Match Preview

Match Preview Derby v Bees 8th October 2016

LEAGUE LEADERS DERBY SURE TO TEST IMPROVING BEES

Tough assignment in prospect as Bees travel to face league leaders Derby

Ben Woods and Pete Glackin have kept faith with the side that has won its last two games, naming an unchanged starting line-up for this week’s fixture against Derby (KO 3pm Saturday 8th October).

The trip to Haslams Lane will be a tough assignment despite the Bees’ recent encouraging form, as Derby currently sit at the top of National League 3 Midlands with five wins from their first five fixtures.

Derby opened their campaign with a narrow 20-21 victory away at Peterborough Lions, notching up their first home win against Sandbach the following week, with a 25-19 score line. Wins away at Sheffield (12-18), at home to Syston (67-20) and on the road at Bedford Athletic last week (17-33) have cemented their credentials as the league’s form team – the only one with an unblemished record to date too.

Back to back wins against Bridgnorth and Broadstreet will mean that the Bees will travel up the A38 in good heart and the naming of an unchanged starting XV underlines the confidence that the coaching duo have in the current blend of youth and experience.

Max Rodman – who kicked 17 points last weekend - keeps the 10 shirt, although a fit again Mitch McGahan provides more than useful cover from the bench. Last week’s try scorer Jimmy Oliver renews his centre partnership with Isaac McNulty, with Messer’s Mumford, Barratt, Fensome and Tilsley completing the backline.

Danny Wright retains the captain’s arm band, partnered in the back row by Ashley Scriven and Michael Stephens. Andrew Weaver and Matt Spink continue their collaboration in the second row, with Chris Goddard poised to add his experience and grunt from the sub’s bench.

Pete Koziot, Louis Addleton and Joe Foreman once again feature at the coalface, with Kurtis Payne providing cover in the dark arts department.