I know we are probably in for our toughest test so far this season against Horley Town, says Erith & Belvedere boss Luke Coleman

ERITH & BELVEDERE boss Luke Coleman says he is anticipating a very tough test against Horley Town tomorrow.

The two sides lock horns in The FA Vase First Round at Park View Road.

Erith & Belvedere go into the game sitting in seventh-place in the Southern Counties East Football League First Division table, with a playing record of five wins, three draws and three defeats and they are 10 points adrift of leaders K Sports and Punjab United.

Horley Town arrive in Welling sitting in third-place in the Combined Counties League Premier Division table – one level higher than the Deres – with a playing record of eight wins from their opening 12 league outings.

“In regards to our task tomorrow against Horley Town, I am anticipating it will be a very tough test,” said Coleman.

“Since we drew them, I have kept one eye on their results and seen that they have not lost in their last 10 before last Saturday, winning most.

“By anybody standards that’s impressive and therefore I know we are probably in for our toughest test so far this season.

“However, I have told all the boys that it is an opportunity to take the club to another stage in which it hasn't been for a few years.

“The boys know that the minimum they will need to give is 100% otherwise we will not be in the next round. I always thought as a player that in games like this it is important to play our way and impose ourselves on the game.

“In my eyes we are the home team and like any cup tie you can't go out to do any less than win. We need to be switched on against a decent side but we must also have no fear.”

Coleman believes his side – relegated alongside Fisher last season – should be doing better in the First Division.

“Reflecting on our season so far, it has been generally pleasing although we are not quite where we want to be in the league,” admitted Coleman.

“We have slipped back by a few points due to inconsistency and the boys know that the mark of a good team is grinding out results perhaps when you are not playing well.  I think at this level this is what is important.

“In our league K Sports and Punjab are doing exactly that and they are the top two. They are consistent and that is what gets you looking down not up.

“I think for us we are rebuilding this year because a lot of boys left and a lot of new players came in.

“Also the infrastructure of things at the club is changing which I think is equally important. There’s no point always trying to run before you can walk. Whilst I am happy with how things have gone generally as I say won the pitch we need consistency.”

Erith & Belvedere thrashed AFC Croydon Athletic 6-1 in the Kent Reliance Senior Trophy First Round last Saturday.

Coleman said: “We raised a lot of eyebrows by beating AFC Croydon Athletic 6-1 away. I think people probably saw that fixture and thought that it was likely to be a very difficult day for us given they have done well in the league above. However, that is what we are capable of when our application is first class and play to our capabilities.

“I don't think the scoreline in honesty flattered us and performance wise was probably our best this year. However, we have won a few games this season by cricket scores but being a manager now I would prefer to win 1-0 every week.

“I think if we replicate our levels last week we will do ok tomorrow but that’s the challenge.”

Visit Erith & Belvedere’s website:  www.erithandbelvedere.co.uk

Erith & Belvedere  v  Horley Town
The Buildbase FA Vase First Round
Saturday 21^st October 2017
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Park View Road, Welling, Kent DA16 1SY