TUDOR TALK,HURRAH

[pidge]

Bateman believes Tudors have a date with destiny

Hemel Hempstead boss Steve Bateman believes the destiny of his side's season could hinge upon the Easter weekend's double header at Vauxhall Road.

The Tudors enjoyed something of a lucky escape on Saturday as Merthyr Tydfil missed a last minute penalty in a 0-0 draw.

And this weekend will see Bateman's men entertain Mangotsfield and Cirencester, two clubs sitting precariously in the relegation zone.

"Both teams are right in the thick of it and we've got to be getting maximum points from those two games if we're going to have any chance of being in the play-offs," admitted the boss.

"We're on the back of a decent run having picked up 12 out of the last 18 points.

"We've got nothing to fear. We're at home and we've got results in the recent home games and hopefully laid the ghost of home form to rest.

"We've got a real opportunity to get at two teams that are in the situation they are in mid-March for a reason.

"And we've got to make sure we exploit whatever that reason is, get the six points and push on."

The Tudors' trip to Wales on Saturday nearly ended in disaster when The Martyrs were awarded a penalty in the last minute.

But centre half Jamie Rewbury blazed his spot kick well wide of the mark.

"We're disappointed with the result but it could have been worse," said Bateman.

"It's always a difficult place to go. I know they've been sucked into the relegation battle but having played them and Rugby in subsequent weeks, I think they'll have too much to go down.

"I felt first half we shaded it and should probably have been two up if we had been a little more clinical."
Bateman will be looking for his side to punish this weekend's opponents at every given opportunity so that they can keep the heat on Bashley in the play-off race.

Mangotsfield, who are Saturday's visitors to Vauxhall Road, lie two points from safety but have the fourth meanest defence in the Southern Premier.

However it is in attack where their problems have arisen, with their tally of 25 goals in 33 games being the poorest in the division.

Cirencester meanwhile will be even more desperate for the points as they look to bridge a nine-point gap to avoid relegation.

And Bateman knows it could be a make or break three days for his troops.

"At this stage of the season we've got everything to play for and this weekend is a big weekend and I don't think it will take much to get the players motivated," he said.

"We've got two great opportunities to get points on the board."

The full article contains 462 words and appears in n/a newspaper.Last Updated: 19 March 2008 4:26 PM
_________________
WALKA FOR CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR 2008
http://www.walkaforclubman.co.nr/
Iron Maiden RULE!