Charles Hague-Jones previews the Severn Valley derby as AFC Bridgnorth travel to Bewdley on Saturday.
21 October 2020 @chaguejones
Our sixth game of the 2020/21 league campaign is a trip to Bewdley for the away chapter in the Severn Valley derby. The Meadowmen will be looking to bounce back from a 5-1 romping in the league at the hands of Shawbury United in midweek. The game was an even contest in the first 45 but Shawbury managed to break through the Bridgnorth defence on five occasions just after the Meadowmen were reduced to 10 men.
So far, Bewdley will be happy with their start to the season having only played two games in the league. They are unbeaten and have a win under their belts, something the Meadowmen are digging deeper every week to find.
Similarly to the Meadowmen, Bewdley have managed to get into the FA Vase first round proper, after beating Rocester 3-1 away from home. They have had some league games postponed due to opposition teams having COVID-19 scares.
Form
League- WD
They have been involved in a 1-0 win on the opening day and then a 10 goal-thriller with Pershore Town where both sides shared the points. They will be an eager side to start picking up points in the league after having a lot of their games postponed.
One to watch
Joshua Carpenter with 2 goals in Bewdley’s three games in all comps this season. It’s clear he has an eye for goal and will be looking to continue his goal-getting in the derby on Saturday.
Tom Grainger opened his account in the 5-1 defeat to Shawbury on midweek and will be looking to add to his league tally in Saturday’s derby. The big number 9 came close on multiple occasions in the loss at home to Bilston on Saturday and showed signs that his luck in front of goal will drastically improve in the coming weeks.
Summary
Whilst the Meadowmen need to make amends for their embarrassment away at Shawbury in midweek, an interim boss will take over the away side and will hope to spur on the players at this football club, a win would prove crucial at this time.
Bewdley will be fired up for more goals and action and both sides will be going all out to claim bragging rights in the Severn Valley derby.