Homework on the Hatters (From Dorset Echo)

Homework on the Hatters

8:18am Tuesday 27th November 2012 in Sport By Adam Summers

PHIL Simkin is expecting to face an unknown quantity in tonight’s FA Trophy home tie against Luton Town (7.45pm).

The Dorchester Town boss has done his homework on the Hatters but is unsure just what side they will put out, particularly with both teams set to clash again at Kenilworth Road in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Simkin told Echosport: “Paul Buckle (ex-Weymouth) has got a lot of players up there, so it is difficult to know exactly what we are going to be facing.

“We have obviously done a lot of work on them and have a good idea of how they like to set up but we are not going to know their line-up until an hour before kick-off.

“That makes them a bit of an unknown quantity but we also have several options ourselves and can change our shape during the game rather than waiting for half-time. We have done a lot of work on that and if we have to we will.”

Richard Logan and loan signings Dan Thompson and George Colson could all make their debuts for the Magpies this evening but Ashley Nicholls is suspended.

Simkin was also hoping to run the rule over the rest of his squad tomorrow night at Wimborne Town but the Dorset Senior Cup tie has been rescheduled for next Tuesday on Dorset County FA orders.

The Magpies’ manager added: “Despite both clubs agreeing to play the game tomorrow night, the DCFA has stepped in and said no.

“It is frustrating because at this moment in time I have got a few players at my disposal and I need them to play.

“We would have sent a strong side tomorrow night but the game has now been rescheduled for next Tuesday and that is it I suppose.”

Turning his attention back to tonight, Simkin went on to say: “People’s performances this evening will determine whether or not they take part on Saturday.

“Everyone obviously wants to be involved in that game but like with any other match they need to earn their places.

“Having said that, I do not want to devalue tonight’s game because we will be going all out to win it – that is for sure.”

The winners of tonight’s rearranged fixture will bag £5,000 and a trip to Mansfield or Matlock Town in the second round.

When asked for his thoughts on the draw, Simkin said: “We have got another game to win first and foremost so it is all irrelevant at the moment but it is another tough one should we get through.”

Magpies (from): Matthews, Walker-Harris, Jermyn, Martin, Smeeton, Bell, Clough, Walker, Pugh, Gleeson, Gosling, Morgan, Symes, Garcia, Malsom, Crittenden, Colson, Thompson, Logan, Watson.