26thjuly05

Tuesday 26th July 2005

Sevenoaks frustrated with delays

The general manager at Kentish Observer League side Sevenoaks Town admits he is feeling "frustrated" with the delay getting their Greatness Park ground ready in time for their pre-season friendlies, writes Stephen McCartney.

Sevenoaks secured a 1-0 victory over a Tonbridge Angels squad on Saturday before losing 2-0 to a strong Lewes side last night.

But on both occasions their clubhouse, which is a goal-kick away from their ground, remained closed due to summer improvements.

"It only seems like a couple of weeks have passed since signing off from season 2004-05 and we find ourselves really not having stopped at all," Graham Logsdon said.

"Frustration is the topical word from my point of view, mixed of course with optimism for the new challenges ahead.

"Frustration because once again we have had to work against time in terms of our pitch.

"The re-instatement materials were late arriving on top of a late finish to the season on our main pitch.

"And to cap it all the weather, whilst good for a tan has been no good at all for grass.

"Our water supply failed again and has only just been re-instated, so I find myself apologising again for the playing surface, albeit that our groundsman has worked tirelessly to try and get it right."

But Logsdon is confident their revamped clubhouse will be opened in time for their league campaign.

Sevenoaks start their season with a trip to last season's runners up, Herne Bay on Saturday, 13th August, and their first action on their ground is an FA Cup extra preliminary round tie against Chertsey Town seven days later.

"Our new clubhouse fit-out is not completed but is now only in need of paint in places and floor covering together with furnishings, and SKY television is on it's way on completion," he said.

"Now is not the time to extend gratitude and thanks to those who have again given up so much time and effort to give the club a home to be proud of - we will do that properly.

"In the interim I apologise for not being able to offer our visitors and supporters a proper drink in good surroundings.

"We still have to be given the appropriate certificate of approval, i.e. health and safety etc."

The team travel to Crockenhill on Saturday but host Ryman Premier League neighbours, Bromley on Tuesday 2nd August.

The Hayes Lane outfit have drawn their opening two friendlies, at Erith Town (1-1) and Ramsgate 2-2 and travel to Thamesmead Town tonight searching for their first win.

They then travel to Ashford Town on Saturday.