John Wilfort and Ross Mitchell will put things right over the next two or three weeks, says Holmesdale chairman Mark Harris

HOLMESDALE chairman Mark Harris says it was a blow being knocked out of The FA Vase last night.

The Bromley based outfit were humbled by Kent Invicta League side Bridon Ropes, who came away from Oakley Road with a 3-1 win in the First Qualifying Round Replay.

Marcus Cassius’ thunderbolt which crashed in off the underside of the crossbar gave the Southern Counties East Football League hosts into the lead before Bridon Ropes’ manager Mark Murison, 31, came off the bench to play his first game in two years.

He scored twice and Nick Dunsdon – who scored the club’s first ever FA Vase goal in Saturday’s stalemate in Charlton – earned Bridon Ropes a trip to Erith Town in the next round on 3 October.

Holmesdale manager John Wilfort or his assistant Ross Mitchell declined a request for a post-match interview following the club’s defeat but Mr Harris said: “We’re very disappointed. Whilst it’s unlikely we’re going to win The FA Vase, it would be nice to advance in a few rounds and get some prize money but we weren’t good enough!

“We don’t budget to win prize money therefore it’s all bonus so we’re well funded. It’s not like we rely on it but it’s nice to have it. It goes into the kitty and helps us with ground improvements etc.

“It’s a blow that we can’t get a run going that gives the boys confidence to take into the league.”

Holmesdale defeated Mile Oak 2-0 to scoop £1,500 in prize money after winning in The FA Cup Preliminary Round, but were thrashed 10-1 at home to Ryman League Division One South side South Park in the next round.

Mr Harris claimed Wilfort’s side lacked desire against Bridon Ropes last night, despite taking a lead through Cassius and lost out on the £600 prize money.

“We had chances early on but didn’t take them and when we did take the lead they showed more desire,” said Mr Harris.

“We were undone by fairly simple football. It wasn’t that they were brilliant but they showed desire and spirit and we were lacking.

“Marcus Cassius scored a great goal, which is what he’s here to do. He missed a couple.

“There were mistakes all the way through the team and I think John and Ross will put that right over the next two or three weeks.”

Holmesdale sit in the bottom four in the table, albeit they have only played three league games and have claimed three points so far.

“We were well beaten by Greenwich Borough, but I expect them to beat a lot of sides, albeit they’ve had a few blips recently,” said Harris.

“I think we should have got something out of the Erith Town game and we beat Croydon, so I don’t think it’s been a bad start.

“We’ve only played three games, which means we’re down towards the bottom.

“Hopefully we’ll put it right on Saturday at home to Fisher and start climbing up the table.

“I expect us to come in that middle batch of teams somewhere between sixth and fifteenth, which is our range.  We’re not expecting to be in the top six but I think we need to challenge more.”

Fisher arrive sitting in fourteenth-place in the table, having collected one win and one draw from their five league outings.

Visit Holmesdale’s website:  www.pitchero.com/clubs/holmesdalefc

Holmesdale  v  Fisher
Southern Counties East Football League
Saturday 12^th September 2015
Kick Off 3:00pm
at 68 Oakley Road, Bromley, Kent BR2 8HQ