It's a massive privilege to be hosting Gillingham, says Erith & Belvedere boss Micky Collins

ERITH & BELVEDERE manager Micky Collins says there is a big buzz of anticipation ahead of Gillingham’s visit to the Kent League club on Tuesday night, writes Stephen McCartney.



Andy Hessenthaler’s side are doing a nine-game roadshow around the county this summer as the former Dover Athletic boss prepares his squad for League Two football.

The Gills began their pre-season campaign with a comfortable 3-0 win at Kent Invicta League side Ashford United last Wednesday, but they suffered a 2-1 defeat at Blue Square Bet South side Bromley at the weekend, as two goals from former Tonbridge Angels midfielder, Rory Hill, gave Mark Goldberg’s side victory at Hayes Lane.

And Collins is looking forward to Tuesday’s clash at Park View Road.

“We start our pre-season games with a fantastic fixture at home against Gillingham,” he said.

“It’s a massive privilege for a club at our level to entertain a League side.  I have to say a big thank you to my good pal Andy Hessenthaler for bringing a first team up to play us on Tuesday.”

Collins, who guided the club to fifth place in the Kent League last season, with 22 points out of the last 24, added: “Games of this stature are a massive boost to clubs at our level not just financially, but also there is a big buzz around the place in anticipation.”

Collins has strengthened his squad by bringing in Marcus Elliott from Redhill, midfield enforcer Lee Morgan from local rivals Erith Town and striker Andy Constable has dropped down one division, having signed from Ryman League Division One North outfit Thamesmead Town.

Collins added: “We have managed to keep together the nucleus of the squad that ended the season in good form and a couple of others, hopefully, will be signed next week.”

Meanwhile, the club have been handed home draws in the FA Cup and FA Vase against St Francis Rangers and Tunbridge Wells.

“That will be two tough games, but it’s always nice to get a home draw and we will look forward to both of these games,” said Collins.

Home officials would like to remind supporters that the game kick-off’s off at 7:30pm and to arrive early at the ground to avoid congestion at the turnstiles.

Visit Erith & Belvedere’s website: www.erithandbelvederefc.co.uk

Erith & Belvedere  v  Gillingham
Pre-Season Friendly
Tuesday 12^th July 2011
Kick Off 7:30pm
at Park View Road, Welling, Kent DA16 1SY