PREVIEW: Woodbridge Town vs Heacham FC

Woodbridge Town's Roman Burton-Yurevich (Photo: Max Woodward)

The Homestyle UK Ground brings us midweek action as Woodbridge Town take on Heacham FC under the lights! Let’s hope it’s third time lucky for these two sides, after the two previous attempts to play this fixture were abandoned at half time. With only five games left for the Peckers, every point is crucial in their hunt to finish in the top ten, and tonight is another great chance to gain on the teams above.

It was an action packed affair last time out for Woodbridge as they fell to a 4-3 defeat away at Harleston Town. Having led 1-3, it was disappointing to not take anything from the game. After three defeats in a row, the Peckers will hope that the losing run will be ended this evening. Heacham have endured a similarly difficult run, with no wins in their last five. Most recently, the Magpies lost to Mulbarton Wanderers 1-5 on the road - a game which saw Mulbarton crowned champions, congratulations to all involved at the club.

This is technically the fourth time the two sides will face off the season after the two abandonments. Woodbridge took the win in the reverse fixture at Heacham, and were leading in both the fixtures that were called off. The Peckers know they have the quality to beat the Magpies, but anything can happen in football, especially with Heacham in need of a win in their relegation fight.

Although the Woodpeckers have struggled defensively, they’ve remained consistent in the final third. Mark Ray has scored three goals in four games, whilst last Saturday saw Jesse Smith and Ivan Costa net their first goals for the club. Roman Burton-Yurevich has been a bright spark since he joined on loan from Ipswich Town, with Kye Webb and Ash Blow also players that could threaten Heacham tonight.

Ash Blow is Woodbridge Town's top goalscorer this season with 12 goals (Photo: Max Woodward)

The Magpies have a similarly poor defensive record to Woodbridge, but can look dangerous in the final third. Toby Hilliard has put up a respectable eleven goals in twenty-two games, and is expected to return from suspension tonight. Jake Poore is another play to watch out for, with seven goals so far this campaign. Expect goals in this one, with clean sheets rare for both sides this season.

A win for Woodbridge tonight would fire them into tenth, a point above Dereham with four games to play. Three points for Heacham would see them jump ahead of Lakenheath, but more importantly build a six point gap back to Cornard in the drop zone. It’s all to play for, with tonight’s result having a big impact on the final position for these two sides in the table.

It’s been a mixed season for Woodbridge Town, and we thank you for your support through the ups and the downs. With five games left, this campaign could end very positively with a top ten finish, so let’s get behind the lads for every minute that remains this season. Get down to the Homestyle UK Ground for this important fixture and, as always, UP THE PECKERS!

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