pyramid, but we have nothing to lose.

“Every week we play big clubs in the Southern League, so my lads won’t be feeling too nervous.

“I won’t let them get too excited either. I just want them to go out there, express themselves and have no regrets come the final whistle.”

Dynamic midfielder Justin McKay will miss tonight’s encounter, with 19-year-old Sean Wood set to partner Chris Taylor in the middle of the park.

Wood has made an impact several times from the bench already this season, and Collier has no hesitation in throwing him in at the deep end.

He said: “It’s a blow not to have Justin available because he has played in the league above and has experience.

“It looks like it’s going to be Sean because we have a tried and tested system and he can slot straight in.

“Sean is only 19 but he has shown already this season he is more than capable. I have no problems in throwing him in.

“The other option was to move Gary Horgan back into midfield, but we have a settled back four at the moment and I don’t want to disrupt that.”

Collier and the Supermarine players were scheduled to hold a free coaching session this afternoon with Town skipper Hasney Aljofree for the winners of the GWR Kids charity auction.

That session has now been put back until early in the new year, with the all the winners offered free tickets to tonight’s clash.

Club secretary Judi Moore explained: “We had to postpone the coaching because we need to keep the pitch in good condition for the game.

“But all the children will be able to come and watch the FA Trophy match, and also the Southern League match against Farnborough on Saturday.

She added: “It’s a very big few days for the club and we are all very excited.”

Shrivenham are also in action tonight in the second round of Hellenic League Floodlit Cup, as Mark Love takes his side to Cheltenham Saracens.