Everything's set for the big Christmas cracker (From Gazette Series)

Everything's set for the big Christmas cracker

THE big Christmas clash between Cam and Berkeley is set for this Saturday at Cam Rec.

Not only is it a derby game but it very important in league terms for both clubs, with Cam at present holding fourth place and Berkeley in second spot.

Cam had no fixture last week but Berkeley will be running on adrenalin after their 4-1 defeat of high flying Brimscombe last Saturday. Don't forget, though, two weeks ago Cam beat Brimscombe 3-2.

The last time Berkeley and Cam met was in the Stroud Charity Cup when Cam came out on top with a 1-0 victory.

All good statistics then, and the odds look to be balanced pretty evenly. So I don't expect anyone to bet their house on the outcome, though both clubs are quietly optimistic about their chances.

Berkeley skipper Peter Lavis told the Gazette, "I know they beat us in the cup but we are playing well and are very hopeful of taking the points. We lost Jason Tucker with a bad injury in the last game, and our two centre-backs are struggling. We also have a couple of Christmas absentees, but we are looking forward to the game."

Cam manager Stuart Grimwood said: "Cam are also playing well. I'm confident we can beat anyone on our day but we're expecting a hard game."

A big headache for Grimwood has been filling the goalkeeping position. Ben Jagger is injured and Denis Booth is working, while Keith Watson is travelling home to Sunderland for Christmas.

"I'm confident of solving the problem for Saturday, though," said Grimwood, "and I'm expecting a good crowd to add to the derby atmosphere."