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Buoyant Boro are ready to face leaders Eastbourne Boro face arguably their toughest task yet as they take on early Blue Square Premier pace-setters Cambridge United at Priory Lane tomorrow. After three points from their opening three games, head coach Nick Greenwood insists there is no doom and gloom at Priory Lane. But he pointed out that every player was fighting for his place, including goalkeeper Lee Hook, who now has the able Chris Winterton breathing down his neck. Said Greenwood, "We have studied the six goals conceded at Oxford and really we can only blame Lee for one of them. "He actually made two fantastic stops prior to two of them going in. "If we are looking at Lee for one and a half goals, we have also got to look at the other four and a half. "It's really a collective thing and all the players are having to fight for their places. Everyone is at risk and they all have to prove they are good enough to play in the Conference National." But overall, the management team is delighted at the way the players have met the challenge of the opening three games. Said Greenwood, "We are very buoyant. We did not play three games last season with that level of performance. There is certainly no doom and gloom." Added boss Garry Wilson, "When we looked at the first four games we would have settled for four points. It has been a tough start for us but we knew that. "We have three points on the board but it would be nice to get off the mark at home and exceed the four points mark." At the beginning of the campaign many thought Borough would struggle to create chances against the rough and rugged defences of the Blue Square Premier. Wilson added, "It has been pleasing; we have created decent chances in all three of our matches and made enough to win all of them. "We have defended well in two out of the three games and we will have to do that again on Saturday." Top of the table Cambridge United will arrive at Priory Lane in confident mood. They have a 100 per cent record after three matches, all won by the odd goal against Northwich, Kidderminster and Barrow. Greenwood said, "Cambridge have had a great start and once again this is a fantastic challenge for the players. "We have had them watched and they are not top of the table for nothing. "We have had a taste of what this league is about and we have enjoyed it. But we have to adapt quickly and Cambridge will be another big test. "They will bring down a number of fans and hopefully there will be a good atmosphere. "Our fans were tremendous for the Rushden game and when the fans are noisy Priory Lane is a great place to play football." Simon Wormull has a stiff back following a midweek reserve outing against Crowborough. Marc Pullan (strained thigh muscle) went off early in the second half at Oxford but is expected to be fit. However, Ben Austin, who has a similar injury, could miss the Cambridge match. Andy Ballard is on standby. United have suffered a major blow with the loss of their new signing Andy Parkinson, a goal-scoring midfielder from Notts County, for the rest of the season with a ruptured cruciate ligament. On Bank Holiday Monday Borough go to Grays Athletic who have taken four points from their opening three games. |
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