It's been a tough start, which we expected, admits Lordswood boss Neil Hunter

LORDSWOOD manager Neil Hunter admits he was expecting a tough start to his managerial career at the club.

The club are sitting at the foot of the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table after losing to Tunbridge Wells (5-0) and Corinthian (2-1).

The club also lost in The FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round, losing 3-2 at home to Hanworth Villa on opening night (1 September).

“Reflecting on our first three games, it’s been a tough start, which we expected,” admitted Hunter, whose last two jobs were coaching roles at Punjab United and Fisher.

“We’ve played three good sides and being a very new squad, which we all know is going to take time to gel.

“I’m learning as a manager every day as different scenarios come up on a daily basis, which I’ve never had to deal with, so that’s an enjoyable challenge for myself.”

Reflecting on their FA Cup exit at the first hurdle, Hunter said:
“The FA Cup game was a tough start but we showed a lot of character to stay in the game.

“We rode our luck in the first half a bit but got stronger as the game went on and actually got better when we went down to 10 men an could have nicked a draw.

“The Tunbridge Wells game was a different story. We just didn’t turn up on that day and got what we deserved.

“Corinthian on Tuesday was a different story as we changed a few things and we caused Corinthian a lot of problems and probably deserved a point at least.

“We missed a few chances on the night, which on another day would have went in.

“Obviously, we played Michael Golding’s side on the back of their Vase loss but they are a very good side, who I know will be fighting it out at the top this season.”

Hunter is looking to grab his first victory of the season at AFC Croydon Athletic tomorrow.

Kevin Rayner’s side were also knocked out of The FA Cup at the first hurdle, losing 3-0 at home to Sutton Common Rovers.

They opened their league campaign with a 4-0 defeat at Punjab United but claimed their first point of the season by claiming a 1-1 draw at home to Erith & Belvedere in midweek.

“Tomorrow’s game will be another tough game as it’s not an easy place to go and get a result,” said Hunter.

“We will take the confidence from the Corinthian game into tomorrow’s game and look to get something out of the game and we will certainly go there with no fear whatsoever, like we attack ever game.

“I have a fantastic dressing room and we’ve become very tight nit in the eight weeks or so that we’ve been together.

“I have a great management team who work tirelessly behind the scenes and on matchdays.

“Michael Dodsworth is an absolute gem to have around, he’s great with the boys, as are all of my staff.

“As for the aspirations for the season, they are to get as many points as possible and to keep growing the team and club and make it an enjoyable club to play for.

“My board have been fantastic, putting no pressure on us whatsoever and they can see the amount of work that’s gone on behind the scenes to make the club as one.

“Overall, it’s something as a club we’re all up for the challenge.”

Visit Lordswood’s website: www.lordswoodfc.club

AFC Croydon Athletic  v  Lordswood
Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division
Saturday 12 September 2020
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Mayfield Stadium, Mayfield Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey CR7 6DN