31staug04

Erith Town look forward to FA Cup adventure

ERITH TOWN manager Willie O'Sullivan has a full-strength squad to choose from for Saturday's eagerly awaited FA Cup Preliminary Round clash against Steyning Town at the Erith Sports Centre on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

Speaking on the club's website, he said: "The greatest cup competition the FA Cup week has come around.  We are lucky enough to have been drawn out of the hat first for a home tie against Steyning Town.

"It doesn't matter what round you come in at, we all have dreams of how far we can go - it still gets the nerve's tingling."

However, coach, Nicky Johns, a goalkeeper who spent most of his career with Charlton Athletic, has inspired the players at the Go Travel Kent League club on what they could expect if they progress in the competition.

O'Sullivan added: "Nicky has been telling the lads that his best runs in the cup were two quarter-final encounters only to go out twice, to the dominant Ipswich Town team built by Bobby Robson in the 1980's."

However, confidence is good in the Erith Town camp following last Saturday's 2-1 win at Deal Town.

O'Sullivan added: "We go into the tie full of confidence after registering our first win of the season in a hard fought game at Deal Town winning 2-1.

"Although not playing as well as in previous games where we have only picked up one point, it was a relief to everyone to get the win under our belts."

Erith Town bounced back after going out of the London Senior Cup to much-improved side Sporting Bengal United.

The manager added: "After the midweek loss to Sporting Bengal I felt changes were needed to shake things up.

"The lads who came into the side did well and can be satisfied with their contribution to the win.

"It was good to see Terry Cohen produce a fine midfield performance that was rewarded with two well taken goals."

With the exception of Alan Hanlon, Erith Town have a full squad to pick from against the Sussex County League opposition.

Meanwhile, O'Sullivan admitted their reserve team is the hardest team at the club to run.

He added: "The reserves continue to build on their previous week's win, with a 3-1 win over Hastings United.

"To me this is the hardest team in the club to run, with a settled side throughout the season near on impossible due to the demands of the first team.

"They have started well with positive attitudes from the players.  We have no fear in taking any of these players when the situation demands if they are producing the goods.

And the club are laying the foundations to provide under eighteen football in this season's Kent Youth League.

O'Sullivan said: "We are beginning to put the foundations down for the club with an under 18 team running in the Kent Youth League for the first time in the coming season.

"This will enable us to produce players for the future.  Already youth team players have gained experience playing in the reserve and first team games.

"This can only be good for their future development."

Erith Town vs Steyning Town
Saturday 4 September 2004
FA Cup Preliminary Round
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Erith Sports Centre, Avenue Road, Erith