Tobin and Gauvain back for VCD retirn trip
SOME two-and-a-half months and 12 matches have passed since the Green Lions thumped VCD Athletic 4-2 at Footes Lane – their last win in this most testing of Bostik South seasons.
And as GFC make the return trip today, Tony Vance expects the home side, who lie just two spots ahead of them in the table, to be an altogether different proposition than they were on the first Saturday of December.
‘I think they will be a different commodity at home to be honest,’ said Vance yesterday as he announced a return for Frank Tobin and youngster Charlton Gauvain in a strong 15-man squad.
‘They were very keen to get forward over here and we hit them with a very good offensive display that day.
‘I think we will have to play more on the counter this time.’
Vance was encouraged by last week’s 2-2 home draw with Thamesmead Town and he may reward that starting XI in an unchanged side tomorrow, with Frank Tobin – ‘still some way off the pace at the moment’ – on the bench.
Tobin was excellent in the first half of the season but has not featured since Christmas due to accountancy exams and then a skiing holiday.
And, as Vance was quick to point out, his defence has improved of late.
‘The back line the last couple of games has been better. The last three games we have conceded only three goals – that’s progress.
‘It’s just at the other end we need to be a bit better.’
It is, of course, those goalscoring issues which have led to the club drafting in a Bristol City loanee in the shape of 18-year-old Kelechi Akpobire, who netted his first goal for the Lions from the penalty spot last weekend.
Vance is liking what he sees in Akpobire.
‘Hopefully, the local lads can look and learn from his work-rate and ability to hold off defenders.
‘His build-up play and work-rate is phenomenal.
‘Bristol want to see him scoring more goals and hopefully he can do that with us.'
Kick-off is at 3pm.
Meanwhile, Robbie Legg has earned that he will have his knee operation in March to repair the damage.
'All I can do now is work hard after the operation to get back to the level I was at before and look to improve,' the player told the GFC website.
'I love playing for GFC and I am determined to wear the shirt again and score goals.'
SQUAD
Callum Stanton, Jordan Kelly, Simon Geall, Jacob Fallaize, Frank Tobin, Harry Tobin, Alex Le Prevost, Jamie Dodd, Thomas Dodds, Charlton Gauvain, Seb Skillen, Paris Pereira, Matt Loaring, Dave Rihoy and Kelechi Akpobire.
