SOUTHERN LEAGUE: Collier says Holgate can wreak havoc (From Swindon Advertiser)

SOUTHERN LEAGUE: Collier says Holgate can wreak havoc

6:40am Friday 3rd September 2010 in

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SUPERMARINE boss Mark Collier has tipped a fully-fit Ashan Holgate to strike fear into Southern League Premier Division defences.

The former Swindon Town youngster signed back on at the Webb’s Wood Stadium last month having recovered from a hairline fracture of the foot, and should make his second start in the blue and white of Marine tomorrow as they entertain Oxford City.

Collier admitted the striker is not yet up to speed, having missed almost all of pre-season, but is confident it won’t be long before former Eastleigh and Weston-super-Mare man is firing on all cylinders.

“He is a bit behind on the fitness side of things but offers us size and physicality,” said the manager.

“Ashan is good to have around in the dressing room and is a real character. He is a local boy who wants to get his head down and play football, and I’m delighted he has picked us to play for.

“He started for us last week and we got about an hour out of him. Hopefully we will extend that as we go along.

“Ashan has played for Swindon Town’s first team, as well as at Conference South level, so we know he has plenty of ability and that is there for everyone to see. If we can get a fit Ashan Holgate playing for us then he could be a very good addition to the squad.”

Although Supermarine’s opponents are yet to taste victory this campaign, Collier is refusing to take anything for granted.

And on the back of a three-game unbeaten run, the boss believes his side have already proved they can cope with whatever style of play they come up against.

“We got a good draw against Chesham and can then take confidence from two good victories against two very different types of team,” explained Collier.

“Bedford got people behind the ball, passed it from deep and found dangerous areas to play, whereas Cirencester are big on set pieces and quite direct.

“Oxford will present a different challenge again. They haven’t won a game yet, but I don’t expect them to be in there come the end of the season.

“They are a tough team who will have done their homework on us, but we have to be prepared for different styles week in, week out.

“We can’t complain if we don’t like the way somebody plays - we just have to get on with it and match them. Thankfully we’ve done that so far this season.”

Defender Matt Robinson is definitely out of tomorrow’s clash with a hamstring strain, while Marine will give late fitness tests to Steve Cook (knee), Nick Stanley (ankle) and Sam Morris (hamstring).

AS part of a national initiative called Non-League Football Day, supporters of professional clubs can receive reduced entry in to Supermarine’s home league fixture against Oxford City tomorrow.

Fans must bring along a Premier League or Football League season ticket and can then get into the Webb’s Wood Stadium for just £5.