National League

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Yeovil Town are back in action on Saturday, as they face Hemel Hempstead at Huish Park, after an impromptu winter break.

With Aveley competing in the FA Trophy last weekend, the Glovers squad had a well earned break, giving them time to recharge the batteries for the run in.

Hemel haven’t had the luxury of 11 days off, with them playing against Tonridge Angels last weekend. The game saw the Tudors run out 2-0 winners, with debutant Michael Folivi scoring.

Yeovil Town Team News

New signing Sam Pearson is expected to go straight into the match day squad for this game with Mark Cooper saying pre-match that the Glovers have just 16 players at their disposal for the game.

Once you’ve finished with your fingers and toes, you might expect that only Jordan Stevens is a certain absentee for the game – the pacey winger expected back in the fold from the end of the month.

But there might be one or two other knocks and niggles which wont need to be rushed back into action ahead of plan.

Following the Glovers’ last outing against Taunton, both Jay Foulston and Dylan Morgan are back in contention after sitting out as part of the deals that took them from Wordsworth Drive to Huish Park.

Barnet loanee Courtney Senior has returned to the Bees following the conclusion of his one month stay at Huish Park.

As a point of note, Jordan Young is listed as having nine yellow cards, one more and he’ll sit two games out.

The Glovers have an unbeaten record at Huish Park to defend.

Sam Pearson. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Hemel Hempstead Team News

Hemel boss Brad Quinton gave his thoughts ahead of the game. He said: “Yeovil are where they are and they deserve to be, with their money and being huge club.

“We’re looking forward to it, the boys want to play and after performances like that (vs Tonbridge) it’s making my job harder, because who wouldn’t want to be playing against Yeovil Town.”

The former Welling man claimed his squad “Will be gagging at the bit” to “put in a performance like the last time”.

New signing Michael Folivi will be a name for Glovers to watch out for, the frontman has scored seven goals in seventeen appearances in the league this season.

Defender Montel McKenzie is suspended for the game which will be a miss for Hemel after his performance against the Glovers earlier in the season.

Jake Wannell wins the ball at Hemel
? David Coates

Last time the sides met…

The previous fixture this season between these two was the first game of the season, which saw Yeovil lose 1-0.

In a game of two-halves, the first 45 minutes saw Yeovil dominate but they were unable to break the dead-lock. Both Rhys Murphy and Jordan Marguire-Drew had goals ruled out for offside.

The second-half was very much dominated by the Tudors, who had a chance to score through Joe Iaciofano but was denied by Will Buse. Monetel McKenzie had two efforts go over the bar, but a goal from hosts’ striker Iaciofano ten minutes from time was the difference. He capitalised on an error by Glovers’ keeper Will Buse who was involved in a calamitous mix-up with wing-back Zac Bell.

A lot has happened since the 5th August however, the Glovers have gone on a record winning streak taking them 13 points clear at the top of the league. Hemel have been relatively stable sitting mid table, but have picked up form in recent weeks winning four form five.

 

Other fixtures in the NLS…

Here’s who else is in action – teams in bold are those that will start Saturday in the Play-Offs who we would quite like to lose… please.

Aveley v Chippenham
Bath v Dartford
Braintree v Taunton
Farnborough v Chelmsford
Hampton & Richmond v Eastbourne Boro
Havant & W v Weston-super-Mare
Slough v Maidstone
Tonbridge v Worthing
Torquay v Dover
Welling v Truro
Weymouth v St. Albans

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Yeovil Town will take a quick trip down the A303/A358 to Wordsworth Drive on Tuesday evening as they face Taunton Town.

In the final game of ‘El Ciderco’ this season, the Glovers will be looking to take all six points from their local rivals. After a fairly comfortable win against the Peacocks in front of a record crowd on Boxing Day, Mark Cooper’s men will fancy their chances in the return fixture.

6301 People in Huish Park, another NLS record
? Gary Brown

For the “Pride of Somerset” however it has been a difficult couple of months, with off-the-field issues leading to them having to sell/loan their best players, which has seen them drop down the table. Sitting just above the relegation zone, the Peacocks will be looking to show their board level problems haven’t affected the on-pitch performances.

