Newbury into the Wasps nest

High-flying Chalfont await 100 per centers Newbury in Hellenic League clash

NEWBURY face the first big test of their Hellenic League promotion credentials when they go to second-placed Chalfont Wasps on Saturday with manager Steve Melledew happy to cast as 'underdogs.'

"We have to be," he said, "they are above us in the table and they are not where they are in the league for nothing."

Newbury still boast a 100 per cent record, but with only six league games under the belt, there is still a long way to go.

"The league is not going to be won in November," said Melledew. "If we do get beaten, it's not the end of the world for us.

"But it would be good to win there. We know they have a couple of quick players up front, but maybe they are not quite so quick at the back."

Melledew will also have a near-full strength squad available to him and a side that warmed up on Tuesday night with a 2-0 home win over Marlow United in the Reading Senior Cup, courtesy of a Jamie Green penalty and a goal from Kalief Madden.

"And we hit the bar and post five times and were able to try a few new things," added Melledew.

Darren Jones, Danny Lachacz and Tommy Langfrey all completed suspensions this week to join Barry Elmore on the squad roster as Newbury take on a side held off top spot only on goal difference by Rayners Lane.