No doubt we will be back to form sooner rather than later, says Kent Football United manager Ennio Gonnella

KENT FOOTBALL United manager Ennio Gonnella says he is confident his side can get out of their temporary blip tomorrow.

 

The Dartford based outfit are in tenth-place in the Southern Counties East Football League First Division table, having collected four wins and a draw from their opening 10 league games.

Kent Football United go into the FA Vase Second Qualifying Round tie against AFC Varndeanians on the end of back-to-back defeats, losing 4-0 at newly-promoted side Faversham Strike Force and 2-0 at home to Forest Hill Park last weekend.

AFC Varndeanians play one level higher but are at the foot of the Southern Combination League Premier Division table, having collected a point from their opening 11 league games.

AFC Varndeanians also play at Withdean Stadium, the former home of Brighton & Hove Albion.

“Last Saturday was nowhere near good enough,” admitted the former FC Elmstead boss.

“Not much to say apart from full credit to Forest Hill, they bossed us for 90 minutes.

“Our boys were nowhere near their best and know that more is needed to win football matches.

“However, we must pay credit to (Forest Hill Park manager) Darrell Queeley and his Forest Hill team for a perfect performance and a well-deserved victory.

“For us our form of late has not been good enough at all! From the second half at Lydd we have been off the pace, almost like a switch being turned off.

“We have a very talented side and for us now we need to kick on and work hard, be brave and let their quality shine.  I’m confident that this is a temporary blip.

“The lads trained well this week.  The atmosphere has been positive and enjoyable and with the added additions no doubt we will be back to form sooner rather than later.”

Kent Football United get their FA Vase campaign underway against higher-league opposition but a side that haven’t won any 12 games in all competitions this season.

“Tomorrow is a break from league action and a chance to enjoy The FA Vase.  A visit to another ground none of us have been to before, which is always exciting,” said Gonnella.

“With regards to knowing AFC Varndeanians, we don’t in truth. I have had a look at various games online and their league standing, but this is cup football so anything can happen.

“What looks like two out-of-form teams that may need a good result tomorrow to potentially kick-start their seasons.

“We look forward to a very tough test that’s for sure.  However, I feel in this last week we are ready for the challenges ahead.”

Meanwhile, Gonnella has signed Ike Javlon Campbell, Callum Dawes, Ike Robertson and Marc Powell ahead of the game.

AFC Varndeanians  v  Kent Football United
The Buildbase FA Vase Second Qualifying Round
Saturday 25 September 2021
Kick Off 2:00pm
at Withdean Stadium, Togdean Avenue, Brighton, West Sussex BN1 5JD