Hellenic League action resumes for Brimscombe this Saturday as they make the short trip down the A38 to face rivals Thornbury.
Before last weekend’s match against Corsham Town fell foul of some bad weather, Brimscombe were unbeaten in four games, a run that saw them climb to fifth in the Hellenic Premier League table.
Sitting just 11 points off top spot, Brimscombe will have their sights set on finishing top of the pile as it is the only automatic promotion place in the league.
The Lilywhites will know better than most how important it is to get close to the summit, after finishing second only a few years ago and being denied promotion due to the league’s rulings that means the amount of promoted sides each year depends on how many are relegated from the league above that season.
With league leaders Bishop’s Cleeve nine points clear at the top, 2nd place Bradford Town and 10th placed Roman Glass St George are separated by just seven points, showing just how tight it is at the top.
Sam Prior’s men travel to Thornbury on Saturday full of confidence, in large part thanks to star player Harlie Price, who’s supreme scoring record of 20 goals in 25 games this season has been a key part to the fortunes of his side.
After bagging 20 goals this campaign, you may be forgiven in thinking the starlet may get somewhat carried away with his success, but Price was adamant that it has been a club effort to get him, and keep him, in his outstanding run of form.
“Sam Prior knows how to get the best out of individuals and he has been doing that for years, he’s been so consistent with me and given me the licence to play with no fear and express myself, so I owe a lot of my success this season to him no doubt about it.”
Looking ahead to this weekend, Price is keen to put an end to his winless run against opponents Thornbury.
“Thornbury are a funny side because they are good at what they do, don’t tell Prior (Sam) this but I don’t think I’ve ever beat Thornbury during my time in the lower leagues with Saracens, so they are a bit of a bogey side for me. If the pitch is playable, we will go there and play positive football and do our best to come away from there with three points.”
Away from Saturday’s game, half an eye is being cast over league leaders Bishop’s Cleeve who are favourites for the title, but Price expressed his desire to catch the local rivals before the season is out.
“It’s all everyone is talking about, but I am really optimistic as a person about catching them. With the games everyone has got left, and our run in I personally think they can be caught, and I would love to catch them. They will know deep down after losing two on the bounce that there are teams there waiting to capitalise if they do slip up”.
Despite the attention around Bishop’s Cleeve, the forward was adamant that focus within the Meadow is on the here and now, and thoughts of promotion are being pushed aside.
“Everyone is really confident which is good, but its cliche to say that we are taking it game by game. There has been a lot of chop and change at the Hellenic Prem this year, and this now is crunch time in everyone’s season.
“The next 5,6,7 games will really shape how it’s going to finish, so despite the confidence in the group there is an understanding that we need to get as many on points stuck on the board before the season and hope thats enough to get us where we want to be.”
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Price will be a key figure in Saturday afternoon’s contest, that kicks-off at 3pm in Thornbury.
