I believe we are in a mini league with the other sides in the bottom half of this division and our expectation is to finish as high as possible, says Lewisham Borough joint-boss Sean Jarvie

LEWISHAM BOROUGH joint-player-manager Sean Jarvie says his side must cut out mistakes if they are to climb the league table.

The club remain in the bottom three in the Southern Counties East Football League First Division table having collected 14 points from 19 games.

They are a couple of points adrift of the team immediately above them in the shape of Sutton Athletic and one point above Gravesham Borough and five clear of basement side Crockenhill.

Lewisham Borough thrashed Crockenhill 4-0 at home but followed that up with heavy away defeats to Fisher (1-4) and Bridon Ropes (1-5).

Reflecting on their Boxing Day defeat at Charlton-based Bridon Ropes, Jarvie said: “This game came two days after our loss to Fisher and for some of our players it came too soon to recover from injury and fatigue as we had to play most of the second half with ten men. We also had a number of players away due to family commitments over the festive period. 

“This gave me an opportunity to play some of our impressive under 18s squad and in reflection I think they and the rest of the team played well against as well organised Bridon Ropes side. 

“Unfortunately, as has happened in a number of games this season a combination of player errors and decisions from the officials cost us dearly in the game. But as I said to the players after the game we have to learn to deal with situations better during the game and manage our emotions. 

“I did feel that there were spells in the game where we forced Bridon to sit deep and we played some good football. Unfortunately, at this level mistakes get punished and that caught out some of our players a few times and allowed the opponent to counter attack us. 

“In summary, myself and Tim (Moffatt) know we have the very good squad and we also believe that the players have the ability to match most teams in this league. We must cut out some of the silly mistakes and also learn to take our opportunity to score when the chance presents itself.”

Lewisham Borough are next in action on Saturday 6 January 2018 when second-placed Punjab United visit the Ladywell Arena. 

“In terms of our current league position I feel it's currently lower than our expectations but we do have a game or two in hand,” said Jarvie.

“I believe we are in a mini league with the other sides in the bottom half of this division and our expectation is to finish as high as possible as we know some clubs have massive playing budgets compared to us.

“We have a week off now and that allows myself and Tim to give our players a much-needed rest and to also work on a few things tactically in training when the players return in the New Year.” 

Lewisham Borough’s leading goalscorer Jay Jones has scored 14 goals this season.