Cops boss seeks first victory

Elvin King

GARY Bartlett will be seeking his first victory as Coplestonians manager when the Ipswich-based side travel to Felixstowe United in the Senior Division of the Metaltec SIL.

Bartlett was not appointed until the middle of last week following the resignation of Ian Matthews due to work commitments.

He was still finding his feet when Coplestonians lost 2-1 to Melton St Audry's last Saturday and will be looking for three points against a Felixstowe side that drew with a fancied Capel Plough team last week despite ending with nine men.

Nick Mark should recover from injury in time to take his place tomorrow and new signing Andy Reid is available following a holiday.

Bartlett has a couple of signings in the pipeline to finalise his squad and, on the basis of his first game in charge, there will be no lack of effort from any side he selects.

Matthews, who was previously long-term manager of a successful Coplestonians reserves side, led the first team to mid-table respectability last season, having taken over from Jerry Thorpe at the start of the 2006/7 season. Dickie Ford is continuing as assistant manager.

St Audry's, who like Grundisburgh and Capel Plough came within a whisker of snatching the SIL title off Brantham Athletic last season, will be looking to maintain their winning start, although it will not be easy as they face Pat Tynan's Capel Plough.

Experienced goalscorer Julian Beaumont remains in the Saints side and he is one of the players who will have to be watched by the Plough defence.

Grundisburgh visit Ipswich Athletic, while St Johns play their first home senior game when they entertain Stonham Aspal at Gainsborough Sports Centre.

Woodbridge Athletic will be keen to keep their winning start to life back in the top flight going with a win at Crane Sports and Framlingham Town - also promoted from the First Division - are at home to East Bergholt seeking their first points.