It was a wet day in Surrey as the Surrey vs Middlesex match took place at the St. George’s Park in Twickenham. It is the first time that a British League fixture has been held in the United Kingdom’s oldest and most popular park. The weather was perfect with light showers during the early hours and a steady rainfall throughout the day. The pitch was not overly groomed, which may be surprising for fans considering how much effort has gone into its maintenance.
The teams actually began playing in the refurbished Old Park Ground where they played until a few years ago when the ground was rebuilt. Surrey is still a relatively new club to English football and their manager, Mark Hughes, has not experienced the kind of exposure that many English managers receive. His first game in charge saw them lose to Championship side Wolves while in the playoffs they advanced to the semi-finals but lost to eventual winners Watford. Perhaps the lack of exposure was a big contributing factor in their poor showing against Middlesex. The other matches this season have seen the likes of Newcastle, Millwall and Wolves. If any team is capable of reaching the top of the table it would be Surrey.
First up in the running for the title is the team from Surrey, the team that has secured their place at the top of the leagues in the UK. Led by a trio of established and promising players, including two voted selections in the Soccer Power Poll, and the impressive goalkeeper, max holden, Surrey fans should expect a bright season ahead. The team has been linked to some of the best players in the country with star players such as ab de villiers and Nick gubbins all having enjoyed successful years at the helm of the club. These stars are backed up by the likes of studious Nicky Hayden, exciting youngster Max Clayton and exciting striker, George Scott.
With only four games this season it is easy to forget just how thin form the season is for Surrey. They started the season strongly, winning three out of their first four games, however they have not been able to win any since then. They will hope to change this in their next fixture against fellow premiership side, Wrexham, who are managed by Lee Johnson. On paper this looks like a good match for the visitors who have not won on their travels to Surrey yet.
A win for either team would be a huge boost for the Trojans, and could well lift their spirits. Against Wrexham, who have only won once on their travels this season it would be a real boost for the Robales and Clark’s men, especially after losing to Forest in their last outing. It would also give Tadhgpour and Hussey a big boost, while they get an important fixture on their resume against one of the top sides in the league. For Surrey fans this would be a great chance to see some familiar faces and play in front of the crowd. For the Trojans they would hope to add a much-needed victory and get over the difficult times in their run to the finals.
It is so hard to pick which team will win this fascinating fixture, and it will go down to the last game. If it were me I would put my money on to Worthing. The form has been excellent and the team have played some great matches, but they are yet to win against their fellow premiership side, and have not even faced the top sides in Europe. Although Tadhgpour and Hussey are quality players, and are both exciting players, and hopefully this will be a big season for the club.
