It’s been a promising first season for the club at its highest ever level, says Greenwich Borough boss Gary Alexander

GREENWICH BOROUGH manager Gary Alexander says his side are underdogs going into their Ryman League Division One South Play-Off Semi-Final on Tuesday night.

A 4-0 home win over fourth-from-bottom finishers Guernsey at the weekend ensure Alexander’s men will have that all-important home advantage going into the club’s biggest game after finishing in third-place.



HIGHEST FINISH: Former Millwall ace Gary Alexander has guided Greenwich Borough to their highest ever finish - third in the Ryman League Division One South in their debut campaign at that level.
Photo: Greenwich Borough FC

Corinthian-Casuals finished their 46-game campaign in fourth-place in the table with 93 points, a couple behind third-placed finishers Greenwich Borough.

Tooting & Mitcham United clinched the league title on the last day of the season, despite losing 1-0 away to Dorking Wanderers.

Both sides finished on 105 points, but Tooting & Mitcham United’s goal difference was six better than Dorking Wanderers, who finished second for a second season running.

Dorking Wanderers, who lost to Faversham Town in the Play-Off Semi-Finals last season, will host fifth-placed Hastings United on Tuesday.

“Saturday’s game was a performance we had hoped for, having plenty of possession and scoring four goals without reply,” said Alexander.

“I couldn’t have asked for any more before a semi-final needing a point to play at home.”

Greenwich Borough celebrated winning the Southern Counties East Football League title last season and Alexander is delighted with his side’s Ryman League debut campaign.

“The boys have been fantastic all season and delivered that in style finishing third with a tally of 95 points,” he said.

“I’m not sure what you can say, if I’d been offered it at the start, I would’ve taken it so third place and 95 points in our Ryman debut season is very pleasing.  It’s been a promising first season for the club at its highest ever level.

“I credit everyone involved with Tooting & Mitcham winning the league. I have nothing but praise for Frank Wilson and their team to amass a tally of 105 points, I can only take my hat off to them.  Credit where credit’s due.

“The same goes for Dorking Wanderers on their tally and to lose the title on goal-difference shows what an incredible season we have just witnessed in the Ryman South.”

Corinthian-Casuals have enjoyed their highest ever finish ever since playing Ryman League First Division football back in August 2002.

“Corinthian-Casuals, again, I’d like to say well done on a tally that sees them finish fourth and on occasions has no doubt won leagues.

“They’re a good side with a top young manager doing a great job.

“Having played us twice and beaten us twice they’re huge favourites for this game with the form that they’re on. 

“It’s going to be tough but I’ve got a squad in the dressing room knowing their the only side to do a league double over us this year so they will be eager to put it right but as I said although we’re at home we start as underdogs having lost twice to them.

“They have some very talented individuals so I’m sure we are in for a fascinating, entertaining game.”

Play-offs are always nervy occasions which draw in larger crowds than league games and when asked about the worst case scenario of not winning promotion via the play-off’s, Alexander said: “What will be will be going in to these play-offs.

“Moving forward I only ever strive to improve so whatever the outcome, whatever league Greenwich Borough are playing in next season, I’ll have a tough job to get to more than 95 points but I certainly be setting my standards at that target for starters and improving our club season upon season.”

Corinthian-Casuals won their home game 2-0 on 17 December 2016 and came away from the DGS Marine Stadium with a 3-0 win on 11 March.

Admission prices have been confirmed at £10 (adults), £5 (concessions) and £1 (under 16s).

Visit Greenwich Borough’s website: http://www.greenwichboroughfc.co.uk/

Greenwich Borough  v  Corinthian-Casuals
Ryman League Division One South Play-Off Semi-Final
Tuesday 25^th April 2017
Kick Off 7:45pm
at DGS Marine Stadium, Middle Park Avenue, Eltham, London SE9 5HP