29thsept04

Injury doubts for Deres ahead of FA Cup clash

ERITH & BELVEDERE face Flackwell Heath in Saturday's FA Cup second qualifying round tie at Park View Road with doubts over several players, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Dere's go into the game on the back of a midweek defeat, having lost 3-1 at home to Waltham Forest.

However, the victory for Forest will spur them on, ahead of their FA Cup trip to The Homelands in Ashford, for their game against Nationwide South outfit Margate.

Erith & Belvedere physio Chris Davis has revealed the current situation with the club's injured players.

"Following Tuesday's disappointing defeat we have a couple of fresh injury concerns ahead of Saturday's FA Cup game.

"Chris Dickson picked up a hamstring injury and will certainly miss Saturday's game and potentially the majority of October's fixtures.

"Wayne Brown picked up a knock and will be assessed further on Thursday."

However, no further casualties have caused manager Barry Lakin any more headaches, but there is good news for the players on the road to recovery.

Davis added: "Denva McKenzie completed a fitness session with no adverse effects from his injury and will train with the squad on Thursday.

"Dean Fenton completed a session pre-match on Tuesday and will rejoin full training on Thursday.  Having worked hard to overcome his knee injury it is now up to Dean to regain his fitness and a place in the side.

"Chris Whitehouse is almost ready to rejoin full training.  We will have a final assessment on Thursday and all being well he will be in training next week.

"Joe Narty continued to work hard with his knee ligament injury.  Although showing signs of real progression the injury is still serious enough to exclude him for the foreseeable future.  However, he is awaiting a scan but in the meantime is working hard to maintain his general fitness."

One player definitely out of Saturday's FA Cup tie is recent signing Paul "Charlie" Vines.  The youngster is already cup-tied having come off the substitutes bench in Bromley's 1-0 win at Chessington & Hook United in the preliminary round.

Erith & Belvedere vs Flackwell Heath
Saturday 2nd October 2004
FA Cup Second Qualifying Round
Kick Off 3.00pm
at Park View Road, Welling