By L Hammond
Huddersfield could secure promotion back to National League 2 with a win over Percy Park.
With ‘Field only three points behind league leaders Stockport but with two re-arranged fixtures still to complete, a positive result this weekend isn’t necessarily required for promotion but could bring forward the celebrations by a week.
Since ‘Field lost to Stockport after their enforced winter break they have gone on a five match unbeaten run which now see’s them on the cusp of becoming league champions. Percy Park on the other hand have lost their last three fixtures and find themselves in the relegation zone, one point behind Billingham.
With their season coming to an end this weekend and a victory needed to keep them in the national leagues, Huddersfield Manager Lee Paxman believes this makes them a much more dangerous side to face: “A win see’s them safe in National 3 for another year, it really is last chance saloon and we need to be prepared for the performance that will inspire. When we played them in the return fixture we only just won and they showed real grit and dogged play which we really struggled to deal with.”
Despite securing a bonus point victory last weekend against Billingham (and subsequently aiding Percy Parks survival bid), ‘Field have decided to make several changes to their squad for this all or nothing fixture.
Prop Ed Birkhead returns to squad replacing the impressive Laurence Sanderson who is unavailable for selection. Giles Hetehrington is selected at Fly-Half and reunites with halfback partner Joel Hinchcliffe who slots back in at Scrum Half.
With both clubs having something to play the match should prove to be an exciting affair with fates at the top and the bottom of the league to be played out on the pitch at Lockwood.
Hudd 1st XV vs Percy Park
1. Alex Battye
2. Adam Lancaster
3. Tony Stringwell
4. Nick Rhodes
5. Gavin Rhodes
6. Bob Sykes
7. Ben Hoyle
8. Nick Sharpe (c)
9. Joel Hinchliffe
10. Giles Hetherington
11. Mike Clarke
12. Tom Owen
13. Tom Vanrooyen
14. Elliot Hodgson
15. Tom Hodson
Subs:
16. Edward Birkhead
17. Ross Thornton
18. Dave Hall
Half Price Entry for Adults / FREE for kids this Saturday
Encourage friends and family to come and support the lads this Saturday as they strive to complete the promotion chase. We are offering half price entry for adults and FREE entry for kids under 16 when you produce the promo voucher. Click here to download and print the voucher.
Two-course pre-match lunch menu:
Main: Meat & potato pie, served with chips and mushy peas
Dessert: Treacle sponge pudding and custard
To be served 1.15pm prompt.
Price £10.00 per head to be paid on booking.
For further information or to book your place, please contact the club office via email or on 01484 469801.
