Gravesend Preview

[Match Reports]

_________________ Gravesend vs York City
_________________-_____Stonebridge Road, Northfleet
____________________-Saturday 8th October 2005, 1.00pm
_________________________

An interesting meeting of two sides bang on form, both of whom will be hoping to continue their recent good runs.

Team News

For York City, boss Billy McEwan is likely to keep the same side that defeated Exeter City 4-2 last Saturday. That means club skipper Mark Hotte will again be on the substitutes bench and former Worksop Town defender James Dudgeon keeps his place. Upfront, City will continue with Clayton Donaldson and Andy Bishop as main strikers, both of whom are on form with seven and five goals respectively. Donaldson has scored in his last five competitive games and will be looking to score in the next three to create a new club record.

For "The Fleet", boss Liam Daish will want to carry on the fine run of form that has lifted his side to 10th in the league. A poor start to the season left many fans feeling the team would be relegated, but some superb recent wins including a thumping 4-0 home win against Halifax, one of City's two conquerers this season, shows that despite their partial part - time status they aren't to be taken lightly. The home side will be hoping their key striker Charlie MacDonald is fit for this game, having netted six times this season. The former Charlton trainee was Crawley's highest scorer in their Doctor Martens League triumph two years ago, and despite an excellent start to last season which led to speculation he would join clubs at a higher level and also speculation he would sign for City, but things didn't work out at Broadfield Stadium and he left Crawley for Weymouth, before signing for "the Fleet" in the summer. In midfield, experienced veteran Bobby Bowry keeps things going with his link up play with the attack. The former Millwall man was signed in the summer. G&N have plenty of experience in their side, with Paul McCarthy their key defender. The ex Wycombe player featured in Wycombe's 2001 FA Cup run. And in goal, they have one of the Conference's best keepers in Holloway, who was quickly signed from Farnborough Town following their relegation last season.

How the Teams Line-Up

York City (Possible): Porter; Price, Dudgeon, McGurk, Merris; Convery, Panther, Dunning; Stewart, Bishop, Donaldson.
Substitutes: Afandiyev, Hotte, Yalcin, O'Neill, Palmer.

Gravesend (Possible): Holloway; Protheroe, Graham-Smith, McCarthy, Skinner; Slatter, Bowry, Saunders, Drury; Jackson, Grant.
Substitutes: Kerr, Omoyimni, Sodje, Surey, Gooding.

Form Guide (Last 5)

City - WDLWW - Altrincham (H), Dagenham (H), Aldershot (A), Tamworth (A), Exeter (H)
G&N - WDLWD - Halifax (H), Hereford (A), Kidderminster (H), Forest G (H), Accrington (A)

Last Season

Fleet 4-0 City - An embarassment for the Reds as they were beaten easily by a part time side, albeit one that was unbeaten since February and riding high in the Conference. City defenders Smith and Clarke were on fine form for the Fleet, assisting numerous times for their goals, netted by Omoyimni, Louis, Skinner and an own goal from Davis.

Away Travel Information

Please note that this match is a 1 PM kick off.

By Car: Exit the M25 at Junction 2 and take the A2 coastbound. Leave the A2 at the Northfleet/Gravesend West junction. (The slip road is still under construction, but there is only one possible route) When you reach the top of the slip road, turn left (compulsory). At the roundabout go straight across and down Springhead Road, and at the second roundabout turn left and follow the signs for "The Fleet". The Ground is at the end of the road and roadside parking is available all around the ground.

By Train: The nearest station is Northfleet which is only about 200 yards from the ground (See map although with the current road-works you cannot take the shortest route) As you leave the station go (more or less) straight ahead until you reach the main road (EuroKebab on your left). Turn left and walk down the hill and the ground is on your right.

Ticket Prices

Adults £10, Concessions £5.

Related Links

Need a Lift to Gravesend on Saturday?? Try Here
Travel Information for Gravesend (Last Seasons)

YorkCityFC.com Prediction League

Official Gravesend & Northfleet FC Website
Tamworth FC Fans’ Forum
G&NFC Fans Forum

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