6:50pm Friday 9th January 2009
CHIPPENHAM Town boss Adie Mings has praised the character of his side following their winning start to the year.
The Bluebirds had a mixed few months leading up to Christmas both on and off the pitch, but 1-0 victories over Tiverton Town and Cambridge City have seen Mings’ men begin 2009 in the best possible fashion.
Mings said: “It’s been fantastic, a really good start to the new year.
“In the last two games the lads have really showed their worth.
“The first half of the season was very tough. We had three or four players missing at more than one time, then we had the budget cuts and players taking wage cuts.
“It was a catalogue of issues we had to deal with, but they are a fantastic group of players and they have pulled together and showed their desire to win.”
The Bluebirds host Hemel Hempstead Town in the Southern League tomorrow, and Mings is aware that a difficult test lies ahead.
He said: “They have got aspirations of winning the league and have improved their side massively by taking Anthony Thomas on loan from Stevenage (Borough).
“We know how tough it’s going to be. They are always very tight games between the two of us, but it would be nice to get another win if we can.”
Mings may be without as many as five players for tomorrow’s game. Kevin Halliday played with an injured knee against Cambridge on Saturday and is still struggling, while Scott Lye has a calf injury and Iain Harvey has a foot problem.
Sam Allison has a dead leg and David Pratt starts his three-game suspension.
Elsewhere, Mings has made seven days’ notice of approach for Larkhall Athletic striker Ben Highmore. Mings can speak to the prolific frontman about a possible move from today. Highmore, who lives in Chippenham and rejected a move to Melksham Town in December, has scored 27 Western League goals this season.
Striker Joe White has returned to Bristol Rovers as he cannot stay at Hardenhuish Park on loan for more than three months.
© Copyright 2001-2010 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk