The FA Cup is a great competition, one we will never win but it can work out well financially for the club the further we get, says table-topping Erith & Belvedere joint-manager Marlon Patterson

ERITH & BELVEDERE joint-manager Marlon Patterson says his side has worked tooth and nail to rise to the summit of the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table after four games.

The Deres, who are jointly managed by Danny Murphy and Patterson, have beaten Hollands & Blair (3-1), Tower Hamlets (5-1), K Sports (3-1) and came away from Erith Town with a 2-0 win on Wednesday night to move two points clear of Sheppey United at the top of the table.

“Erith Town are a seasoned side within this league and are always hard to beat.  They have an experienced management who know the league very well.  We worked really hard to get the win,” said Patterson.

“It’s very much early, however, this is our first time as managers in senior football where we are able to say ‘we are top of the league.’

“The boys have thought tooth and nail in every game and have got what they deserved.  We will enjoy moments like this but take every game as it comes.”

Erith & Belvedere pulled off a FA Cup giant-killing act by sending Tooting & Mitcham United crashing out in the Extra Preliminary Round.

A 1-1 draw was followed by an extra-time 3-1 home win for Erith & Belvedere in the replay and their reward is a home tie against AFC Croydon Athletic on Sunday, kicking-off at 16:00.

“Selfishly, I wish this competition didn’t exist right now due to our form in the league.  However, personally, I have had some great times in this competition playing against Leeds United and Swansea City, to name a few and those memories will stay with me forever,” added Patterson.

“We entertain a good side in AFC Croydon Athletic and will try to progress to the next round.

“The FA Cup is a great competition, one we will never win but it can work out well financially for the club the further we get.

“We will continue to work hard and have fun doing it.”

Kevin Rayners side switched from the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division and are now playing in the Combined Counties League Premier Division South.

However, they are presently in the bottom five having collected one point from their opening four games.

The Rams were held to a 1-1 opening day draw at home to Cobham, before they beat Crowborough Athletic 3-1 at the first stage of The FA Cup.

But defeats have followed by losing to Horley Town (3-2), Guildford City (4-2) and a heavy 5-0 defeat at home to Redhill on Tuesday night.

Erith & Belvedere  v  AFC Croydon Athletic
The Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round
Sunday 22 August 2021
Kick Off 4:00pm
at Park View Road, Welling, Kent DA16 1SY