After a great start to the season we have fallen away in the last month or so, says Snodland Town coach Dave Jeal

SNODLAND TOWN coach Dave Jeal admits his side have fallen away in recent weeks.

The newly-promoted club have slipped down the Southern Counties East Football League First Division table and go into Saturday’s home game against Rochester United sitting in ninth-place on 23 points from 16 games.

Snodland’s game at Eltham Palace last weekend was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Foxbury Avenue, a ground that they suffered a 4-0 defeat to Glebe on 5 November.

“Although Glebe are a decent side and we had lost our previous three games we started the game well,” recalled Jeal.

“However, we found ourselves 2-0 down after about 20 minutes but both goals were offside and as the decision didn’t come we just stopped!

“We won a penalty, which gave us a great chance to get back into the game.  Dave Sherwood failed to score which summed up our luck and we went in at half-time two down.

“We came out brightly for the second half, kept the ball better but failed to create any clear-cut chances.  Glebe caught us on the break and the game finished 4-0.”

Snodland have lost their last four games in all competitions going into Saturday’s home clash against third-bottom Gravesham Borough, who have suffered back-to-back defeats.

“We play Gravesham Borough, who like us have been struggling in recent weeks to find a win,” said Jeal.

“We played them earlier in the season and drew 1-1, which was a fair result, so we are expecting a really good game.

“We have three out suspended and a few out injured so the squad is being stretched to the limit.

“Aaron Chiles is back after a few weeks out and Jake Clifford is now fully fit following injury, both are a boost to the squad.”

Jeal believes his side can turn the corner starting on Saturday.

He said: “After a great start to the season we have fallen away in the last month or so, as most teams are picking up points against each other, there’s only seven points between four and 11^th place so a win on Saturday and next Wednesday at K Sports should put us back in the mix.

“The group of lads we currently have are very talented, they play good football and have a  great attitude towards the game and in training.  In recent weeks’ we have been working with some professional coaches, which they have really enjoyed.  Hopefully their hard work will pay off, starting with three points on Saturday!”

Snodland Town  v  Gravesham Borough
Southern Counties East Football League First Division
Saturday 19^th November 2016
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Potyn's Sports Field, Paddlesworth Road, Snodland, Kent ME6 5DP