Unfortunately for us it’s not fifth spot that we are talking about – it’s a potential relegation battle, says Kent Football United boss Ennio Gonnella

KENT FOOTBALL UNITED manager Ennio Gonnella says his talented side have to start finding more consistency to avoid being involved in a relegation battle in the Southern Counties East Football League First Division.

The Dartford based side pulled off a shock 4-2 home win over leaders Sutton Athletic on Tuesday 8 February, but Kent Football United suffered a 3-1 defeat at Greenways last time out.

“Against Greenways was one of the most stressful games I have ever managed," said Gonnella.

“Coming on the back of some good results against Tooting Bec and Sutton Athletic, I thought this was the start of a little run.  However, it was the complete opposite!

“We didn’t start the game very well and found ourselves 2-0 down and then chasing the game, making it even harder. This has been the story of our season – consistency!”

Kris Browning has guided promoted side Larkfield & New Hythe to a position in the top eight, having collected 40 points from 23 games, seven points adrift of the play-off zone but with three games in hand on fifth-placed side Bridon Ropes.

Kent Football United, meanwhile, are in fourteenth-place in the pecking order with 28 points from 25 games, only two points clear of the drop zone.

“We go into a very tough match against Larkfield tomorrow.  They have been much more consistent than us this year and filled with experience all over the pitch,” said Gonnella.

“We have prepared well this week and have a full squad to pick from for the first time this year.

“I would like to welcome back Kyle Beckford after eight months out.  Kyle was with me at FC Elmstead and performed really well for me and when I stepped down he was also inspirational in the London Senior Trophy Final win for Fabio Rossi.

“We look forward to a tough test and we will give it our all.

“There are some really good sides at our level but more importantly they have consistency week-in-week-out and unfortunately for us it’s not fifth spot that we are talking about – it’s a potential relegation battle.

“We need to find some sort of consistent quickly!

“The talent and experience we have alongside promising youth should give us a better position in the table than what it reads now, but as we all know football is not that simple.

“This group of talented boys are good enough to turn this around and enjoy the remaining 13 games of the season.”

Larkfield & New Hythe v  Kent Football United
Southern Counties East Football League First Division
Saturday 26 February 2022
Kick Off 3:00pm
at 251a New Hythe Lane, Larkfield, Maidstone, Kent ME20 6PU