PREVIEW: Haverhill Rovers vs Woodbridge Town

Woodbridge Town midfielder Luke Mallett in action

Woodbridge Town return to league action after successive postponements, with a trip to high-flying Haverhill Rovers. Having not seen competitive action yet in February, the lads will be raring to go for what will be a tough test against Saturday’s hosts. Haverhill have put together a brilliant run in the new year, and will take some stopping this weekend. Hopefully the Peckers can spring a surprise and look to start a run of their own.

It’s been a mixed run of late for Woodbridge, picking up wins away at Walsham and Cornard United, but losing out to table-toppers Mulbarton and local rivals Ipswich Wanderers in between the two victories. The two postponed home matches vs Hadleigh and Heacham leave the Peckers in the unknown, having not played since January 24th. As previously mentioned, Haverhill Rovers have been on an incredible run recently, but the 7-game unbeaten streak was abruptly ended by a 2-4 loss at home to Soham Town Rangers last time out. Before that, the Rovers dismantled Stowmarket 8-1, and claimed a big point away at Mulbarton Wanderers. The upturn in form sees the hosts sat in 5th - which would be enough to clinch the last spot in the Play-offs.

The only meeting between the two sides this season came in the Suffolk Premier Cup, where despite taking the lead early through Ash Blow, Woodbridge fell to a 1-4 defeat away from home. But, with the improvements that the Peckers have seen over the last couple of months, hopefully this trip to The New Croft will be much more positive. Haverhill are also still yet to make the trip to the Homestyle UK Ground this campaign, with that game scheduled towards the end of March.

The Peckers will hope to replicate the attacking performance from the away trip to Walsham, which saw 4 different goalscorers net for Woodbridge. Connor Field scored on his return, and this weekend he’ll hope to add to his current tally of 8 goals. That game also saw Luke Mallett and Liam Ablitt return to the scoresheet, in what was a clinical display from the lads. Top goalscorer Ash Blow will also provide a threat to the Haverhill defence. Rovers carry dangers of their own however, with captain Jarid Robson enjoying a strong campaign in front of goal, scoring 15 goals in 24 games so far this season.

With other sides playing games whilst Woodbridge were out of action, the Peckers have now slipped to 14th in the table. However, with two games in hand on the sides above them, there are still plenty of chances available to climb back up the standings. A win on Saturday could see Woodbridge jump up to 11th, knocking on the door of the top ten. Looking back towards the sharp end of the table, three points for Haverhill Rovers would solidify their position in the play-off places, and close the gap on the top four above them.

It’s been a frustrating start to the year, with the numerous postponed games over the last two months. But, with a potential good run building, there’s reason to be optimistic Peckers’ fans, as we enter the final 12 games of the season. We massively appreciate your continued support of the side, and hopefully the lads can deliver a bright end to what has been a mixed 25/26 season. Let’s keep moving forward together, and as always, UP THE PECKERS!

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