We have a very tough opposition ahead of us, new management, an influx of new players which breeds new energy within a club so we are fully aware of the task we face, says Holmesdale boss Lee Roots

HOLMESDALE manager Lee Roots says he’s expecting his side to stamp their identity on their Oakley Road pitch in The FA Vase tomorrow.

 

The Bromley based outfit welcome their Southern Counties East Football League First Division rivals Kent Football United in the First Qualifying Round.

The Dalers are in eight-place in the table, having lost 4-2 at fellow big-hitters Kennington on the opening day of the season, before bouncing back and beating Lydd Town 5-2 at Oakley Road last season.

Their Dartford based opponents, jointly-managed by the father and son partnership of Lloyd and James Bradley, are second-from-bottom in the table, having lost their opening two games to Rusthall (5-1) and Greenways (2-1).

“To be fair we are delighted with the start of the season.  Our performances over both games have been excellent, just with different results,” said Roots.

“The opening day was tough for us as we played very well on the day but were on the other hand of some very questionable referee decisions, losing our captain a minute into the second half, questionable penalties etc, all in a game that was evenly balanced.

“However, you dust yourself down and go again in those situations and that’s exactly what we did in the following game.

“Consistency was very important and prominent for us last season and will continue to remain this season.  We will get better as each game goes as we strive towards our aims and goals this year.”

Holmesdale were involved in an exciting title race last season, while Kent Football United were rooted to the foot of the table, so Holmesdale go into tomorrow’s game as favourites.

“Tomorrow marks the start of The FA Vase competition for all clubs and we are very much looking forward to the game and being able to host it back at Oakley Road,” said Roots.

“We had two excellent FA Vase days last year at home and we will look to go and do the same this year.

“We have a very tough opposition ahead of us, new management, an influx of new players which breeds new energy within a club so we are fully aware of the task we face.

“We have done our homework, watched the opposition but the most important aspect will be to focus purely on ourselves going into the game.

“We take no one for granted in our approaches and we look forward to going out and performing and stamping our identity on our home turf.”

Nad Nwitua hasn’t played a competitive fixture this season, having picked up a three-match ban before lockdown.

Roots said: “We have an excellent squad available to select from. It marks the last game of Nad’s suspension, who unfortunately had to start the season with a three-match ban following a red card on the last day of the season back in March.

“Apart from that I have a full squad to select from and will expect and demand the same level of performances we have been getting, with the right outcome.”

When asked about Holmesdale’s aspirations for the season, Roots replied:
“Our season aims are quite simple, to pick off and carry on the work we started last season.

“I want to improve, to elevate the squad and club from where we already were last year and finish the job we started in regards to win promotion for this club.  The club is more than ready for that on-and-off-the-pitch.

Roots is looking forward to welcoming fans of their National League neighbours Bromley, who are currently unable to watch pre-season fixtures at Hayes Lane.

He said: “I have never seen our home ground looking so fresh and tidy.

“It’s created a great buzz with the fans at last week’s game and we know as a club we are ready now to make those jumps up the levels within the league.

“That takes serious levels of hard work from everyone and we ill go about our work on the pitch very diligently and quietly, until it’s done.

“I would warmly like to invite everyone to Oakley Road tomorrow to come and see the game and come and support the Dalers.  We thank you for the great support we have had to far and let’s carry that on tomorrow.”

Visit Holmesdale’s website:  https://holmesdalefconline.wordpress.com/

Holmesdale  v  Kent Football United
The Buildbase FA Vase First Qualifying Round
Saturday 19 September 2020
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Oakley Road, Bromley, Kent BR2 8HQ