Match preview –Bees v Longton Saturday 23rd January
Bees look to build some longer term momentum against Longton
The Bees will be looking to build on their win away at Lichfield last Saturday as they welcome Longton to Portway this Saturday (23rd January KO 2.15pm).
The win at Lichfield last weekend – their first “double” of the season – moved the Bees out of the relegation zone and the new interim coaching team of Paul Williams and Dave Spencer, assisting the currently indisposed backs coach Lee Cassell, will be no doubt keen to keep that momentum going to further improve both supporters’ morale and the club’s league position.
The Bees managed to reverse a first quarter 14-3 deficit at Lichfield to run out eventual 19-23 winners thanks to three forward tries – one from No.8 Matt Tibbatts and two from skipper Chris Goddard – with fly half Mitch McGahan slotting two penalties and a conversion. However, somewhat poor decision making and execution could have well seen the home side snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
The visit of Longton this Saturday gives the Portway side an opportunity to notch up their second double of the season. The visit up to Stoke on Trent back in early October saw the Bees carve out a gritty 15-23 win. A first half Chris Goddard try, 14 points from the boot of Jack Jolly and a match winning try scored by Alex O’Malley, from a scorching 40 metre run earned the visitors a deserved victory that day.
Longton currently sit three points and three places below the Bees in the third relegation spot on 26 points, although last week’s postponed fixture against Sutton Coldfield means that they have a game in hand. They have won five games so far this season (compared to six for the Bees), with home victories against Syston (15-12), Newport Salop (55-0) and Sandbach (27-8), as well as wins on the road against Sutton Coldfield and Lichfield (both 14-26 scorelines).
Speaking ahead of the game, Dave Spencer said “Both Willy and I are looking forward to our first home game since we were asked to step in and help out. The players are working hard in training and played with great commitment and confidence at Lichfield last Saturday to gain the victory they deserved.”
“We have had a similar sort of season to date as our visitors on Saturday, so Longton will be a tough game for us. They will be no doubt targeting this game, looking for a win to move them up the table so that stakes are high for both sides.”
Birmingham & Solihull team selected v Longton Saturday 23rd January 2.150pm KO:- Aaron Wilson, Alex O’Malley, Mikey Whettell, Brian Sibiya, Nyle Beckett, Mitchell McGahan, Chris Fensome, Matt Tibbatts, Ashley Scriven, Darren Forder, Matt Spink, Chris Goddard ©, Pete Koziot, Zane Raimondi, Dan Toth. Replacements – Kurtis Payne, Michael Stephens Josh Evans.