Preview | Richards-Everton ready to face the challenge head-on

City turn our attentions back to the Isuzu FA Trophy on Saturday as we play host to Worthing in the third round (kick-off 3pm).

We take on opponents who sit second in The National League South, so a tough challenge lies ahead, but it’s one that Ben Richards-Everton is looking forward to.

“Yes, Saturday is going to be a tough tie for us, but we’ll go out there looking to win and get into the draw for the next round,” he said. “We want to go as far as we possibly can in this competition. We’ve done our homework on them, as I am sure they have done on us, and we’re ready to get out there and give it everything we’ve got.

“We battled some tough conditions in our last outing against Yate Town. It was the same for both teams, of course, but I don’t think they laid a glove on us and that is testament to how well we defended from the front.

“It was a great three points and it’s always nice to keep a clean sheet, something we want to be able to do more of.”

Richards-Everton admits that whilst it’s been a frustrating first half of the season for him due to injury, he’s now feeling good and determined to get a regular run of games under his belt.

“The season so far has been a bit stop-start for me,” he continued. “It’s been frustrating but I’m starting to find some consistency now being in the team regularly and I am getting back to full fitness with every week that passes.

“Long may this continue because nothing beats being out there in the thick of the action. I am happy to be back in the mix again and playing my part.

“As for the team, it’s been a good start and we’re taking things a game at a time. Everyone knows our aims and what we are trying to achieve here, so it’s all about finding the necessary level of consistency.

“It’s a competitive League and a demanding schedule of matches sits before us, but we have to be ready to face it head-on and with no excuses. I’d say that we are certainly one of the fittest teams in this League and that will stand us in good stead.

“To get promotion would be amazing. I’ve had two promotions in a 15-year career, so it shows that promotion-winning campaigns don’t come around all that often. We’ve put ourselves into a strong position but there is still an awful lot of football to be played and I’m sure there will be plenty of ups and downs along the way for all teams.

“If I can use my experience to help those around me, I’ll be happy. We’ve got some good characters in the dressing room and plenty of quality, so let’s see where it takes us.

“For now, our focus is on making FA Trophy progress and we need the help of the City fans who have been outstanding all season. To see the numbers that turned up at our last game really shows the backing we have and we must be able to use it to our advantage.”

Admission prices have been reduced for Saturday’s game. They are: Adult: £10 | Concession: £5 | Student/Youth: £5 | U12s: FREE.

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Please note that season-tickets are NOT valid for this game.

Come and show your support and let’s get the KMM Energy Stadium rocking!