It’s going to be about consistency so we have to make sure we start well and gain some confidence by getting that first three points on the board, says Glebe boss Gary Alexander

GLEBE manager Gary Alexander says the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division will be a tough division this term.

The 41-year-old has signed the likes of strikers Charlie MacDonald and Frankie Sawyer from Isthmian League South East Division sides VCD Athletic and Sevenoaks Town respectively this summer and there are other big named players at rival clubs too.

Former Gillingham, Ebbsfleet United and Havant & Waterlooville striker Danny Kedwell, 37, made his debut for Hollands & Blair in The FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round on Wednesday night, with his strike partner Matthew Gething stealing the headlines with a thirteenth-minute headed winner against Colliers Wood United.

Chatham Town have also signed former Dartford pair Andy Pugh and Ryan Hayes and Sheppey United’s goal-machine Dan Bradshaw has made the move too.

Sheppey United have signed Jack Midson, who has played for sides like AFC Wimbledon and was player-assistant under Sammy Moore at Leatherhead, Concord Rangers and Hemel Hempstead Town.

Glebe were knocked out of The FA Cup on Tuesday night after Whyteleafe put in a professional job to come away with a 3-1 win at Foxbury Avenue, with MacDonald touching home Jamie Philpot’s header following a corner to score a debut goal.

Glebe kick-off their new league campaign with a home game against K Sports tomorrow.

“Another massive game.  Every game in this league this season is going to be a tough game,” warned Alexander.

“There’s some quality players in it and you can’t underestimate any side whether it’s K Sports or Chatham.

“I think it’s going to be one of those leagues again when there will be results when you look at the results and go ‘cor, what’s happened there?’

“It’s going to be about consistency so we have to make sure we start well and gain some confidence by getting that first three points on the board.”

Alexander then takes his side to Beckenham Town next Tuesday, 8 September (19:45) for a much-anticipated derby at Eden Park Avenue.

Jason Huntley’s men were leading the league table for long stretches of last season but were denied promotion after The Football Association controversially called the league campaign null and void due to the coronavirus health pandemic. 

“It’s a local derby, Beckenham and Chislehurst is pretty close,” said Alexander.

“Beckenham want to redeem what happened last season, they feel they should’ve been promoted so obviously that’s going to be a motivation for them.

“It’s a local derby and we’re looking forward to it.  Every game is going to be tough in this league, whether it will be Beckenham or K Sports.  We have to make sure if we turn up, I feel we can compete against anyone.”

Glebe broke out of their hiatus by attracting a much-needed crowd of 232 against Harry Hudson’s Whyteleafe in midweek and chairman Rocky McMillan ensured fans went through the correct protocol and the clubs new ticketing system worked well.

“It’s fantastic. It’s just not fantastic for Glebe, it’s fantastic for people to get out and come and watch a game of football,” added Alexander.

“It’s been difficult at times. Those fans live and die by going to watch football.  There were youngsters and old people who live and die by watching football so it’s great to see people back out.

“The fans were spread around the ground and it’s great to see people back through the turnstiles.  We just have to hope that we can all stay safe and continue to play.”

Visit Glebe’s website:  www.pitchero.com/clubs/glebefc

Glebe  v  K Sports
Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division
Saturday 5 September 2020
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Foxbury Avenue, off Perry Street, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 6SD