Will the Trawler Boys remain perfect?

Only AFC Sudbury are away in FA Cup action, so we’ve a nearly complete North programme.

Leaders Lowestoft Town still have a perfect record in the league after five successive wins, but will be smarting from their hammering at Wroxham in the FA Trophy last weekend. The Trawler Boys have a difficult afternoon in prospect, as they travel to face fourth place Witham Town. The hosts haven’t lost a league match since August 16th, and have taken nine points form three matches since that defeat, as well as knocking high-flying Pitching In Southern Central side Ware out of the Trophy.

Wroxham, who scored five against leaders Lowestoft last weekend, welcome second place Felixstowe & Walton United. The Seasiders have been in fabulous form in the league and make the trip with an unbeaten record, whilst the Yachtsmen are still waiting for a first league win.

We’ve a derby as Tilbury welcome Grays Athletic. The Dockers have lost their way a little with three defeats from their last three matches, but they’d love to win this one. Their two meetings last season both ended level- who will have local bragging rights on Saturday night? Grays are in fabulous form- up to third- and have won five of their last six matches- albeit three of those in cup competitions.

Eighth hosts seventh as New Salamis welcome Heybridge Swifts. Both are level on points, but because of their cup exploits Swifts have played two games fewer and remain unbeaten in the league, having won their last three matches- but their cup and trophy requirements mean that this is their first league match since August Bank Holiday Monday’s win over Maldon & Tiptree. Salamis have lost their last two league matches and have three defeats from four in all competitions.

Bury Town are on the road to Lowestoft, where they face Gorleston. Bury remain unbeaten but have drawn three of their five league matches this season, whilst Gorleston are still without a manager as we write and haven’t won a game in the league- indeed they’ve gone six matches without a win in all competitions.

Basildon United and Stowmarket Town meet, as eleventh plays host to tenth. The Bees have won their last two matches two-one, in the league against Great Wakering Rovers and in midweek against Coggeshall Town in the Velocity Trophy; whilst Stow are five unbeaten across all competitions. Town took four points from their meetings last season.

Coggeshall Town welcome Brentwood Town. The Seed Growers still don’t have a league win, and indeed have only one win all season, a shootout triumph over Gorleston in the Trophy. Town have won two of their last three and seem to be looking more like their old selves, scoring three goals against Maldon and Gorleston. Last season’s meetings saw six points for the Blues.

East Thurrock United play host to Hullbridge Sports. The Rocks came close to victory against Stowmarket Town in midweek, Town coming back twice to draw, but only have one win on the board so far this season and will want to quickly put that right. Sports have suddenly turned their form around, winning their last two and keeping two clean sheets.

Image from Jim Purtill.

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