Yeovil Town Teams News

Mark Cooper will be happy with his sides start to the new year. After the postponed game against Taunton, the home fixture against Bath was the Glovers first. In what was tough fought 2-0 win, Yeovil will not be able rest on their laurels when facing another local rival.

The game also saw Frank Noble continue his impressive form, scoring his 8th goal of the season.

Picture Courtesy of Gary Brown

After the game, there was even more good news for the Huish Park side, as top scorer and arguably the player of the season so far, Jordan Young signed a new deal that will keep him at the Somerset club until the summer of 2026.

The game will also see a possible three former Peacocks players in the Yeovil side, with the recent additions of Dylan Morgan and Jay Foulston joining Jake Wannell in the green side of Somerset.

Wannell’s superb performance vs Bath saw him make the National League South Team of the Week.

Injury wise only Jordan Stevens misses out.

Taunton Town

The Peacocks’ Head of Football Rob Dray talked about the upcoming fixture. He said: “I’ve asked them to just go there and have a proper go, all my teams have a proper go, I look forward to it, roll on Tuesday”.

Mark Cooper and Rob Dray exchange pleasantries
? Gary BrownDray, 54, also spoke about how big the fixture is. He said: “If you told someone we’d be playing Yeovil at home in the league, four or five years ago, they would’ve laughed at you. So we’re not just going to turn up to make the numbers up.”

The former Yate boss also spoke about how he is looking to strengthen before the game “with a couple coming through the door”. Louie Slough is now available to play against the Glovers after originally being ruled out for this fixture on New Years Eve.

Some players for the travelling fans to look out for are midfielder Rabby Minzamba and defender Cameron Evans who both had good games against Slough despite losing.

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It’s time for a festive double header against Taunton, that’s right, it’s time for El Ciderco…the A358 Derby (as literally no-one has ever called it)

Yeovil Town Team News

The Glovers come into this game off the back of a 1-0 win away at Eastbourne.

There are changes expected to the squad, Jay Foulston can’t play against his parent club, Alex Whittle is expected to slot back in at left back. Jake Hyde is available again after missing the artificial surface game whilst it’s likely going to be a while before Jordan Stevens and Jamie Sendles-White are back in match day squads.

Courtney Senior will be in line for his home debut after signing from Barnet on an initial one-month loan – JM-D heading in the other direction takes him out of the equation for the rest of the season.

The game will also be Jake Wannell’s first game against his former employers, the central defender switching Wordsworth Park for Huish Park in the summer.

The Glovers are the only side in the league still unbeaten at home, with nine wins and three draws at Huish Park.

Yeovil couldn’t break down Hampton and Richmond at home 10 day ago, a resulted that brought a ten game home winning streak to an end across league and cup… 

Jay Foulston chases down now Yeovil Town team-mate Alex Fisher in last season’s FA Cup tie with Taunton.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Taunton Team News

Following their 2-2 draw with Tonbridge Angels on Saturday, Taunton’s Head of Football (that’s ‘Manager’, right?) said of the back to back clashes against Yeovil;

“I think you have to try and enjoy these games, but at the same time, I want to get something out of them, I want to win a game, we’re not just going to roll up. With whats happening [Off the field] people tend to feel sorry for you, I can’t stand that, they think you’ve got a soft underbelly, I think that we proved today that we most certainly have not… the lads showed their steel and what’s under their left nipple…” 

“As for the two Yeovil games, we’ll embrace it, these big games are what we are in the league for, we’ll be fresh and ready to go, we’ll have a proper go, like all my teams do.

We’ll look forward to these two big games, two big crowds, they’re the games you want to be involved in as a player and as a manager.”

[You’re still thinking about Rob Dray’s nipple aren’t you? Us too]

As for team news, Malachi Linton won’t be involved.

Taunton’s away form this season has seen them win just once (away at Tonbridge in September) in fact, they haven’t even so much as scored an away league goal since a 2-2 draw with Bath in early October.

Malachi Linton in action for Taunton.
Picture courtesy of Debbie Gould/Taunton Town FC.

