Bearsted boss Kevin Stevens: We’ve got a very good side and I don’t want to set any targets but we’re very confident of doing very well

BEARSTED manager Kevin Stevens says he’s feeling very confident that his side can do very well during their debut South East Counties East Football League campaign.

The club play in the village of Otham, which is around three miles from Bearsted and they claimed the Kent Invicta League title without a playing budget last season, beating big-spenders Sheppey United and Glebe to the crown.



TITLE WINNER: Bearsted manager Kevin Stevens
Photo: Bearsted FC

Bearsted join Sheppey United in the Premier Division this coming season and Stevens’ side got their pre-season campaign underway with a 2-1 home defeat to Ryman League Division One South side Hythe Town yesterday.

Bearsted took the lead with their only shot on target through Peter Williams’ 20^th minute penalty.

Hythe Town striker Frankie Sawyer hit the post from a penalty but it was his centre that was put into his own goal by Bears captain Andy Forster.

The Cannons won the game through Jack Mahoney’s 30-yarder which flew into the top right-hand corner past Bearsted keeper Scott Andrews, who pulled off a string of fine saves throughout the game.

Bearsted host Andreas Carter Sports Joma Kent County League Premier side Kennington on Tuesday night.

“We’ll have four of our normal players back so we won’t need the players that gave us a hand yesterday,” said Stevens, who was without central defenders Graeme Andrews and Rob Lyall yesterday.

“I’m looking forward to that one, having more of our squad available. It’s just about getting minutes in their legs. It’s all about the sixth of August when the season starts really. That’s what the friendlies are all about and what our training each week is all about.”

Bearsted’s rivals all kick-off their FA Cup campaigns on 6 August, although Fisher and Bearsted are not involved.

The only Southern Counties East Football League First Division clubs taking part in The FA Cup this season are relegated Holmesdale, Bridon Ropes, Gravesham Borough and Sporting Club Thamesmead (the artist formerly known as Seven Acre & Sidcup).

Bearsted will therefore play Glebe in the last ever Kent Invicta League Challenge Shield at Honey Lane on Saturday 6 August.

Glebe had to settle for a third-place finish last season which cost Simon Copley and Ian Varley their jobs.  The pair are now at Holmesdale while Adam Woodward is now Glebe’s new manager, assisted by former Bromley defender Sam Long and Eltham Palace’s Charlie McCarthy.

Glebe have won their opening two pre-season games beating Erith Town (3-0) and Chatham Town 3-1.

Stevens said: ”Glebe are under new management so I know their guy’s got a lot of good players come in. They’ve kept a few from last year.

“You want to win the Challenge Shield, it’s a lot more competitive than a friendly, but we’re looking forward to it.”

League fixtures won’t be published until around 22 July, but one other fixture Bearsted know about is who they will face on their FA Vase debut and that is Sussex side Pagham in the First Qualifying Round on Saturday 10 September.

Bearsted coach Michael Ward said: “The excitement on Thursday at our training session regarding the FA Vase draw on Friday has shown how far Bearsted have come in the past few years.

“The boys are looking forward to the challenge over the next nine months.”

Stevens, meanwhile, says he is looking forward to challenging the League’s big-boys, especially as his side won the League below without a playing budget.

“We’re looking forward to going to some nice grounds, some better grounds, no disrespect to the teams back in the Kent Invicta League, what was the Kent Invicta League,” said Stevens.

“We’re going to some nice grounds, playing some good teams, which will be nice to test ourselves against.

“I think we’ve got the capabilities within the squad to do well next year. 

“We know a lot of teams quite well. With our strength of getting Andy Irvine in to add more goals, we think we can put on a good show next year.

“There’s a few ground that have bigger crowds, which will be nice and playing in front of 200-300, testing yourself against the better sides, sides who have got money, a bit like last year with Glebe and Sheppey.

“We’ve got a flipping good side, a very good side and I don’t want to set any targets but we’re very confident of doing very well.”

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