I am hoping for a good, honest open game and hopefully promote two clubs in the local area in a positive light, says Orpington boss Byron Beard

ORPINGTON manager Byron Beard says he has cut short his holiday by a day so he can take charge of the club on Friday night.

Orpington make the short trip to Bromley to play debutants FC Elmstead on the opening night of the Kent Invicta League season.

A crowd of over 200 is expected at Oakley Road for the local derby in what is FC Elmstead’s first ever game at Step Six.

“I will be there now the missus has let me leave Tenerife early with her blessing,” said Beard, who took charge of the club in July 2014.

“Pre-season has been good with five wins and two losses.  I’ve seen a lot of players but I have managed to keep the majority of last year’s squad together, so games have been more about fitness than having to work on shape etc.”

Beard is expecting a cracking game against FC Elmstead.

He said: “It’s a great game to open the league with as there are personal ties with previous Orpington players now with Elmstead and myself and Marc Bentz (my assistant manager) knowing their management.

“I am hoping for a good, honest open game and hopefully promote two clubs in the local area in a positive light.

“I am expecting a lot of hard work and a game played in the right way as I know Danny (Wakeling) and the guys like to play football, similar to us!”

The O’s finished in the bottom six last season (in eleventh-place) and Beard is searching for improvement this time around.

“I’ve got a good team now behind me and we’re only looking to progress,” said Beard.

“I would like to finish as high as possible but to win this league you need consistency and be able to win on a windy, wet day away to Lydd!

“Hopefully the lads have progressed and that’s all I can ask for.”

Visit Orpington’s website: www.orpingtonfc.org.uk

FC Elmstead  v  Orpington
Kent Invicta League
Friday 7^th August 2015
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Oakley Road, Bromley, Kent BR2 8HQ