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Thursday 22 August 2013

Esh Winning - Stat Attack

IN a new feature this season, I preview Saturday's visit of Esh Winning with a look back at all the vital statistics.

Last season -

Esh Winning finished 20th in Division Two with 30 points from 42 matches, although they had 3 points deducted. They won 7 at home and only 3 away, scoring 49 goals and conceding 108.

Town finished 6th with 77 points, winning 11 at home and 12 away. Town scored 101 goals and conceded 63.

Previous meetings -

Esh won both matches against Town last season. They were slightly fortunate to leave the Calvert Stadium with a 2-1 success in September, thanks to a strike from Craig Mickle and a late own goal from Ian Smurthwaite. Carl Chillingsworth had earlier equalised for Town.

The return at West Terrace in January saw a poor performance from Town with Esh enjoying a 3-1 victory. Goals from Neil Campbell, Darren Kokes (now at Town of course), and Craig Coates either side of the break sealed the points before Chillingsworth replied for Town.

That victory for Esh at the Calvert was only the second time they had won away at Northallerton in the league, and the first since the 1984-85 season. Last season was also the first time they had completed the league double over Northallerton, although they did win two of the three matches in the 1982-83 season when each team played each other three times - both wins coming at Esh.

Previous seasons -

In 2011-12, Esh finished 11th in Division Two with 66 points from 42 matches, while Town were 2 points and 2 places better off.

2010-11 was the last time Esh finished above Town in the league, although it was not a season they will remember with any great fondness as they finished 21st in Division One and were relegated. Town, meanwhile, had finished 9th in Division Two with 58 points from 38 matches.

Complete playing record -
double
Here is Town's complete playing record in matches against Esh Winning since Northallerton joined the Northern League in 1982;

                            P                W                   D                    L                     F                     A                   

   Home             15                 8                     5                     2                     31                 19
   Away           16                 5                     3                     8                     33                 36                    Total              31                 13                   8                   10                      64                 55

Current form -

Esh opened the season well, with victories over Ryton & Crawcrook and South Shields to go to the top of the table, but since have suffered heavy defeats at Birtley and at home to Chester-le-Street. They currently sit 9th with 6 points from 4 matches.

Town also come into the game on the back of two defeats - 4-2 against Whitehaven in the FA Cup and 1-0 at Alnwick in midweek. Prior to that Town had drawn away at South Shields and beaten Tow Law.

Key players -

Esh's danger men appear to be Lewis Herron and Graham Stephenson, who have both scored twice so far this season, while Anthony Robinson and Ben Thompson also offer a goal threat.

Town's star performer so far has been Jason Brazauskas, while the return of Dale Elgie in midfield could prove crucial. Ex-Esh man Darren Kokes will also be keen to get one over his former club.

Summary -

Both clubs are desperately in need of a win after a couple of poor results which should lead to an open game. Like Town, Esh also have a new-look team which will take time to settle but it would be a major surprise if they finished any higher than mid-table.

Town, on the other hand, will be hoping to figure in the promotion race and will look on this as a game they will be expected to win. However, with confidence knocked in the last week or so it could prove to be a tough afternoon.

Prediction -

I believe that despite recent results, Town will have enough quality to see off Esh on Saturday and I predict a 3-1 home victory.

1 comment:

  1. I would agree with you Ricky but I would say 5-1

    ReplyDelete