Soccer Shorts: Deal Town sign former Manchester City prospect

BROMLEY coach Hugo Langton admits their home game against Basingstoke Town last Saturday didn’t go to plan.

Mark Goldberg’s side suffered their first defeat in the Vanarama Conference South with a 3-0 defeat at Hayes Lane. 

Langton said: “Obviously last Saturday didn't go how we wanted it to, but give credit to Basingstoke as they were very decent on the day.

“Whilst they deserved their win, it wasn't a 3-0 win - that flattered them a bit!”

Bromley, now in seventh-place on six points from three games, travel to Boreham Wood tomorrow, before welcoming Maidenhead United to Hayes Lane on Monday afternoon.

“We've had two training sessions this week to think about things and how we want to approach two tough games this weekend,” said Langton.
 
“Boreham wood are a decent side. I know that's probably a normal thing to say before playing them out of respect, but they actually are!

“Ian Allinson has been building what he is after for a while now and the signs are showing perhaps he is now getting to where he wants to be. You don't go away from home and score six times if you're no good!

“Maidenhead too have really strengthened and again they went out and put four past Bishop’s Stortford, which is no mean feat.

“But we've just got to focus on ourselves, go and do our best, and what will be will be.”

CROCKENHILL manager Craig Clark says he is pleased with the team spirit within the camp.

The Crocks are in eighth-place in the Pain & Glory Sports Kent Invicta League table after picking up three points from two games.

Considering they went through last season with only one win to their name and taking some severe beatings along the way, Clark has improved matters on the field.

Reflecting on their 3-0 defeat at Bearsted last weekend, Clark said: “Experience was the difference.  We have a young squad which is good for the club but Bearsted had the more experienced players and an understanding of playing together.

“We have technically good players who are still learning to play together.”

Crockenhill travel to Thamesmead tomorrow to play Seven Acre & Sidcup, before the big local derby at home to Orpington at Wested Meadow on Monday.

Clark said: “For Saturday and Monday the clubs in a position we didn’t have last season.  With two games so close together I’m able to use our squad and the players coming into any game are technically as good as the players resting.

“We are still learning to work together but the spirit we have is as good as any I’ve experienced in 30 years that I’ve been involved in senior football so they should be two really entertaining games.”

DEAL TOWN manager Darren Anslow says he wants his side to build on their epic FA Cup win at Phoenix Sports.

The Kent coast club booked their place in the Preliminary Round and a home tie against lower-league side Chessington & Hook United on 30 August after beating Phoenix Sports 8-7 on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw after extra time.

But before they can look forward to their next Cup tie, Deal Town host Cray Valley at The Charles Sports Ground tomorrow, before travelling to Woodstock Sports on Monday afternoon.

Deal Town are fourth from bottom in the Southern Counties East Football League table after losing both of their opening league games.

“Looking forward to the weekend’s games and hopefully building on Wednesday’s Cup performance,” said Anslow.

“Two tough games for us with Cray Valley first on Saturday, where I’m looking forward to meeting some good friends.  Martin (Barnard) who was my assistant at Sevenoaks and Grossy (Paul Gross) and they will be looking to kick on after a good win in the week.

“Then we go on to Woodstock on Monday, who look to have improved this season.

“I’ve said before, especially this season, there are no easy games in this division but we just have to stay focused at Deal and continue with the job of building a side capable of being competitive in this division.

“The boys have worked their socks off for me in the week so hopefully we can keep moving in the right direction.”

Anslow has signed former Manchester City midfielder George King, 20, who will make his debut in tomorrow’s game.

He said: “We’ve also added to the squad this week, signing George King, who since leaving Manchester City a couple of years ago, has floated around Kent football and he will come into the squad over the weekend.

“I’ve also put in a seven-day approach on another player, who I believe will help strengthen the side.”

DULWICH HAMLET manager Gavin Rose hailed the quality of his players’ finishing which helped them beat newly-promoted Peacehaven & Telscombe 3-1 at Champion Hill on Tuesday night.

The Hamlet are in third-place in the Ryman Premier League table with 10 points from four games, two points behind leaders Maidstone United and second-placed Margate.

Rose said: “Our victory over Peacehaven, could easily gone the other way. With the opposition dominating the first half and were easily a match for us in the second half.

