Catholic United return to the Len Forge Centre in strong form, having gone two matches unbeaten since their 1-0 defeat to Barnston on the 26th September.

This campaign has seen the Essex Bhoys be inconsistent at home, collecting just seven points from a possible 15, with two wins, one draw and two defeats.

Defensively, Eamonn Kearney's side have struggled to keep a clean sheet, conceding in all five home matches this season. However, Catholic United will be hoping to build on their recent 3-1 victory over Bishop’s Stortford Swifts.

Despite having a difficult start to the season, Catholic United’s recent form places the Bhoys 8th in the Essex Premier Division, as a win this weekend against the Essex Olympian Division one champions could move Catholic up to 4th, depending on other results going in the host's favour.

The Visitors

Hutton Reserves travel to the Len Forge, sitting 13th in the Essex Olympian League with 12 points. Hutton enter this encounter, two points behind Catholic, where a surprising result this Saturday could move the reigning champions above Catholic, which the visitors will need results elsewhere to go in their favour.

The visitors have found it challenging to secure consistent results following their promotion to the Essex Division One, as Hutton have won two and lost two, collecting six points from a possible 12 away from home soil, scoring nine and conceding nine.

Despite their low league position, Hutton Reserves have secured statement performances, picking up important wins against Canning Town, Sungate and Wakering Sports, proving that Anthony Ridge’s side are capable of securing results against established Premier Division opponents.

Previous Meetings

Catholic United’s first team and Hutton Reserves will meet for the first time this Saturday, with previous encounters against Catholic’s Reserves having seen Hutton win one, draw one and lose one.

Players to Watch

Tom Kearney (CUFC) – Throughout the match, Hutton will need to be aware of Tom Kearney following his two goals in Catholic’s 3-1 win against Bishop’s Stortford Swifts. Going forward, the midfielder could cause challenges for the visitors, as his goalscoring form and experience at the club could be the tools Catholic need to secure a second consecutive win at home. Kearney has the possibility to break a new milestone this weekend, as a goal against Hutton will move Kearney four goals away from 80 career goals for the club.

Jude Keeling (HRFC) – Hutton’s emphatic 3-2 comeback against Wakering Sports last weekend saw Keeling score to help Ridge’s side secure three points away from home. Catholic’s defence will need to be switched on from the first whistle, as Keeling’s ability to exploit space on the pitch makes it difficult for opponents to keep the forward quiet.
Keeling’s movement could also cause problems for Eamonn Kearney’s side, who have conceded in every home league match this season.