Match Preview: City v Leamington

Fresh from a well earned point at Brackley on the opening day, Cambridge City open their home campaign with a tough looking match against Leamington tomorrow night (Tuesday 17 August).

‘The Brakes’ come to Milton Road on the back of an opening day victory against Bashley on Saturday, coming from behind to secure a 2-1 victory. During the closed season, influential striker Mark Bellingham left Leamington to join rivals Hednesford, but in Luke Corbett and Matt Lewis they still have a dangerous forward line that City will need to contain tomorrow night.

Indeed it was Supporters player of the year Corbett who netted a brace against Bashley on Saturday and has already set his stall out after scoring 26 times for The Brakes in the last campaign.

Last season, City found it tough going against tomorrow night’s opponents. In November the Lilywhites battled to a 2-2 draw, and then in February lost 1-0 at the New Windmill ground courtesy of a last minute goal.

The team news for City is that boss Gary Roberts has concerns over the left back slot after player of the year, James Krause suffered an ankle injury at Brackley on Saturday. Roberts is aiming to give it as long as possible for Krause to recover. If he doesn’t make it, then Lee Chaffey or Joey Abbs could play in his place.

Elsewhere, Roberts has a full compliment to pick from which will include John Sands who missed Saturday through suspension and Declan Rogers will also be available for selection.

The City home crowd will be looking forward to seeing the new forward line featuring Sands, Craig Hammond, and David Kolodynski with the hope that they will open their accounts for the club.

The home record for the Lilywhites last season was excellent, but Gary Roberts’ men will know only too well that Leamington will be a tough nut to crack, and with a healthy travelling support expected, City will have to be at their best to secure their first 3 points of the season.

Kick off at Milton Road is at 7:45pm.

Last year:

14/11/09: City 2 Leamington 2
13/02/10: Leamington 1 City 0