“Our goals were reliant on quality moves and strikes, which were nice to see, but our general performance will need to improve drastically in the coming games.”

Unbeaten Dulwich Hamlet welcome Lewes to Champion Hill tomorrow, before Rose takes his side to newly-promoted Leatherhead on Monday afternoon.

Rose said: “Lewes proved very tough opponents last season and from what we’re told they've strengthened their side this year, so we know this will be a hard game coming up on Saturday.

“Leatherhead is a fairly local derby which both sides are familiar with which each other.

“Having had a successful season last year they will be on a high with a winning mentality.”

EBBSFLEET UNITED manager Steve Brown says his side must adapt to difficult conditions at Whitehawk tomorrow.

The Fleet are in sixth-place in the Vanarama Conference South table with maximum points from their first two games.

Reflecting on their 1-0 win over Havant & Waterlooville at Stonebridge Road last weekend, Brown said: “The Havant result was one that I thought we deserved. We worked hard to deny Havant a clear goal scoring opportunity and we had a few chances to open the scoring and a cast iron penalty decision go against us.

“The goal that won the game was a first class strike from Daryl McMahon and I was pleased we backed the goal up with another clean sheet and the three points.”

Brown expects a tricky encounter in Brighton tomorrow.

“We have a difficult trip down to Whitehawk. They have been busy recruiting over the summer and some of the acquisitions couldn't have come cheap as they all have Conference Premier experience.

“The pitch is a difficult one to play on and we will have to be very competitive to come out of there with a result.

“They are of the back of a very good away win but they've already tripped up at home against Staines so we will go there and try to bag ourselves three points.”

Newly-promoted Wealdstone are the visitors’ to Stonebridge Road on Monday.

The Stones clinched the Ryman Premier League title last season and have started their campaign with three draws on the spin.

Brown said: “It will be a quick turnaround and two days later we will be at home to Wealdstone who have just come of the back of a wonderful season winning the Ryman Premier.

“They are a well organised side adjusting to life in the Vanarama South. We will be trying to extend our recent run of good form and of course looking to make it three straight clean sheets at home.

“We have a strong squad and with two games in three days it is likely that the starting line-up will be different from the one that takes to the field on Saturday.”

ELTHAM PALACE assistant manager Chris McCarthy says the club are heading in the right direction.

The Oxford Road based club lie in seventh-place in the Pain & Glory Sports Kent Invicta League table after collecting four points from their opening two games.
  
Chris said: “The season has started very well for the club, new mangers, new players, new training methods and most of all new belief and support from chairman Neil Proctor off-the-field that the club is heading in the right direction.

“Charlie (McCarthy) and I have put a squad of 18 players together with an average age of 21 so they have got a lot to learn very quickly to compete in the Kent Invicta League with the more established sides.

“We are away this Saturday against Orpington, who are managed now by Byron Beard who was a player at Beckenham Town when I was chairman there.  

“It will be nice to catch up and see how he's coping with being a manager instead of playing. He has had a tough start so I'm sure they will be looking to get there first three points to get there season started.

“On Monday we are at home to Seven Acre & Sidcup. That will be strange for them playing an away game at their former home ground.

“They are a settled side with aspirations of going up so I'm sure that will be a very tough test, and will show Charlie and myself how far we are from being a top half of the table side.”

McCarthy revealed that the club are looking to find a new ground.

He said: “Off the field Neil Proctor is working very hard on finances to get a new fixed home for the club so that within the next two years the club has a chance to progress higher in the leagues and play in the in the major competitions, the FA Cup and FA Vase

“Good things are happening at The Palace so let's hope we can carry on moving forward on and off the pitch to achieve our goals.”
 
GLEBE manager Rocky McMillan says the Kent Invicta League is improving after an exciting goal-less draw with Kent Football United on Tuesday night.

The Bromley-based club head the table for the first time in their history following their draw at Oakley Road, which puts the club at the summit with 7 points from 3 games.

“It was an exciting 0-0 draw with plenty of chances,” said McMillan.

“We were confident after two good wins but Kent Football United were keen and sharp.

“We had numerous chances to score but run into some outstanding keeping, but must say our finishing wasn’t top notch.

“We were very disappointed not to have won, but shows improvement from last season.

