Preview | It's game on as City hit the road

After sterling work by the ground staff, this afternoon’s game at Chertsey Town is on!

Fresh from our 3-1 victory over Weymouth last weekend as we consolidated our place in second spot, we now face opponents who sit just two points adrift of the play-off places following a solid campaign.

Since we beat them 2-0 in the reverse fixture back in November, they have gone on a run of one defeat from their ten games.

We will have one new face and one not so new face in the squad that makes the trip to Surrey with emerging defender, Zack Ali, arriving on loan from Bristol City and midfielder, Liam Cross, returning to the club on a permanent basis from St. Ives Town.

“This is an important move for me,” said Ali. “It will be my first experience of competitive men’s football and I am looking forward to putting myself out there and being part of the first-team environment.

“I am looking forward to being part of a push for promotion here. It’s an exciting challenge; I’m coming into a talented group and with the fans right behind us, there’s no reason why we can’t have a successful end to the season where we achieve our objectives.”

Able to play in a full-back or central role, he will add to manager, Daf Williams’ options.

“I would describe myself as a technical player,” he added. “I have a good range of passing and hopefully my versatility will also play its part in the busy schedule that lies ahead.”

After two previous loan spells at the club, the returning Cross has now penned a permanent deal.

“I’m really happy to be back,” he said with a smile. “It’s been a long time coming and I am determined to play my part in helping the club go one better than last year.

“I was gutted with the way it ended last season, but now I have the chance help make this a successful season.

“Everything is set up here for us to really push on in this final run of games. The City fans have an important role to play and with everyone together, we can be a real force and I am excited to be part of it.”