Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Stride set for 'debut' against Cherries
LONG-serving Burton Albion club captain Darren Stride is finally poised to make his full Football League debut when the Brewers face Cherries tomorrow.
A product of the clubs youth set-up and veteran of their climb through the non-league ranks, Stride is set to be drafted in to replace defender Guy Branston who sits out due to suspension.
Stride, 33, served the Brewers during their time in both the Southern and Northern leagues and helped them clinch the Conference title last season. He has made almost 650 appearances for the club.
Albion boss Paul Peschisolido has pencilled in Stride as Branstons replacement, forcing him to change what has been a settled back four. Peschisolido also has the option of switching Ryan Austin from right-back to central defence.
But Peschisolido hinted at Strides return when he said: We could shuffle things round, but I dont see the need because Darren is a like-for-like replacement for Guy.
Branston was red carded as the Brewers suffered their first defeat in four, going down 1-0 to Cherries promotion rivals Dagenham & Redbridge six days ago.
Currently 12th, Albion arrive in Dorset unbeaten in their past three away league games having won at Lincoln and drawn at Bradford and Notts County. Their only away league defeat came on the opening day at Shrewsbury.
Although this is the first league encounter between the two clubs, Ollie Norris hit a hat-trick when Cherries beat Burton 8-0 in the first round of the FA Cup in 1956, the only previous meeting.
