I don't think there are any easy games in this league nowadays, it seems to have got more challenging year on year to be honest, says Canterbury City boss Ben Smith

CANTERBURY CITY manager Ben Smith says he is not expecting an easy home game against Crowborough Athletic tomorrow.

Canterbury City are in 12^th place in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table with 22 points from 14 games, while Sean Muggeridge’s side are in the top eight with 22 points from 14 games.

“I don't think there are any easy games in this league nowadays, it seems to have got more challenging year on year to be honest,” said Smith, ahead of the Salters Lane clash.

“Obviously, it has been well documented that Crowborough don't have the massive budget anymore but Sean Muggeridge is a good manager and has stabilised things very quickly following a difficult start to the season.

“There's not been enough credit given out over the years in this league for potentially the more difficult achievements and I'm sure he will feel that he's probably doing a better job now than he has previously there, which is mad considering they've been up there challenging consistently, I’m full of respect for him.”

Canterbury City came away from Corinthian with a 4-2 extra-time win over highflying Corinthian in The Buildbase FA Vase last weekend, despite playing with 10 men from the 48^th minute after centre-half Liam Quinn was controversially sent-off for calling the assistant referee a clown. 

Canterbury City then beat K Sports 1-0 in the Challenge Cup in midweek.

“For us, our good start is gone now and we feel that we are back in the position with a point to prove,” said Smith.

“I don't feel that we have done a lot wrong in the games we have lost in the league recently and, like most managers, have quite a few hard luck stories from the games but it's important that we don't dwell on them and start creating our own luck.

“We seem to be getting a more settled side again with players back from injuries so it’s important that we get back on another run and sneak up the table.

“Our form in the cups gives us belief and momentum that we now have to carry on.

“We have had two games in a week go to extra time so we have shown that we have strong character in the squad, not ideal situation but on the flip side we have been able to get minutes into a lot of players.

“We made nine changes on Tuesday night and came through the tie without really performing that well and in previous seasons we would not have been able to do that so we are progressing and growing as a squad and club.”

Visit Canterbury City’s website:  www.canterburycityfc.net

Canterbury City  v  Crowborough Athletic
Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division
Saturday 10 November 2018
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Salters Lane, Faversham, Kent ME13 8ND