Young guns will shine (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Young guns will shine

2:35pm Monday 12th December 2005 in Football

DEVIZES Town manager Nathan Sheridan believes his young side will be able to cope with the heavy winter conditions as they face three games in a week.

The manager said this was the period of the season his side would come into their own, and he could be right after seeing Devizes win their last three games on the trot.

He said: "I was bitterly disappointed Friday night's game with Odd Down was called off. At one point it looked to be playable, but it rained again and it was the right decision.

"With Odd Down not playing for a while beforehand, we fancied our chances.

"We have a young team and, I think I have said before, that this is the time we will come good.

"When the pitches become softer and heavier our pace will make it difficult for the older guys and they will find it hard to defend against our more sprightly players.

"As regards our fitness over this next week, I think we will be fine. We have a fit side but nothing beats playing games, certainly at their age."

Devizes played Backwell United last night, face Needham Market as the only Wiltshire team left in the FA Vase on Saturday and Corsham Town in their first league derby on Wednesday.

It sees Sheridan pit his wits against one of his former managers in Colin Bush, and it is a battle he is relishing for himself and his side.

He said: "We will go in as underdogs against Corsham, most will be expecting us to lose.

"I cannot wait to go against Nobby (Bush). I was under him at Calne and since then he has gone on to do wonders with Tommy Saunders at Chippenham.

"Since he has been at Corsham he has also done great things. It will leave us under no illusions this will be one of our toughest games this year.

"I really believe, if they are lucky with injuries, they are the team that can push Bideford all the way and that speaks volumes for what he has done.

"It's our first big league derby and we cannot wait. There's links with Andrew Coombes and Dave Hopkins and I know a few other players.

"It will be a great experience for everyone involved."