Tarpey set to miss Barrow test as Devonshire prepares to ring the changes

Alan Devonshire is planning to ring the changes this weekend as he prepares to negotiate two very different tests against Barrow on Saturday and Leyton Orient on Monday.

Devonshire admitted this week he’ll have to juggle his pack and as many as four or five changes could be made for the game at Barrow, who parted company with manager Paul Cox yesterday (Thursday).

Striker Dave Tarpey, who currently leads the National League’s scoring charts with seven goals, is also set to miss the trip after failing to shake off a knock he’s carried through the last few matches.

Devonshire is also planning to make some switches to counter the physical attributes of Barrow and referred to the club as coming from ‘the land of the giants’ earlier this week.

“It’s going to be time to use the squad,” Devonshire said this week.

“There will be changes, probably four or five for Saturday, with our mind also on Monday.

“We’ve got to try and combat their strengths without hurting ourselves. Some players will be able to play both games but others won’t so I’ll have to make changes.”

Devonshire has been sweating on the fitness of Tarpey after he was forced to come off in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Ebbsfleet, but he suggested on Wednesday that the game would come to soon for him. A return against Leyton Orient on Monday is a possibility, but Tarpey won’t be risked in either game if he isn’t fully fit.

The squad are set to stay in a hotel two hours from Barrow’s Holker Street Stadium tonight (Friday), to limit the effect of travel on the players, and Devonshire hopes the 554-mile round trip won’t have too much of an adverse reaction on them for Monday’s game.

 “Tarps will be struggling for Saturday. I wouldn’t want to risk him in a physical game like that, taking another knock and being out for a long time.

“But if he ain’t ready for Monday we won’t risk him in that one either.”

He added: “We’ll still be getting home late on Saturday or Sunday morning and will have to play on the Monday,” he said.

“I don’t know why the league couldn’t have made the games more local on the bank holiday.

“It could have been fairer to us because they’re (Leyton Orient) are at home on Saturday and then only have to travel to us.

“It’s a tough ask, but it’s one we’re looking forward to.”

W Tickets have been sold in advance for Maidenhead United’s huge game against Leyton Orient at York Road on Monday.

The Magpies are encouraging fans to snap up tickets early so as to avoid disappointment and ease congestion on the turnstiles at the game.

The Os have been sent their own allocation of tickets and are sure to bring a noisy, passionate support to Berkshire.

The game is not currently all-ticket.

Hospitality tickets are also available for the match. Visit https://maiden

headunitedfc.ktckts.com for details.