We’ve Met Before

The Glovers and the Peacocks played out a quite frankly terrible FA Cup tie last season, 180 minutes of dross. 

Only a single Taunton penalty separated the sides and booked them a tie at MK Dons in the first round.

 

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Yeovil Town make the long trip east as they take on Eastbourne Borough in their final game before the festive football fixture kicks in.

The Glovers head into the game off the back of two draws, their latest being fairly dull 0-0 against an in form Hampton & Richmond.The travelling faithful will be hoping their teams frontmen will be able to find their scoring boots soon.

Eastbourne Borough currently sit one place above the drop zone in 21st and will be looking to get a result against the league leaders and turn their fortunes around.

Yeovil Town Teams News

Mark Cooper was very complimentary of the opposition, believing there is reason behind their poor league position. He said: “They’ve got some really good players, they suffered with injuries, but I think they’ve got most of them back now.

“They played very well here when we beat them 3-2, so we know everything about their players, that you would expect. We can do our homework but nearly every team changes (tactics) when they play us.”

The ex-Swindon boss also spoke highly of new signing Jay Foulston, saying he has a “great left foot” and that he can play “left-back, left centre-back and left-wing back”.

Jay Foulston.
Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

Newly appointed captain Matty Worthington also gave his thoughts on the upcoming fixture. He said: “We always try to get a clean sheet, we need to start taking our chances, really dominate games and kill teams off.”

Cooper confirmed Jordan Stevens is out for six weeks, Alex Whittle will miss out along with Jake Hyde who can’t play on 3G pitches. Jamie Sendles-White is still absent but has returned to on grass training.

Eastbourne Borough News

Borough boss Mark Beard spoke after their win against Welling about playing the Glovers. He said: “It’s one win, but we can build on that now. we can go into the game against Yeovil next week full of confidence.”

Despite their bad luck with injuries so far this season, The Sports have seen numerous key players return over recent weeks, none more so important than captain Brad Barry who returned in their 0-2 win over Welling last weekend. Also returning that match was midfield Jack Paxman.

The win last weekend was Eastbourne’s first since mid November and was also their first time keeping clean sheet since the opening day fixture against Hampton & Richmond, which led to keeper Harrison Foulkes being named in the National League South Team of the Week.

The South-Coast side have also made a number of high profile signings, with the additions of David Sesay, Louis Collins to name but a few.

A player for Glovers fans to look out for is full-back Sam Beard (son of manager Mark) who recently joined from Dorking. The experienced defender was major part of Barnet getting to the playoffs last season. Collins, is also a player to keep an eye as according to one Sports fan, “he never stops running”.

Cameron Gbadebo is out injured for Eastbourne Borough.

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Yeovil Town will host in-form Hampton & Richmond at Huish Park on Saturday, which will be the Glovers first home game in a month.

In what has been a busy week for the Glovers off the pitch, which has seen the termination of the Club Captain, Josh Staunton’s contract. Sonny Cox was recalled by his parent club Exeter City as well meaning this game will come as welcome relief from the off field issues.

Hampton & Richmond come into the game as the in form side, having not lost a a league game since the reverse fixture on September 23rd.

Yeovil Teams News

Manager Mark Cooper sees the game like any other. He said: “Like every week it’s a big challenge. It’s very rare, if ever that you get an easy game.

“Hampton have got have got a real confidence behind them from a real good run. We know if we do what we need to at home we have a big chance to get points. ”

The 54-year-old was cryptic in his reasoning for Captain Josh Stanton contract termination, claiming “the squad don’t need distractions” as one of the reasons why the two parted ways. In what seemed an awkward exchange for Cooper, he also noted how the team “wants to look forward to winning” as another reason for Staunton’s exit.

Yeovil Town manager Mark Cooper speaks ahead of the home fixture with Hampton & Richmond.

Frontman Rhys Murphy also spoke about The Beavers’ good run of form. He said: “They’re on a really good run at the moment and we’ll show them the respect they deserve. But we go into it confident.”

The Glovers will be without Jamie Sendles-White (long-term).

Hampton & Richmond Team News

Manager Mel Gwinnett recently received the Manager of the Month award for November after guiding his team to four wins from their five games played in the month.

