We want to try and do as well as we can in The FA Vase, says Erith & Belvedere boss John Wilfort

ERITH & BELVEDERE manager John Wilfort says he wants his side to enter the big stage during The FA Vase this season.

Wilfort’s seventh game in charge of the club is a Second Round tie away to league rivals Canterbury City on Sunday afternoon.

The Deres travel to Homelands Stadium sitting in eighth-place in the Southern Counties East Football League table, having won six, drawn four and lost six of their league outings.

Canterbury City, meanwhile, are one place below them and Ben Smith’s side have won six, drawn two and lost seven.

“I’m looking forward to the game, trying to progress to the next round is the key,” said Wilfort.

Ashford United laid a 3G playing surface at Homelands Stadium and this will suit the way Wilfort’s sides like to play football.

“Well, I played on it this year when I managed Holmesdale and it’s no different for us than it is for them,” said Wilfort.

“It’s a nice surface. It should suit us the way we play. I haven’t got no problem with the surface.”

Deal Town won The FA Vase in 2000 and Tunbridge Wells were runners-up to big-spending Spennymoor Town in 2013.

“Look, having a run in this cup is important. It brings revenue for the club and it’s also important to get a little bit closer to that big stage,” said Wilfort.

“It’s good for the players, good for team spirit. It’s a good competition and all the while we’re still in it, we want to try and do as well as we can.

“Yes it is (dominated by northern clubs), but listen, anything can happen.  Obviously you need a bit of luck along the way, I understand that, but we’re just going to go there with a game plan and if the players stick to their jobs, then who knows, we’ve got a good chance.”

Wilfort quit league rivals Holmesdale on 15 October to take over Erith & Belvedere the following day.

“It’s been difficult coming in because lots of players have left, loads of players have come in,” said Wilfort.

“I lost my striker Alfie Nunn to Fisher, who when I spoke to him, they offered him a deal he couldn’t turn down, which is fair enough.  I’ve been in football a long time. I understand. I know how it works so I accept it and wish him the best.

“What happened was I was happy at Holmesdale, nothing wrong with Holmesdale and I was really enjoying it there.

“But an opportunity came up and I was asked and I didn’t want to turn it down.  I had some really good memories at this football club (Erith & Belvedere) and they’re a place in my heart and I couldn’t refuse it.

“They’re a big club and I thought I’d jump at the opportunity, why not? Playing there and winning the double there, it would be nice to manage there and I’m so happy I took up the opportunity.”

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

Canterbury City  v  Erith & Belvedere
The FA Vase Second Round
Sunday 22^nd November 2015
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Homelands Stadium, Ashford Road, Kingsnorth, Ashford, Kent TN26 1NJ