This Saturday, Old Georgians Men's 1XI will host East Grinstead in what promises to be an exciting clash, featuring a unique rivalry between head coaches Ashley and Wesley Jackson. The Jackson brothers are no strangers to intense competition, but this will be the first time they face off in the Men's Premier Division as head coaches of opposing teams. Ashley Jackson, the mastermind behind Old Georgians' strong start this season, will be looking to maintain his team's unbeaten run. At the same time, his brother Wesley, at the helm of East Grinstead, aims to deliver an upset and secure crucial points for his squad.
A Jackson Family Affair
Adding a fascinating layer to this fixture, Ashley and Wesley Jackson have taken up leadership roles for two competitive teams in the league. With Old Georgians positioned comfortably at the top of the table, Ashley's squad comes into this game with considerable momentum. His approach has been marked by tactical precision and strong team cohesion, with star players like Sam Ward, Phil Roper, and Alan Forsyth consistently finding the back of the net.
Ashley Jackson commented on the upcoming match: "I'm looking forward to hosting Wes and East Grinstead. They've had some close results this year and tested a few of the top teams, so we need to ensure we're ready to play right from the start. We're still learning and shaping our DNA, so it's great to spend more time growing together."
On the other side, Wesley Jackson is looking to bring out the best in his East Grinstead squad. Despite facing a formidable opponent, he is optimistic that his team can cause Old Georgians some trouble, particularly coming off a combative victory against Beeston, where OGs narrowly secured victory by a single goal.
"With the team Ashley has, it's a big challenge, but it's exciting to play against such a contingent of players," Wesley remarked. "Coming off the back of last weekend, the boys will be ready to make amends. Beeston proved OGs can be human, coming within one goal, but they're capable of kicking on, so we need to be on top of our game. We've shown we can cause teams issues, and although we both want each other to do well, we hope we can do the same at the weekend. It will be our last building block leading into our must-win final three games."
Old Georgians: Formidable Force
Old Georgians have been relentless this season, with an unbeaten record and a string of high-scoring games, including a recent 9-1 win over Cardiff & Met. Their success can be attributed not only to their attacking prowess with Sam Ward and Alan Forsyth but also to the solid foundation provided by international defenders Liam Sanford and David Ames. As Ashley Jackson has emphasised, the team is still "shaping its DNA," but the results speak for themselves. With the home advantage and a deep, talented roster, OGs will look to dominate possession and create early chances to pressure East Grinstead.
East Grinstead's Plan to Upset
For Wesley Jackson and his East Grinstead team, the focus will be on executing a disciplined game plan and capitalising on any opportunities they can create. East Grinstead have demonstrated their ability to challenge top teams this season, with close results and a notable 7-0 win over Richmond. This matchup against Old Georgians will be a test of their resilience and a chance to show that they can compete with the very best in the league.
A Match to Watch
With both teams bringing intensity and skill and the added intrigue of the Jackson brothers on opposing sidelines, this fixture promises to be one of the season's highlights. Fans can expect a fiercely competitive game, with Old Georgians aiming to solidify their position at the top and East Grinstead fighting to disrupt their opponents' rhythm. The whistle blows at 18:00 on Saturday, and all eyes will be on St. George's College for what should be an enthralling Jackson family showdown.