By Liam Price
The Dabbers play host to Darlaston on Saturday (3pm kick-off) in a match where Nantwich once again face a side fighting hard for something towards the end of the season.
All Change at Darlaston
The Darlaston team that Nantwich face will be almost completely different to the one we faced in the reverse game late last year.
It all stemmed from the decision of manager Dean Gill to leave his role after a defeat to Stafford at the start of February. Much of their success in reaching Step 4 was down to his management and leadership of the club and with that inspired a lot of loyalty, particularly from his players.
So when that news came through and new manager Exodus Geohaghon came in, so came a different exodus, of Darlaston players. Only 1 of the squad of 16 from the reverse game between Nantwich and Darlaston in November was in their most recent matchday squad. All non league squads go through players over the course of a season but this is a more extreme example.
It’s had to be a significant rebuild and so far it hasn’t gone well. If you include the Stafford game they have lost 7 games in a row. Geohaghon lost his first game 9-1 to Clitheroe and the games this month have been defeats to Atherton, Kidsgrove, Runcorn and Newcastle last time out in midweek.
That has meant they have fallen to 20th in the NPL West, having lost more games than any other team and with the second worst goal difference.
Last Time We Met
Both managers were different back then, as well as a majority of the players. For what it’s worth, the game was a 1-1 draw with Alex Panter getting the Nantwich goal. Highlights below.
Players to Watch
One name that has stuck out in amongst all the incomings has been Zidan Sutherland. Previously at Hednesford, while on loan earlier in the season at Stafford he scored inside the first minute against the Dabbers at the Stan Robinson Stadium. On his debut for Darlaston in midweek he scored twice. If there’s anyone who can inspire them out of their current rut, it’s him.
Match Information
Tickets are available online HERE or with card or cash on the gate.
We will have Nantwich Gin near the bar where you can have tasters of their product which will also be sold at the bar, they’ll be there from 1.30pm so come down early to have a taste!
Please be careful with parking and avoid parking on the road that leads into the housing estate next to the stadium as it causes bad traffic issues.
Dogs are allowed as long as they are kept on a lead.