PREVIEW: AFC Sudbury (A)
By Dan Sheward
Ryan Beswick’s team take on AFC Sudbury away from home this Saturday, as they hope to continue their fine start to life in Step three.
Currently sat in 4th place after three games, Quorn take on AFC Sudbury this Saturday. After another three points last weekend, the Reds have settled in to step three with an impressive display of results to start the season. A 5-2 over Stratford Town followed a 1-1 draw at home to Stourbridge and a dramatic 1-0 victory at Worcester City, meaning that Beswick’s side have earned seven out of a possible nine points so far.
The Opposition:
This week’s opposition haven’t had as bright a start as the Reds this season. They started well with a solid 2-0 win over Redditch United at the MEL Group Stadium, their home turf. However, their last two fixtures haven’t gone as well, losing both to Bishops Stortford (6-1) and Alvechurch (2-0). With both their losses being away from home, head coach Danny Laws will no doubt hope his team can find their form back on familiar footing against Quorn this weekend.
It was a close call last season for the Suds after they narrowly missed out on relegation by four points, finishing 17th in the Southern League Premier Central. It’ll be a tough game this weekend for Quorn, Sudbury will be hoping to turn their form around in an attempt to have more secure finish in the table come the end of the season.
Last Game:
Quorn’s last fixture against Stratford Town was a seven-goal thriller as the Reds left the Stotto Stadium with all three points. Having slow starts in the first two games of the season, Beswick’s side changed their tune as they flew out the traps against Town. It took only seven minutes for Zak Goodson to win and convert a penalty to put Quorn ahead. Only a little later Goncalves saw his effort deflect in off Finlay Brennan to double the lead.
However, the away side didn’t make it easy as Ty Deacon and Finlay Brenan found the back of net to draw the game all square. Quorn were no doubt the better side and didn’t fancy waiting long to regain the lead. A ball through from Finn O’Boyle found Goodson, who was able to acquire his second goal of the game.
It was more of the same in the Second half with the home side controlling the game. It was Cain Noble who stole the show after the break, coming off the bench as he continues his journey back to full fitness. Noble also earned himself a brace, putting the Reds 5-2 up by the time the game came to its conclusion.
Head-to-Head:
The last time the two sides faced each other was back in 2005! They met in the fourth round of the FA Vase, the result not going Quorn’s way. The game ended Quorn 2 – 3 AFC Sudbury. The Suds actually made it to the final of the FA Vase that year but lost out 3-2 in the final to Didcot Town.
Location and Directions:
The MEL Group Stadium
King’s Marsh
Brundon Lane
Sudbury
Suffolk
CO10 7HN
Leaving Quorn on the A6, join the A46 west at the island before Birstall. Remain on the A46, merging onto the southbound M1. At Catthorpe Interchange take the A14 east. Leave the A14 at junction 44 on the outskirts of Bury St. Edmunds. Take the A134 south all the way to the outskirts of Sudbury before turning off onto the A131 north of the town. Enter Sudbury and follow signs for Halstead/Chelmsford. Go across the river bridge and go under the old rail bridge, then turn right at the traffic lights (Kings Head) into Bulmer Road and the first right again into Brundon Lane. The road narrows before reaching ground on the right hand side.
Admission Prices:
Adults £14.00
Concessions £11.00
Under 16s £1.00