We have to find the consistency to play to the levels we know we can will be key to whether we will be serious contenders for the title, says Croydon boss Liam Giles

CROYDON manager Liam Giles says he is expecting a physical encounter against Rochester United at Croydon Sports Arena tomorrow.

The Trams are sitting at the top of the Southern Counties East Football League First Division table, having collected five wins and a draw from their opening seven league outings.

Croydon are a couple of points clear of Stansfeld going into September and Giles’ men welcome Phil Miles’ Rochester United – a side that are in thirteenth-place, having picked up seven points from five games.

“I am expecting a very difficult game.  Rochester will be a physical side and will make things hard for us, I’m sure,” said Giles, whose side were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Kent Football United last Saturday.

“Looking back at last Saturday, it was a game of two halves. It was a disappointing first half from us and we never got going at all and found ourselves behind at half-time.

“We made a tactical change in the second half and looked much better and I believe we should have won the game.  A penalty miss and a late Tim Beckford chance could have got us the three points, however, looking back it could turn out to be a big point as Kent Football United will no doubt be in the mix for promotion.

“I believe we have started well, although it could have been better. The loss at home to Lydd being a very poor result for us.

“We need to earn the right in every game as there are no easy three points in this league, finding the consistency to play to the levels we know we can, will be key to whether we will be serious contenders for the title.

“Nothing was won in September, there’s a long way to go.

“It’s been great to see our supporters back, football is nothing without them at any level of football.  Hopefully, we can bring them the success they deserve this season.”

Croydon  v  Rochester United
Southern Counties East Football League First Division
Saturday 4 September 2021
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Croydon Sports Arena, Albert Road, South Norwood, London SE25 4QL