Centre-back Dean Inman is the key player for the Beavers having played the most amount of minutes in the squad.

Two former Glovers for fans to look out for on Saturday are Jake Gray and Ben Seymour who now ply their trade with the London club. l Gwinnett also had a spell at Huish Park during his playing career.

The Beavers announced permanent signing of Joshua Anifowose after spending the first half of the season on loan from Dover.

When we last met…

The previous fixture between these two, saw the Glovers run out 2-1 winner. The game was fairly even until Jordan Stevens scored a goal to remember, a half-volley which nestled in the top corner. Rhys Murphy was also on the scoresheet that day who finished smartly after a through ball from Alex Whittle.

The game was also marred by two sending off’s for Coopers men, Jake Hyde receiving two yellow cards and Matty Worthington seeing straight red for a handball in the area. With the resulting penalty seeing ex-Glover Ben reducing the scoreline to 1-2 in the 98th minute.

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Yeovil Town will be looking for a reaction against Welling after a lacklustre performance in midweek away to Chippenham Town.

The Glovers winning streak in all competitions came to an end last weekend in the FA Trophy after a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Torquay United. The league-winning streak also came to an end after a 1-1 draw on Tuesday night. Looking on a more positive note for Town fans is that Yeovil are unbeaten in the league across the last 14 games and will be hoping Cooper and Co will continue their good form.

Welling United have been very up and down in terms of form this season currently sitting 22nd in the league but are coming off the back of a midweek win against another Somerset side, Taunton. The fixture saw the Wings beat the Peacocks 2-2 (8-7 on pens).

Yeovil Town News

Manager Mark Cooper is taking no precautions when it comes to the London team, even if they are third from bottom. He said: “We have done as much due diligence as we can and we will try and negate their threats, but when we do what we really do we take some stopping.”

Mark Cooper speaking to the press

The ex-Swindon boss also spoke about the “bonus” of having Jake Wannell back after time on the sidelines with an injury.

Striker Rhys Murphy is available for the match even though he picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Chippenham, due to the suspension taking seven days to come into action.

Welling United News

Welling United boss Danny Bloor spoke about how he loves games like Yeovil. He said: “They’re favourites, they’re flying high. They’ll come here expecting to win, very few people will give us any chance whatsoever. They’re the games I love, that’s when you can cause an upset.”

The key man for the London team is midfielder Kain Adom who has scored three goals in the last five games for Welling. Another name for the travelling supporters to look out for is former Glover Tristan Abrahams, who had a spell at Huish Park in the 18/19 season.

Tristan Abrahams during his loan spell at Huish Park in 2019.

The Wings have no one missing through injury or suspension.

 

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Yeovil Town is looking to make it 14 wins in a row when they face Farnborough FC at Huish Park under midweek lights.

In what will be Town’s last game at home for a month, they will be hoping to put on a good display for the Huish Park faithful.

The Hampshire side are no pushovers however lying eighth in the league with only one loss themselves in their last five games.

Yeovil Town News

Manager Mark Cooper isn’t expecting an easy match against the part-timers. He said: “We don’t expect any pushovers. As much as we’re thinking it will be a tough game I’m sure Farnborough will be thinking the same thing.”

The 54-year-old will have to make changes to the starting lineup for the first time in a while as well, with him confirming Alex Whittle will miss the game due to suspension and some players picking up “bumps and bruises”.

Alex Whittle.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Cooper’s selection headache will have worsened (or bettered) after a brace from on-loan forward Sonny Cox at the weekend. With all the managers front-line in-form is a nice dilemma to have for the ex-Barrow man.

Alex Whittle misses out after picking up his fifth yellow of the season, with Jamie Sendle-White still out injured.

Farnborough FC Team News

Farnborough boss Spencer Day believes his team are up for the challenge against the Glovers. He said: “We’re looking forward to it, because if you don’t what’s the point in going.

“Everything is up against us, you know with the greatest respect to Yeovil, they’re on a fantastic run great team, but I don’t think they’re going to win 40 straight games, someone’s going to end it so why can’t it be us.”

Day was also very vocal in his opinion on playing in midweek claiming he’ll be “happy once they go back to one game a week.”

