With only one point separating us from Chesham United, the importance of our visit to The Meadow on Saturday cannot be over-estimated.

Like us, the Generals have two league wins to their name this season and were knocked out of the FA Cup last Saturday by King’s Lynn.

Our own progression to the fourth qualifying round has certainly boosted morale, coupled with our home league win over Chippenham.

Like last Saturday when most of them luckily managed to make themselves available on the day without being fully fit, a number of players have persistent knocks and again it looks touch and go for one or two.

Chesham have traditionally been one of our bogey teams but we broke that jinx with a 3-1 away win last February, including a couple of goals from Sam Youngs, and a similar result would do very nicely.

“Every single point counts and Chesham are going to be a very well-organised side,” said Gavin Macpherson. “They have very good players working to a system. If you can start accumulating points early on, it’s far easier on the heart and mind than have to claw back in March and April.”

The improving fitness of the returning of Jack Bates, who came on as a sub against Quorn, is a major plus. “It gives us a different option in the middle of the park,” said Gavin. “Technically he’s excellent and gives me another tool in the box. Jack has been training with us for several weeks following a couple of injuries and it was a case of getting him into the squad at the right time. He’s not quite up to full match fitness but not far off.”

AW