MATCH PREVIEW: Tavistock welcome ‘best team in the league’ AFC Totton Henderson has nothing but praise for weekend guests
TAVISTOCK manager Stuart Henderson believes the Lambs will face the best team in the division on Saturday when we play host to high-flying AFC Totton at Langsford Park.
The Hampshire side are in second place right now in what looks like being a two-horse race for the Southern League Division One title, with leaders Sholing eight points ahead of Jimmy Ball’s team having played two games more. Wimborne, in third, may be level on points with Totton, but have played three games more and after losing 6-1 at Totton at the end of November – in front of 1,309 spectators – Henderson is under no illusions as to the size of task facing his players this weekend.
“It will be a tough test, that’s for sure,” he said. “For me, they are the stand-out team in the league and they are set up to play not just in the league above, but maybe two leagues higher.
“They get good crowds and the whole infrastructure of the club is fantastic. I have stayed in touch with Jimmy Ball since we played them, he is a really nice guy and has welcomed us up to Totton any time we like; we keep in touch and he is a good contact to have in the game.
“Jimmy knows the game and was full-time at Forest Green for a while. He has a number of players there that played as full-time professionals, but he’s a good guy and very helpful and someone we will continue to keep in touch with, but we will be trying our best to make sure they don’t go back with the points on Saturday.”
With Warren Daw serving the third of his fourth-match ban, Taylor Scarff serving his final game of a three-match ban and Dan Evans injured, there is likely to be a debut for new signing Mike Landricombe in defence.
The veteran 34-year-old joined the Lambs from Saltash United this week with Henderson hoping his vast experience of playing for the likes of Plymouth Parkway and Tiverton Town in the Southern League can help his young squad as they aim for a play-off finish this campaign.
“Mike is one of those that isn’t a baller or a shouter, he leads by his performances,” Henderson said. “I have always known Mike through the football circles and he’s a lovely man who always comes across well and has always been a real credit for whatever football club he’s represented.
“He will be a good addition, he knows what we are all about. Obviously we are trying to establish ourselves in this league, we have picked up a bit of form by winning the last two games, we are on the edge of the play-offs and hopefully, Mike can help us move a couple of places up the league.
“He will go straight into the squad for the game on Saturday, he trained with us on Wednesday.”
To view the matchday programme for Saturday’s match, please click on the link below…
