MANAGER Jason Matthews hailed the desire of defender Ashley Wells, who could be back in line for a starting spot when the Terras host Hayes & Yeading this evening (7.45pm).
Full-back Wells, a popular figure with the club’s faithful, has been in and out of the Terras’ back four this season and has faced stiff competition for his place since Calvin Brooks has been moved to operate at right-back.
But with Brooks set to miss out tonight with the hamstring injury he picked up at King’s Lynn on Saturday, Matthews could look to utilise Wells, who replaced Brooks eight minutes into the second half at the Walks Stadium.
“I try to be loyal to the players and sometimes it gives me some really tough decisions to make,” Matthews, who hinted that Wells could start against United tonight, told Echosport.
“Ash has been with me right from the start and is a great lad. Of late he’s had a couple of illnesses and that has probably gone against him in games he would have played.
“By the time he came back from illness, Calvin was back fit, so it was unfortunate for Ash.”
He added: “It’s been harsh on Ash to be left out but we have to make tough decisions when we have a good squad.
“Ash has a lot of hunger and wants to play every game. I know he has been a little bit frustrated at times this season, which you would expect him to be.
“He comes in and you know what you are going to get from Ash week in and week out, lots of effort and he gives me some pace down that right-hand side, which is positive.”
Tonight’s game, which has been rearranged after fog foiled the teams at the Bob Lucas Stadium back in October, is one the Terras are favourites for on paper.
Hayes & Yeading, who are currently 22nd in the league table, have taken just five points from their last 10 league games.
Matthews added: “Hayes & Yeading desperately need the points so it will be another tough game. It’s one we look forward to after a decent performance on Saturday.
“I don’t think in any game in the Southern League you are expected to win handsomely because it is a very competitive league, but it’s a game we are expected to win.”
Full-back Tiago Sa is also set to be named in the Terras’ squad this evening.
