I will be happy if we can keep within the pack around Christmas, says Lordswood boss Jason Lillis

LORDSWOOD manager Jason Lillis says it’s nice that his side have reached The FA Vase First Round.

The club came away from Sussex with a 3-0 win over Southwick last weekend, courtesy of Craig Maguire and a brace from Jack Crump.

Their reward is a home tie against Knaphill on 1 November.

“It is nice to get through to the next round of The FA Vase because not only does it generate media attention, it is also good to get some money into the club,” said Lillis.

“With a home draw in the next round it will be nice to get a good crowd to support us.”

Reflecting on the game itself, Lillis said: “With weather conditions not the best and the pitch like a cow field, I could not expect the boys to try and get the ball down and play.

“We had to go a little route one just so we could get the ball into their final third.  It took a bit of time to get into our rhythm but as the game progressed we were dominant and probably with a bit more care we could have scored more goals.

“Jack Crump has done exceptionally well since moving into a forwards role and deserves all the accolades he is getting.”

Lordswood return to league action on Saturday when they welcome Lingfield to Martyn Grove.

Lillis’ side are in seventh-place in the Southern Counties East Football League table with five wins, three draws and four defeats, while Lingfield are seven places lower, having collected four wins and seven defeats from their 11 league outings.

Lillis’ side are thirteen points adrift of league leaders Erith & Belvedere and go into the game on a three match unbeaten run.

He said: “Three points are essential for us because it keeps us up with the pack.

“Lingfield seem to let in a lot of goals but score as many so we will have to be vigilant when defending but take our chances when they arise.

“I will be happy if we can keep within the pack around Christmas and New Year.

“With all the different disruptions with team selections we have done well and the boys have got a spring in their step at the moment so we need to keep our unbeaten run up.”

Visit Lordswood’s website: www.lordswoodfc.co.uk

Lordswood  v  Lingfield
Southern Counties East Football League
Saturday 11^th October 2014
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Martyn Grove, North Dane Way, Walderslade, Kent ME5 8YE