On Tuesday 25th of November Hampton & Richmond Borough return to the Beveree Stadium to face 18th placed Tonbridge.
The Beavers fell in the dying moments to a wonder-strike last time out against Bath City on Saturday, losing the game 2-1 at home. The club sits 19th in National League South.
In his post-match interview, manager Alan Julian said, “I felt we showed an unbelievable spirit, we’ve absolutely dominated the first half.” Adding, ““On another day we win that four or five nil.”
But Julian remained optimistic for the future, stating,“We’ve had an incredible amount of injuries… they’re coming back now…it’s brilliant to have these guys back and we are a different side when they are available to us.”
Nathan Paul-Lavaly produced a moment of magic with his lofted finish last time out at the Bev, which temporarily salvaged a hard fought point in torrid weather conditions, before the Romans delivered the fatal blow in the dying embers.
Hampton & Richmond Borough were unlucky to only score once, having worked a good number of chances to score from.
Tuesday’s visitors Tonbridge sit just two points above Hampton & Richmond Borough, and a win for the home side will see them leapfrog the visitors.
Tonbridge’s last victory came against Maidstone United on November 1st, winning 2-1 on the road. In their last outing, they lost 1-0 away to Chippenham Town, and recently drew 1-1 with Bath City.
Both sides have identical league form, having both lost their last two, drawn one, and then lost the next two. They are perfectly balanced in head-to-head meetings, having both won six and drawn 10 times.
In their last meeting, the Beavers ran out 2-0 victors at home. The Angels have failed to win in their previous three meetings against HRBFC.
Three new loan signings will look to change the visitors fortunes:
Goalkeeper Laurie Shala, 21, arrives from Wycombe Wanderers, midfielder Franklin Domi, 25, joins from Ebbsfleet United, and Ethan Sutcliffe, 21, returns to Tonbridge on loan from AFC Wimbledon.
Tuesday looks to be Hampton & Richmond Borough’s best chance to get back to winning ways in recent fixturs, playing a side they have had good recent success against just after a promising performance against Bath City. The return of Alan Massey, Davide Rodari, and Craig Fasanmade will surely help bolster efforts.
Home support was fantastic on Saturday, with fans singing their side on. Players responded to the atmosphere, and galvanised to find an equaliser and push on to try and win the game. The same support will be needed on Tuesday if the Beevers are to get their first league win since August.
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Up the Beavers!
By Jake Holmes