09/05/2008
UNCOVERED take on the imaginatively-named Rochdale Supporters on Saturday with an almost fully-fit squad.

Dave Aiken already probably suffers headaches because he stares at a computer screen all day making websites at work, but now he will have a selection headache too.

The manager will not have known what to make of his side’s last outing, against Gangbangers two weeks ago, as he saw his side play some impressive football but also look worryingly vulnerable at the back.

That was at odds with the previous game against Grimsby’s Internet Mariners, where Garry Mann impressively marshalled the defence as well as scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win.

Aiken’s only easy decision will be between the sticks, as Luke Stott is unavailable - allegedly because he has about five ladies on the go and is worn out. That means Nick Woodward, who never gets laid so will definitely be there, will keep his place after keeping the score down with some good saves against Gangbangers.

Mann, who was singled out by opposing manager Tommy Wright for his elegance and poise a fortnight ago, will hope to keep his place in the backline after starting the last two games.

But also in contention are the returning Matty Ashmore, who has shrugged off a back injury, Phil Thornberry, Chris Elliott and even Gary Barden.

Dan King and Paul Sunter will fight it out for the left-back role, perhaps literally if King gets out of bed on the wrong side, but Chris Vallis is on holiday, topping up his tan if that is possible. Scott Thornberry could be on stand-by for his right-back berth.

In midfield, David Robinson, Craig Stoddart, Andy Ashmore, Nick Richardson and Nick Cawood are all available, although Chris Johnson is ruled out.

Last year’s player of the season Dave Kimmons handed Aiken a boost by declaring himself fit despite an in-growing toenail. The striker is also believed to be suffering acute in-growing pubic hairs.

Thankfully, given the amount of hair he possesses, Tom Breedon has no such problems and is in the squad, while all-time top scorer Aiken himself will look to build on his clinically-taken goal against Gangbangers. If he turns up before kick-off this time, that is.

Barry Thompson is also pushing for a place, and will have fond memories of playing against Rochdale Supporters. He scored against them on his debut in the only previous meeting between the two sides, which finished 1-1.

Love has hampered Dale’s preparations, as one of their players is getting married and some of his team-mates are attending despite this being Rochdale’s best ever chance of getting promoted for 187 years or something like that.

However, they will still be a stern proposition. They are currently 12th in the IFA League table, with seven wins, two draws and just one defeat from their ten games so far.

The game kicks off at 1.30pm at Hundens Lane.
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