We go into the Colliers Wood game as underdogs but firmly believe if we play to our strengths we can advance into the next round, says Croydon boss Liam Giles

CROYDON manager Liam Giles says his side are relishing the underdogs tag for tomorrow’s FA Vase Second Qualifying Round tie against Colliers Wood United.

 

Croydon sit in the top eight in the Southern Counties East Football League First Division table, having collected seven points from their opening five league games and are seven points adrift of leaders FC Elmstead, who thrashed fourth-placed Lewisham Borough 4-1 at Lower Road on Wednesday night.

Colliers Wood United, meanwhile, play one level up and are in third-place in the Combined Counties League Premier Division table, with 11 points from their five league games and are four points adrift of leaders Ascot United.

“We are looking forward to Saturday’s game against Colliers Wood, who have made a good start to the season and we are expecting a very tough game,” said Giles.

“Having played in the Combined Counties League most of my playing days, I know they always possess real attacking quality and I expect no different tomorrow.

“We go into the game as underdogs but firmly believe if we play to our strengths we can advance into the next round.”

Giles has been rocked by injuries going into the Croydon Sports Arena clash but has made a couple of new signings ahead of the game.

“Our season hasn’t really got going the way we’ve wanted it to so far but I believe we will get better week by week with what is basically a new squad,” said Giles.

“We have worked hard to get a couple in this week as we have seven out with injury, which is always difficult when you don’t have a reserve team or an under 23s to call on.

“The FA Vase was always my favourite competition as a player as there is a real chance of reaching Wembley.  Hopefully we are in the hat come five o’clock on Saturday.”

Croydon  v  Colliers Wood United
The Buildbase FA Vase Second Qualifying Round
Saturday 14 September 2019
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Croydon Sports Arena, Albert Road, South Norwood, London SE25 4QL