Defensive midfielder Taylor Maloney is the key man for the Boro having played in 15 games for the Hampshire team this season.

The Yellows will be without defenders Edon Pruti (suspension) and Jake Ball (injury). Ex-Glover Sid Nelson is touch and go after illness ruled him out at the weekend.

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Yeovil Town have the chance to go 13 unbeaten as they welcome Dover Athletic to Huish Park.

The Glovers have been emphatic recently, beating their past 12 opponents, which equals a club record. This side will want the top spot though and with a win at the weekend, they will surpass the 1963 team’s long-standing 12-game winning streak.

Dover Athletic however will be hoping to play the role of party poopers and in turn, change their fortunes. Currently sat 23rd in the league (second bottom) the Kent team will want to get their season back on track with a victory against table-topping Yeovil.

Yeovil Town News

Boss Mark Cooper feels all the pressure will be on his side when they take on Dover. He said: “There’s no pressure on them, they can relax a little bit and do what they do and try and be the ones to end the run.”

The ex-Swindon manager made it clear his team “are concentrating on themselves” and will “keep trying to put points on the board.”

Cooper also talked about how solid the back line has been recently. He said: “The back four has been really settled, it looks like a really competent back four and long may that continue.”

The 54-year-old kept his cards close to his chest when talking about injuries, stating “There were a few knocks and bruises.”

Jordan Young and Jake Hyde were both on target in the 2-0 win over W*ymouth.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

In-form striker Jake Hyde spoke about the difficulties the Glovers will face on Saturday. He said: “They’ll be a very tough side to beat in set-pieces and they will be organised… but we just have to concentrate on us.”

Rhys Murphy, Alex Whittle, Charlie Cooper and Matty Worthington are all one yellow card away from suspension.

Jamie Sendle-White still misses out through injury.

Dover Athletic Team News

Manager Mitch Brundle spoke to Dover Athletic TV after their game against Welling United. He said: “We need to start winning games, regardless of who we play against, we need to go there and try and win the game. There is no pressure off in any game, my job is to go there and try to get a result.”

He continued: “I started my youth career there so it’s going to be strange standing in the dugout. I want to go there and win. I want my team to perform and be proud when I walk away.”

One player to watch for the Kent side is Zidan Sutherland who has bagged four goals so far this campaign.

Another former Glover Iffy Allen misses out on a return to Huish Park as he serves the last game of his three-match suspension.

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The first round of the FA Cup is upon us and it will see Yeovil Town host possibly their hardest opponent yet, in high flying National League team Gateshead FC. (Storm Ciaran dependent)

The inform Town will be looking to upset the odds against a very strong Tynesiders team, but the prospect of extending the winning streak to 11 games as well as the Huish Park faithful should be enough to spur on the Mark Coopers men.

Gateshead recently lost manager Mark Williamson to MK Dons and have been under the stewardship of ex-Newcastle United keeper Rob Elliot. In his two games in charge so far, Elliot has one point from six.

Yeovil Town News

Manager Mark Cooper believes Gateshead will pose a difficult test. He said: “I like watching them in my spare time. I would say they’re the one of best if not the best pure football teams in the National League.

“They’re very similar to Notts County…If you take Chesterfield out of it, they’re the toughest test we could have got from the National League.”

The former Darlington man is hoping for a result either at the weekend. He said: ” We just spoke to the staff and if it’s nil-nil then one of us is going to run on to the pitch to score an own goal. It will be the worst thing for both teams with the amount of games coming up.”

A slight dilemma for Cooper could be up front where the recent purple patch from Jake Hyde has seen him rise into contention among the front line. With the likes of Rhys Murphy and Frank Nouble also competing for a similar role it will be a nice problem to have for the 54-year-old.

Jake Hyde
Picture courtesy of Iain Morland.

Jordan Young also spoke about the upcoming tie. He said: “We know how good they are but it’s similar to the Southend game, it’s a good chance to show what we can do.” Young also spoke about how “good a feeling” it would be to get to the second round of the Cup and compared the Cup fixtures to a “nice day out” as it takes your mind away from the league.

