Do not rule us out of the running for Kent League title, says Robbins

TUNBRIDGE WELLS boss Mike Robbins says his side’s next two games will make-or-break his season, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Culverden Stadium outfit have slipped down to sixth place in the Bulmers Cider Kent League table with 39 points from 21 games.

Tomorrow, Robbins takes his side to league leaders Hythe Town, before travelling up the A21 to tackle second-placed outfit Holmesdale, who are just one point behind Paul Fisk’s side, on Tuesday night.

Disappointed after a midweek defeat to Norton Sports, Robbins defies those voices that are writing off his side for the Kent League title - they are eleven points off the pace.

“It’s not over until it is mathematically impossible for us to win the title,” he told www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk.

“The ebb and flow of this league changes almost weekly - results against Hythe and or Holmesdale could change it yet again.

“We have possibly been punching about our weight all season, but we’ll keep pushing on and see what we can achieve. Until first place is out of reach, that’s our target - same as any other side - we’ll keep going.

“We have some big games left - possibly none more so than the next two. There are plenty of points still to be won.

“Our first target is to get past 40 points, then we’ll immediately aim for 50 and then 60. Above 60 points would be a satisfactory outcome this season. I also expect from my troops a minimum of seven wins between now and the end of the season.”

Robbins added he will make changes for the visit to Reachfields Stadium tomorrow - a game where supporters of both sides can watch the action for just £1 each.

“We’ve stuck with the same side, who have taken us on a three-game unbeaten run before the visit to Norton, but some of the players were starting to look tired. We’ll be freshening things up for Saturday,” he said.

“The boys will have nothing to lose. They are not the favourites to win the game. All we can do is prepare for this encounter, it will be up to them to draw on their character on Saturday and pull a result out of the bag.

“They have all shown they have what’s needed. Character could be a great leveller here, and this could be a very evenly matched game - but the lads need to turn up on Saturday with the right attitude and desire.”

Meanwhile, midfielder Brad Mortimer has returned to the club. The live-wire originally spent three years with the club during his last spell, after initially joining from local rivals Sevenoaks Town, but he has been working hard on his fitness in training during recent weeks.

First team assistant manager Martin Larkin, added, “He will be working hard to try and force his way into the first team.”

Article courtesy of www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk

Hythe Town v Tunbridge Wells
Bulmers Cider Kent League
Saturday 7^th March 2009
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Reachfields Stadium, Fort Road, Hythe, Kent