Common tackle title hopefuls

Having been fixtureless last weekend, Common will resume their Macron Store Sussex County Football League Division Two campaign with a trip to second-placed Wick & Barnham United tomorrow (Saturday).

Although four places and 13 points below their opponents, Common were 4-0 winners in November’s reverse fixture - one of just two league defeats Wick have suffered all season.

“It was definitely our best result of the season and it was a complete performance,” said Common player-manager Russell Eldridge. “The way we played that day was outstanding. Unfortunately we’ve not been able to produce similar performances on a more consistent basis.

“It could work one of two ways. They could be out to prove a point as such, but on the other hand, they might be wary of us knowing how we can play.

“We won’t be looking to play defensively. We’ll be looking to be positive and bring back the three points, but we know it’s going to be a tough game.”

Common go into the game buoyed by come-from-behind 2-1 victories in their last two matches against Storrington and Mile Oak.

“We’re off the back of two good results recently and two good performances as well, even though the scorelines suggest they were close,” continued Eldridge.

“To a degree we’ve got nothing to lose. The pressure’s more on them to get the points they need to secure a promotion place. Maybe they’ll be just a little bit nervy in terms of crossing the line, and we’ll be going there nice and positive, full of confidence and trying to cause them problems.”

Common will be without Sam Brown, who is on a stag weekend, against a Wick side which trails leaders Worthing United by five points with a game in hand.

Westfield are due to visit Steyning Town in the same division tomorrow, while Bexhill United are without a fixture.