24thsept04

Deres bolster squad with two new faces

ERITH & BELVEDERE manager Barry Lakin has bolstered his squad for tomorrow's Southern League Division One East trip to Harlow Town with the capture of two new faces, writes Stephen McCartney.

Striker "Charlie" Paul Vines made 44 appearances, where he scored 9 times for Ryman League Division One neighbours Bromley, and has been quickly snapped up by Lakin following his departure from Hayes Lane last week.

He made a goalscoring debut for Bromley in October 2003 in their 5-0 victory at Leatherhead, after joining from then Kent League side Cray Wanderers, where he was a regular scorer for their second string.

If there is a goalkeeping crisis, the youngster is always willing to don the gloves, as he did once for Bromley last season after shot-stopper Danny Harwood was sent off, but was released by Bromley boss Stuart McIntyre after being "frustrated for not being a regular starter."

Left-sided midfielder Darren Fletcher has been training with the Deres for the last three weeks, but has been a free agent this season, having played for league rivals Fisher Athletic last term.

Lakin explained why he signed the pair.  He said: "Charlie Vines was not playing for Bromley and he was a player who caught my eye in the pre-season friendly between the two sides, and when he became available I approached him straight away."

He added: "Darren has trained with the club for three weeks, and at 25 he has the experience and he is also willing to learn."

After a seven-goal thriller that saw the Deres beat Hellenic League side Carterton Town at Park View Road on Tuesday to progress into the second qualifying round of the FA Cup, Lakin is looking for three points in Essex tomorrow.

"We go there in good spirit and I feel we need to win and put a run together." he said.

The manager, however, will be without three players.  Joe Narty (3 weeks) and Dean Fenton (2 weeks) are both suffering with knee ligament damage but Chris Whitehouse should be available for next week's game as he recovers from a slight hamstring strain.


Harlow Town vs Erith & Belvedere
Southern League Division One East
Saturday 25 September 2004
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Harlow Sports Centre, Hammarskjold Road, Harlow