Jamie Sendles-White is the only player missing through injury.

Gateshead News

Rob Elliot feels the FA Cup will provide the perfect challenge for his young side as they make the long trip down to Somerset. He said: “By no means are we taking them lightly, it’s probably one of the toughest games we could’ve got, in terms of the travel, their form and the potential conditions. But I like that.”

The former Premier league shot stopper has “a lot of respect for Yeovil” and feels the Glovers are a “very good team” with “good, experienced players.”

Town fans will know all about the exploits of the majority of this Gateshead squad after that fateful Tuesday night last season. The danger man so far this season for the Tynesiders has once again been frontman Marcus Dinanga who has netted 12 goals so far. Other key men for the National League side include Luke Hannant and Louis Storey. Greg Olley returns after sitting out his one game suspension.

Gateshead are without Carl Maganay (Injury), Robbie Tinkler (Injury).

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Yeovil Town play host to Southend United in what is arguably the tie of the FA Cup Fourth qualifying round this weekend.

The game see’s the top team in the National League South take on a Shrimpers team that will be looking to show their potential new owners what they can do.

The Glovers who are on a six game winning streak will be hoping the home crowd advatage will play in their favour once more.

The Essex side come into their first cup game of the season off the back of two straight wins, with their previous a 2-0 victory over ex-Glover boss Darren Sarll.

Yeovil Town News

Manager Mark Cooper is hoping to “ride the momentum” created at Huish park this season. He said: “There’s a good feel about the place and a really good atmosphere when we play (at Huish Park) and we have to keep that going and ride the momentum and see how far it will take us. I am sure they have looked at us and are thinking ‘they’re not bad’.”

Cooper is under no illusion how difficult a game this will be for his team. He was keen to point out that the National League side will be boosted by fans who have “got their club back.”

The 54-year-old also made it clear that The Shrimpers wont be bothered by coming to Huish Park. He said: “Their fans have been magnificent throughout all the recent troubles, similar to Yeovil. But they can get 7,000 without trying and I would suggest they are on the way back now.

“They won’t be fussed about coming to Huish Park, we have to make it a really uncomfortable afternoon for them on the pitch.”

Mark Cooper speaks after the Aveley win.

The Somerset sides longest serving player, Matty Worthing also gave his thoughts on the upcoming fixture. He said: “We are more than capable [of beating Southend]. A lot of the squad have played in that league [National League] and higher, so there is no fear from our perspective. 

“We are looking forward to it and if we play the way we have been, it will be a great game.”

The game also see’s Rhys Murphy and Jake Hyde go up against their former team.

The only player to miss out for Yeovil is Jamie Sendles-White with an achilles injury. Jordan Stevens and Charlie Cooper return.

Southend Team News

Boss Kevin Maher was complimentary of the Glovers when speaking to the clubs YouTube channel. He said: “Yeovil are doing ever so well and we know we’ve got to perform. They’re in a different place to when we went there last year and they’ve got some continuity with the manager.”

The Shrimpers legend has experience with teams in the South West as he was coach and caretaker manager at rivals Bristol Rovers for a couple of seasons.

The ex-Ireland youth team player was also happy to see two of his former players doing well. He said: “They’re both great lads. I’m glad to see Murph’s scoring goals and Hydey’s off the mark as well so I’m really pleased for them and it’ll be good to see them.”

Southends very own stalwart Jason Demetriou also spoke to club media ahead of the game. He said: “It would’ve been nice to get a nearer draw. We know some of the boys.

“We haven’t been as confident going into the FA Cup becasue of league form. But where we have good form now, everyones looking forward to the weekend, so it’s a positive and if we beat them will see what happens after that.”

The key man for the Essex club will be striker Harry Cardwell who has bagged 10 goals in 15 games this season, which see’s him tied for second in the goalscorer standings.

Southend will be without Mauro Vilhete and Brooklyn Kabongolo who are both cup tied. Luis Lomas, Collin Adeng-Ndi, Dan Mooney and ex-Town full-back Nathan Ralph are all out with injury. Midfielder Noor Husin is unavailble after being called up for internationl duty and Defender Wesley Fonguck is touch and go.