Ritchie watch

Aug 20 2007 by Dougie Thomson

TOWN boss Andy Ritchie was today making regular visits to the Galpharm treatment room as he reflected on the 1-0 win at AFC Bournemouth which put his side second in League I.

The manager is hoping Danny Cadamarteri and David Mirfin will be available for Saturday’s visit of Carlisle.

Striker Cadamarteri has yet to figure in a competitive match for Town but travelled to Bournemouth so physio Lee Martin could work on his hamstring injury.

Defender Mirfin missed the Dean Court triumph, sealed by Luke Beckett’s 43rd-minute headed goal, because of a knee problem suffered in training.

Danny Schofield, the midfielder who has been standing in for Cadamarteri up front, also missed Saturday’s match because of a family bereavement.

Ritchie’s reshuffle meant Malvin Kamara moved up front, Matt Young came in on the right wing, Aaron Hardy played at centre-back and Andy Holdsworth reverted to right-back.

“We’ve talked about the need for versatility in the squad, and this game showed we have some,” said Ritchie, who is exploring the possibility of a loan signing.

“It was a good all-round performance, not always pretty, but effective, and sometimes, that’s the way it has to be.

“We scored a very good goal, and could have had another when Luke hit the post, and I think we deserved to edge it.”

On Hardy’s inclusion at centre-back, Ritchie explained: “We thought he could do a job on (striker) Jo Kuffour, and he handled him very well.

“Andy Holdsworth was magnificent at right-back as well, and I was delighted with the attitude and approach of the whole team. It’s a great feeling to come away from home and get three points.”

Leyton Orient are above Town on goals scored while Leeds also have two wins.