Our aim for the remainder of the season is simple – win as many as possible and move far away as possible from the bottom group of the league, says FC Elmstead boss Ennio Gonnella

FC ELMSTEAD manager Ennio Gonnella says his side travel to highflying Bridon Ropes tomorrow full of confidence.

Gonnella has taken charge of three games, beating Lewisham Borough (3-0), drawing 2-2 at home to Sporting Club Thamesmead, before coming away from Foxbury Avenue with a 2-1 win at Stansfield last weekend.

“We go into tomorrow’s game full of confidence and unbeaten in four,” said Gonnella.

“It was a good win on Saturday. Last minute winners are always good if you’re on the right side of them.”

Bridon Ropes are in fifth-place in the Southern Counties East Football League First Division table, having banked 50 points from 24 games.  They are nine points behind leaders Welling Town with 10 games left to play.

FC Elmstead, meanwhile, are in twelfth-place in the table with 27 points from their 22 league outings and are eight points adrift of the bottom two, Rochester United and Meridian VP.

“Bridon have had a brilliant season so far and come in to tomorrow’s game also with a great result last week (a 4-2 home win over Welling Town),” said Gonnella.

“They are a talented side and the manager there is doing a great job.  It’s going to be a tough test, our toughest so far I believe since I’ve taken over, so I look forward to the test.

“We are slowly getting our injuries back now and have a large squad to pick from now, which gives me good headaches, if there’s such a thing.

“Dexter Babalola, Victor Okisor and Jamie Lawrence all return to the squad this week, along with a new signing on loan from Cray Valley.”

Gonnella revealed he is under no pressure from general manager Fabio Gonnella for the rest of the season.

“Our aim for the remainder of the season is simple – win as many as possible and move far away as possible from the bottom group of the league,” said Gonnella.

“There’s no pressure on the lads or me and my management, Fabio Rossi and the board realise and understand football. 

“We are looking to build on momentum, bring in and retain the right players to play our system, also with the right attitude to match that ability.

“I’ve got to say Fabio and his committee really have a good set-up and run their club with such passion.  They make my job easier where all I have to do is worry about what goes on, on the pitch.”

Bridon Ropes  v  FC Elmstead
Southern Counties East Football League First Division
Saturday 9 March 2019
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Meridian Sports & Social Club, Charlton Park Lane, Charlton, London SE7 8QS