Kent Football United boss Ennio Gonnella: I questioned my players' mentality, as most teams that have played us this year will certainly agree it’s not for the lack of talent as we have it, but the mentality

KENT FOOTBALL UNITED boss Ennio Gonnella says he wants a reaction from his side at Fisher tomorrow.

The Dartford based club suffered a 6-2 home defeat to new Southern Counties East Football League First Division leaders Punjab United last Saturday, a result that keeps them in fifth-place in the table.

“Saturday’s game against Punjab was one for the neutral to enjoy,” said Gonnella.

“I was disappointed in a few of my players’ performances.  We started off really well with Ahmed Deen scoring twice and we were looking the better side all over the pitch.

“This didn’t last very long as massive mistakes cost us and allowed Punjab back in the game far too easily.

“Saying that, sometimes in football you have to accept that the team you’re facing is a good side and Punjab were certainly that! Organised, I thought Paul Lorraine was outstanding for them!

“We showed that for large periods of the first half we were better.  We got it down and played some nice football at times. Ahmed Deen was immense and a real leader for us, however, against good sides mistakes have to be at a minimum and there were far too many for us.

“After that it was hard to get back in to it, but credit where its due the last 20 minutes saw us grow again and we were very much in control and could’ve reduced the deficit by at least three if not for their keeper Lee Kidman pulling off some great saves.”

Gonnella takes his side to face Dean Harrison’s Fisher tomorrow, a side that are in third-place and one of thee clubs that are vying for the two promotion places.

He said: “We travel to Fisher, who are a great side with a good leader, it will no doubt be a tough game. 

“I questioned my players' mentality, as most teams that have played us this year will certainly agree it’s not for the lack of talent as we have it, but the mentality, that plays a big part when coming up against big sides in this league. 

“No disrespect but against the lesser sides that mentality can get you through, being stuck in first gear, tomorrow I’m expecting a reaction, it’s a nice pitch so there are no excuses.

“For the remainder of the season, this is a difficult one because I never give up on anything, but without going into much details, the players and I have been through a lot with the club this year and rightly so as Roy is starting the works off the pitch for the survival in this league. 

“Whatever has been thrown at us we have stuck together and the team are really a tight bunch.  I'm also not unrealistic and know that for us to finish in second place relies on us winning every game from now till the end and the top two dropping points. 

“The FA Cup and FA Vase is priority for us next season, keeping the lads together and building for next year.  We have come along way over the last two seasons but it’s not easy winning any league and especially not this year with at least five teams at the start of the season that could finish in the top two.

“I want my lads to keep winning football matches and enjoying it!”

Fisher  v  Kent Football United
Southern Counties East Football League First Division
Saturday 10 February 2018
Kick Off 3:00pm
at St Pauls Sports Ground, Salter Road, Rotherhithe, London SE16 6NT