Hopefully the boys will be that little bit more relaxed and put in a good performance to progress through to the next round, says Bearsted boss Kevin Stevens

BEARSTED manager Kevin Stevens says his side have had a tough start to the season.

The Bears have climbed up to fourteenth-place in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table with four points from six games.

Stevens takes his side to play their league rivals AFC Croydon Athletic on Sunday in The Buildbase FA Vase First Qualifying Round.

“It's a nice break getting away from the league and the pressures of trying to win three points,” said Stevens.

“We played AFC Croydon Athletic a couple of weeks ago at Honey Lane which ended in a goalless draw. They've had some good results of late so are in good form. They are a decent side, always well organised so it will be a tough game.”

Bearsted won 3-1 at Rochester United in midweek, a result that keeps Rochester at the foot of the table with two points.

“After our win Wednesday night hopefully the boys will be that little bit more relaxed and put in a good performance to progress us through to the next round,” added Stevens.

“The win against Rochester United was fully deserved. The boys, as always, gave me everything. We had some good periods of play defended well especially with our three recognised centre backs missing and finally put some of our chances away.

“It's been a tough start to the season. We've played some decent sides, have been in every game but haven't been as clinical as our opponents in front of goal. That's cost us a few points but I'm confident that will continue to improve as it did against Rochester.

“Over the next week or so I've got some important players returning to the squad. We've had a lot missing these early games which hasn't helped with consistency. That will make selection a lot more difficult but a good problem to have.”

Visit Bearsted’s website: www.bearstedfc.co.uk

AFC Croydon Athletic  v  Bearsted
The Buildbase FA Vase First Qualifying Round
Sunday 10^th September 2017
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Mayfield Stadium, off Mayfield Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey CR7 6DN