Three of The NLP‘s top reporters provide an insight into their club ahead of the FA Cup first round.
Haringey Borough – George Sessions
Looking at your big FA Cup clash with AFC Wimbledon tonight, is there any burning selection or injury issues?
A blow for Tom Loizou is he will be without forward Femi Akinwande, who picked up a red card in the recent FA Trophy loss to Chesham United.
The forward only joined the club in the summer, after spells with Colchester United, East Thurrock United and Concord Rangers, but has made a positive impact.
Aside from his suspension, Haringey Borough appear to have a clean bill of health with Georgios Aresti and Anthony McDonald available again.
Key players for your club at the moment?
Borough’s goalkeeper Valery Pajetet is a cult hero and don’t be surprised if he pulls off some wonderful saves on Friday night and they have plenty of other top players.
Captain David Olufemi has great energy at right back while Jorge Djassi-Sambu is a real talent in the centre of the pitch and Chinedu McKenzie and Joel Nouble have scored plenty of goals this season.
Thoughts on the season so far?
Because of the FA Cup run this has been Haringey Borough’s best ever season. They are just above the relegation zone in the Bostik Premier after promotion in May, but have games in hand and should finish mid-table, at the very least, come the end of the season.
A win over Wimbledon will be the best result the club have ever achieved, but win, lose or draw. This group of players and staff are heroes and will never be forgotten.
Chesterfield – John Brindley
The Spireites host National South leaders Billericay Town
Martin Allen has received a boost on the eve of this weekend’s intriguing FA Cup clash with National League South leaders Billericay Town by securing the long term services of his lucky talisman.
Versatile Jonathan Smith, who has scored in each of the Spireites’ last three games, has joined from Stevenage on an 18-month deal after impressing during his loan spell.
Chesterfield’s impressive 3-1 win at AFC Fylde in the last qualifying round was their only victory since August 11 although they are now unbeaten in seven matches.
Dean Brennan’s Billericay will travel from Essex with real confidence however. They have not tasted defeat in 12 games in all competitions and have already racked up 16 goals in coming through three FA Cup qualifying rounds.
They armed up with a 2-1 midweek victory over Concord Rangers in the Essex Senior Cup and have shown their battling qualities by coming from two goals down in their last two league games.
Maidstone United – Ruth Tunnell
Looking ahead to your FA Cup tie with Macclesfield, is there any burning selection or injury issues?
With regards to injuries, left back Jack Doyle has returned to Blackburn Rovers after suffering an ankle injury in training last week.
However, George McLennan came in for his first start in over 2 months against Barnet last weekend and had an excellent game. No selection issues as such, we don’t have a deep squad.
Key players for your club at the moment?
Player of the season without doubt is Blair Turgott. The man is on flames as they say these days and scored the goal of the round against Leyton Orient following an outrageous box to box run before a calm finish. Sadly I doubt Turgott will be a Stones player much longer as he must be attracting football league attention.
Thoughts on the season so far?
Oh and for thoughts so far… it’s been a really odd season to date and its currently a period of enormous change for the club following Jay Saunders’ departure. Harry Wheeler needs to be given time to make his mark but there are positive signs that it could work out well for him with the Stones.
