Paul Birch FC

Paul Birch (a)
	With the season just over a week away the first team play their last pre season friendly of the summer against Division 1 Side Eltham progress at Meridian Sports ground, Charlton. Progress will be no strangers to the Paul Birch side, having battled it out for promotion in last Seasons Division 1 campaign when Birch pipped Eltham in the race for promotion to the Premier Division by 3 points. This was helped with a 3-1 win in late March when a marvellous brace from Paul Smith earned Birch a vital victory. Aa last seasons table suggests there was not much between the two sides but Birch will be weary of the fact that Progress thumped the Birch 3-0 in the opening game of last season. So with that in mind it is probably safe to say that this weekends clash will be the toughest test so far in pre-season. Again Paul Howe has had to deal with holidays and injures which has become all too familiar during this season preperations. Missing again will be Goalkeeper John Wawrzewski, Captain James Collins & striker Tommy Reeves who are all unavailable due to ankle injuries. Also missing will be Gary Sparrow, and Brendan Cassidy who has impressed so far this season. Both will be out due to Holiday commitments. This obviously gives the rest of the squad a huge chance to stake a claim for a place in the starting 11 for next weeks league game against Griffin Sports. Better news on the injury front was the return of record goal scorer Steve Birch who managed 25 mins last week and will hope to have a longer run out this week in order to prove his fitness to manager Howe. Ashley Watts will continue in goal, whilst vice captain John McGuigan will skipper the side. Howe has included trialist Nick Skipworth in his squad and will no doubt be pleased to have Eze Ezekiel back in his squad after impressing in the friendlies so far. So expect a tough and hard fought game which could result in the game being decided by the odd goal. One thing Howe is sure to be looking for this week is no more injury worries. A clean sheet and a good win under the sides belt going into next weeks league opener would also be much appreciated. Also a quick mention has to go out to Mike Smith along with Club Captain Steve Birch and manager Paul Howe for putting in countless hours of time ensuring that the club is now able to put a reserve and 1st team out for the forthcoming season, your work does not go unnoticed and hopefully both teams can both endure successful campaigns. And finally everyone wishes Pete Sparrow the best for this weeks Reserve team fixture as he takes the reigns for the 1st time this season. JAMES COLLINS Squad: Watts, Beale, McGuigan, Ashioti, Tarrant, Birch, S.Reeves, Selby, Ekiel, Smith, Marks, Knight, T.Louch
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Eltham Progress
Colours: Green/White Last meeting: Won 3-1