A big away support at Havant, I don't think many are expecting the same as we travel to Kent on Tuesday for our first game against arguably the biggest side in the league in Maidstone United. Maidstone were relegated last season from the National League bringing with them, a wealth of history and until their unfortunate demise in 1992 were playing their trade in the English Football League in what is now known as League 2. They are former 2 time winners of the Conference (now known as the National League) and have made an appearance in the FA Cup 3rd Round, eventually losing in a replay to Charlton Athletic. The Gallagher Stadium, where Maidstone moved in 2012 is 2 hours and 27 minutes from The Thornbury Surfacing Stadium and is only a short walk from Maidstone East Train Station. 

The head to head battle with Maidstone does not favour the Bluebirds however, it is only the one previous meeting in 2015, an FA Cup 4th Qualifying round tie at home in which Maidstone ran out 2-0 winners thanks in large to a first half penalty and a goal on the break as Chippenham chased the game and the dream of being in the 1st Round Proper, it was mentioned by many on that day both home and away supporters that there didn't look much between the two sides and as fate would have it, only a few short years on from that day, there isn't. The head to head battle on graduating Centre Back's to the England Senior squad however is dead even with Tyrone Mings of course recently becoming a full England International, one of the first and most famous non league graduates is former Maidstone United Centre Half, Chris Smalling. His transfer to Fulham for £20,000 in 2008 being at the time a rare case of a purchase from non league football and in 2010 Smalling was Transferred to Manchester United where he has become a two time winner of the Premier League, an FA Cup winner and picked up a UEFA Europa League Winners medel in his time at Old Trafford. Now plying his trade in Italy for Roma he seems to once again, be on a resurgence in his career that may see him force his way back for a 32nd England Cap. 

Familiar faces for Maidstone is going to be a tricky one however, with plenty of players in their ranks with League experience and one in particular which will be a name familiar to those who have followed the Premier League and Championship in recent years. Matt McClure enjoyed a long career with Wycombe Wanderers (and I realise this is clutching a little) was ironically the man bought to replace the departing Charlie Griffin at Adams Park. One player I think many are going to recognise is George Elokobi, making 85 appearances for Wolverhampton Wanderers with a sizeable chunk of those appearances coming in the Premier League under then manager Mick McCarthy. An imposing centre half who started his career in England with Dulwich Hamlet has worked his way up to the Premier League and back in a career spanning some 300+ games over 17 years. He is now Maidstone United's Club Captain and commander of a back four that has only been breached 21 times this term (the exact same as Chippenham)

Nothing new to report on the injury front for Chippenham from Saturday with all players coming through relatively unscathed it would seem. Luke Haines seemed to pick up quite a nasty injury to the hand but it appears to be mostly superficial and no lasting damage should keep him away from being selected. Unsure whether the ban for Elias Youssef after his straight red card at Havant will keep him out for this Tuesday, it depends how quickly that goes through I imagine. One notable absentee that is gathering a lot of questions is Nat Jarvis, I think the majority have formulated an opinion on what has happened there, I am sure in due time the club will make comment on the situation as more and more questions appear to be being asked regarding Nat and why our top scorer from last season and arguably our most influential striking option seems to be getting a bit of time off. Always trust those above to know what is best for the club, in time it will see if that faith has been placed cleverly. 

Away from home, big side, 4G pitch, cold conditions. It does have the hallmark of a difficult trip for the Bluebirds and as we have seen in recent weeks, that little bit of luck has just evaded us somewhat and we have been on the receiving end of some bad results. It would be lovely to take something from this game however, I urge you not to lose heart if we don't. Maidstone are one of those teams that most fully expect to be there at the end of the season, they are another Havant in terms of quality on the pitch, our lads if they apply the same spirit and character as we did on the South Coast, I am sure this will turn around and we will start climbing the league table, if not today, then definitely very soon. 

COYMB!!