Mike Cook Looks Ahead:
The Gloucester City manager stated that he feels “no pressure” and that it will be a “good test” going into a top-of-the-table clash against AFC Totton: “I expect Totton to be very organised; they’ve got some quality players and obviously spent a lot of money, but I think it is going to be a tough game for us.”
Ex-Southampton, QPR and Burnley forward Charlie Austin signed for Seventh tier Side AFC Totton following the expiration of his contract at Swindon Town. The striker told the BBC that former Saint and now director of AFC Totton persuaded him to join the club.
“James Beattie got in touch with me in May and asked about the situation Austin told the club website.
“I know I can bring a lot of experience having played in all four divisions of the English Leagues said Austin.”
Former QPR, Burnley and Southampton striker Charlie Austin has signed for AFC Totton ✍🔵
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) July 31, 2024
The 35-year-old started his career in non-league and is back there to play for the Stags, who compete in Southern League Premier South, the seventh tier of English football. pic.twitter.com/yEZXCdv8cN
When asked about The AFC Totton game and whether he would make any changes from the game against Frome Town the Gloucester City manager said, “I just think we need to put the ball in the back of the net more.
“I’ve said this since pre-season we’ve dominated games and not got what we deserve, even when King went through in the first half (speaking on the game against Frome Town on Tuesday night) he’s hitting the post, if he does that in training it’s going in.
“We’re either going to give someone a right hiding or go on a run of losing or drawing games that we should’ve won because we haven’t scored goals”.
After a comfortable performance against Frome Town, Gloucester City will focus on league Rivals AFC Totton. AFC Totton and Gloucester have both only lost one game all season.
Both teams have everything to play for, as the three points would solidify City’s place at the top of the league, whereas if AFC Totton were to come out on top, they could go ahead of their league rivals on goal difference.
GCAFC LEAGUE CAMPAIGN | 🆚 @afctottonofficial (A)🐯
— Gloucester City AFC (@GCAFCofficial) October 17, 2024
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🔝of the table clash ⚔️ this weekend, doesn’t get any better than this 💪🏼
.#gcafc #tigercity pic.twitter.com/1Z7eIvbxZS
Head-to-Head:
The last time both clubs encountered was in a second-round qualifying tie for last season’s Emirates FA Cup on the 16th of September 2023. This result would go in the Stag’s favour as they get a 3-0 win, all thanks to a Scott Rendell hat trick.
LAST FIVE: AFC TOTTON
AFC Bournemouth (Home) |- Lost 1-4
Bracknell Town (Away) – Drew 1-1
Merthyr Town (Home) – Won 1-0
Hanwell Town (Home) – Won 2-0
Plymouth Parkway (Away) – Won 2-1
LAST FIVE: GLOUCESTER CITY
Hanwell Town (Away) – Drew 0-0
Tiverton Town (Away) – Won 1-0
Wimborne Town (Home) – Drew 2-2*
Havant & Waterlooville (Home) – Won 2-1
Frome Town (Home) – Won 2-0
*Gloucester City won 8-7 on penalties
Who to look out for?
AFC Totton – For me the player to look out for regarding the home side would have to be the Premier League experienced striker Charlie Austin having scored five goals already for Totton I’m sure his experience and qualities will prove vital in this top-of-the-table clash.
Gloucester City FC – After a stellar man-of-the-match performance against Frome Town, I believe Gloucester’s danger man is number 10 Dayle Grubb he was all over the pitch Tuesday night, which I believe will be exactly what Gloucester City need to gain something from this game.
Keep up with all the latest Gloucestershire sports news on the link here.
