Town entertain Bath City in first pre-season friendly (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Town entertain Bath City in first pre-season friendly

4:30pm Thursday 9th July 2009

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A MIXTURE of old and new faces will be on show when Cirencester Town open their pre-season campaign against Bath City of the Blue Square South at the Corinium Stadium this evening.

Manager Brian Hughes insists the result “is immaterial” as his squad blow away the cobwebs after just three training sessions together.

“It is far too soon for us, really, and I hope we don’t spend the evening chasing Bath around the pitch, but we have to start somewhere,” said Hughes.

Following the exit of Tom King, ex-Gloucester City and Cinderford Town goalie Matt Bath has been given the job of stemming the flow of goals through the Town net.

“We shipped 74 goals last season so I had to make that position a top priority in the close season,” said Hughes.

“I have known Matt for a long time and tried to get him to the club in my previous stint as manager.

“He has been one of the best keepers in the Southern League for years – and still is.”

Lindon Tompkins has come in from Bishops Cleeve and will share the centre half duties with Lee Stevens, returning to the club after a short spell at AFC Totton and another former Ciren player and US college player Craig Curtis, who is now back to full fitness after injury.

Jamie Reid and Carl Brown will continue across the midfield where they will be joined by Supermarine’s former Players’ Player Chris Thompson.

Ciren fans will be delighted to know that Scott Griffin is again back to unsettle defenders and this evening he will be joined up front by George Boon, a teenager released by Bristol City.

“We have good relations with City and I was alerted about four lads who were not kept on last season, a decision which surprised some of the coaching staff,” said Hughes.

“A couple of them, including centre half Chris Williams will be turning out for Weston-super-Mare this evening when they entertain League One new boys Exeter, but Boon will play for us.

“Marvin Thompson, formerly of Cinderford, will play at left back with Zac Westlake, who did so well for us at the back end of last season, at right back.

“A number of players, including Andy Minturn, Jason Welsh and Rob Dean are away on holiday, while the Etheridge boys (Tom and Max) have only just returned.

“Late on in the game, I will be giving four of the U16s a run-out.

“It should prove a useful exercise but I would think we will only be 100 per cent for the visit of Swindon Town on August 4.

“But the important thing is what happens when the season gets underway proper on August 15.”

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