Dodds must bide time as trio shine
WHILE Alex Scott is making the social media headlines with exquisite turns and assists for Bristol City, it is the hard graft of his former midfield team-mates which is impressing back home.
Liam Mahon especially so. The 24-year-old was superb in the 3-1 home win over Sittingbourne last weekend when he seemed to be everywhere.
He was, but...
The big surprise is that there was one man who covered even more turf, that player being Carlos Canha.
The official readings show that while Mahon trod a remarkable 12.44 kilometres over the 90 minutes, Canha went a little further at 12.53.
Distance is not everything, agreed GFC manager Tony Vance, but in terms of game impact their work was vital along side the 11.18km from Tom de la Mare and 11k exactly by Matt Loaring.
‘In effect, both are centre midfielders with responsibilities, but Tom de la Mare being there allows them to express themselves,’ said an admiring boss.
‘With Liam, you just let him go – lead the press. He’s the front-foot player.
‘Carlos said he was a No. 9 when he arrived but I see him as a central midfielder now and he’s done a good job there. He’s so game intelligent. We’ve played him as defensive central midfielder away from home – a man-marker. You can trust him in all sorts of roles.
‘They complement each other well. To get 25km out of two players is significant.’
The trio’s form means that Thomas Dodds is not getting a look-in, despite being back to fitness.
Vance did not give Dodds even a minute against Sittingbourne.
‘I just didn’t feel there was any need to change it. I thought it would possibly upset us more than enhance us.
‘It’s great we can hold him back, but I’m sure he will find his way back into the team.’
Ross Allen returns to the GFC side tonight and as for Haywards Heath, Vance says they are in a false position caused, largely, by the number of games they have lost to the weather.
‘They are a very competitive group and the have a useful striker in McCreadie – his movement is excellent.’
Kick-off is at 7.45pm.
GFC squad: Cal Stanton, Harry Tobin, Frank Tobin, Keanu Marsh, Tom Strawbridge, Jamie Dodd, Tom de la Mare, Tyler McKane, Carlos Canha, Liam Mahon, Seb Skillen, Matt Loaring, Robbie Legg, Ross Allen, Thomas Dodds and Will Fazakerley.
