Moneyfields return to Southern League action after dramatic FA Trophy victory

Moneyfields' Southern League South Division meeting with Barnstaple Town on Tuesday is set to go ahead as planned.
Kieran Roberts wheels away after scoring his second goal against Kidlington in the FA Trophy at the weekend. Moneys are back at Dover Road on Tuesday against Barnstaple in the Southern League. Picture: Martyn White.Kieran Roberts wheels away after scoring his second goal against Kidlington in the FA Trophy at the weekend. Moneys are back at Dover Road on Tuesday against Barnstaple in the Southern League. Picture: Martyn White.
Kieran Roberts wheels away after scoring his second goal against Kidlington in the FA Trophy at the weekend. Moneys are back at Dover Road on Tuesday against Barnstaple in the Southern League. Picture: Martyn White.

The fixture was plunged into doubt after the North Devonians opted not to travel to Winchester City at the weekend because of Covid-19 concerns.

Barnstaple took that decision due to Cinderford - Winchester's opponents last midweek - having members of their squad test positive for coronavirus.

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Meanwhile, Barum were also awaiting test results for some members of their club.

But Moneys manager Dave Carter confirmed Barnstaple are making the trip to Dover Road.

'We’ve spoken to Barnstaple and they’re definitely travelling,’ he stated. ‘The game is on.

‘We believe they called their game off on Saturday because Winchester played Cinderford last Tuesday and numerous Cinderford players had gone down with Covid, so they didn’t want to take the gamble of playing a team that had been around players with Covid.

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‘They’ve told us that all squad members who were tested came back negative.

‘Our league position at the moment isn’t the best but we’ve only played four games. Some teams have played nine games in our league.

'Three points is a must so we can shut the door and go from there.'

Moneys have not played a league game since losing 2-1 at home to Paulton Rovers on October 10, while Barnstaple’s last league outing was an 8-2 home drubbing by Willand Rovers on October 24.

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Carter’s squad are bidding to follow up their memorable FA Trophy win at the weekend.

The club secured a spot in the first round proper for the first time in their history following a 3-2 victory over Kidlington thanks to two late goals.

Kieran Roberts took his seasonal tally to eight with a double, while top scorer Steve Hutchings plundered an injury-time winner - his 11th of the campaign.

Moneys' reward for reaching the first round is a home tie against Taunton Town or Truro City, both clubs from the Southern Premier League South.

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The first round fixture is scheduled for Saturday, 14 November. But Carter thinks Moneyfields will be waiting a little longer to play the historic tie after the government announcement of a second national lockdown to start from Thursday for a month.

‘Taunton and Truro is still a tough draw, ‘ he said. ‘They’re obviously the league above and both going well in that league.

‘We don't know where anything is going or what’s happening because of the lockdown.

'I’d imagine it will be the first game back and will take preference over everything else.

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‘We’ve got the home draw we wanted - it gives us an opportunity to get to the second round.'

Moneys have already banked £4,700 from winning through two FA Trophy rounds, and will collect another £3,000 if they can progress through a third.