“The match was an excellent advert for an ever improving league and it was played in great spirit.”

Glebe have two games over the weekend. They travel to Bridon Ropes tomorrow before welcoming Lewisham Borough to Oakley Road on Monday afternoon.

McMillan said: “Both teams have new management teams in place, so probably pleased to meet them early in the season.

“We return to the same ground as last weekend, where we beat Meridian 3-1.  A very decent playing surface can be expected. 

“Bridon haven’t got a point yet, it’s very early season.  I’m always respectful of them so I’m sure it will be a tight game.  Hopefully we can come away with the points.”

The Glebe chairman added: “Our home pitch is fantastic at the moment, no doubt the league’s best playing surface.

“Again, Lewisham have new management and an indifferent start that they’ll be looking to rectify.

“We’ve enjoyed a decent start to the season taking seven points from a possible nine.

“It’s pleasing we’ve only conceded one goal, but we need to be more clinical in front of opponents’ goal.

“We need to build on the progress made from last season and hopefully can build on the points already gained early season.

“I’ve always said this club is a winning club. We will do our very best to improve from last year and I feel that if we can keep players’ from injury, we could enjoy a very good season.”

GRAVESHAM BOROUGH manager Grant Duff returns from his summer break away to lead his side towards their first league win of the new season.

The artist formerly known as Fleet Leisure have picked up one point from their opening two games and are in tenth-place in the Pain & Glory Sports Kent Invicta League table.

Gravesham Borough travel to Dartford tomorrow to play Kent Football United at their new home at the Glentworth Sports Club at Lowfield Road.

Duff, who was assistant manager last season, said: “The next two games against Kent Football and Rusthall are both going to be tough opposition.

“Kent Football United love to play the right way and encourage football from back to front.

“It will be a hard working game against Sam’s (Macneil) team.  I’m looking forward to the young manager clash!”

Rusthall – who have lost their opening two league games – arrive on Bank Holiday Monday.

Duff said: “Rusthall is always a tricky fixture at Jockey Farm and at our ground and last year both games were tight so Bank Holiday Monday will be an exciting fixture.

“We need four-six points from the next two games.  The players have trained fantastic with key players still missing through injuries.  We just need three points to get things rolling.”

HERNE BAY manager Sam Denly says he doesn’t want a repeat of his side’s poor first half showing against Three Bridges on Tuesday night.

Reflecting on their 3-2 defeat on the road, Denly said: “Our last game was frustrating. The game was lost in the first half going in 2-0 down at half-time.

“We addressed a few things at the interval and second half was much better.

“After getting back to 2-2 it only looked like there was going to be one winner but then Harry Brown’s sending off completely changed the game.

“I was disappointed not to get anything from it especially after getting ourselves back in the game but we must learn that you can’t put in poor performances like we did first half because if you do you will find it very hard to get results.

“But it was a much better second half and we’re looking to take that performance into Saturday when we play Walton & Hersham at home.”

The Bay are in seventh-place in the Ryman League Division One South table, having collected two wins, a draw and a defeat after four league outings.

“Again that will be another tough game but we have started the season well.

“We have a lot of injuries but I have signed Dan Parkinson on loan from Maidstone last night who will add a lot of quality to the squad and I’m hopeful another few lads will pass fit for the game tomorrow.

“Of course we also have the local derby on Monday against Faversham who have started well and looking strong.

“We’re taking each game as it comes first tomorrow then we’ll focus on Monday’s game.”

Looking ahead to their Bank Holiday Monday afternoon trip to Salters Lane, Denly said: “Monday’s game is good to be part of and the lads are looking forward to it but first and foremost we have an important home game against Walton & Hersham where we’ll be looking to continue our unbeaten home start to the season and get more points on the board.”

HOLLANDS & BLAIR manager Paul Piggott says his side face a tough couple of games over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Blair came away from Orpington with a 3-0 win last weekend, courtesy of a hat-trick from striker James McDonald.

The Gillingham based side lost top spot in the Pain & Glory Sports Kent Invicta League table after Glebe’s goal-less draw at home to Kent Football United in midweek.

Piggott said: “Last Saturday’s game at Orpington wasn’t the greatest on the eye and I’d probably go as far to say if you paid to watch I’d ask for my money back!

“But it’s about getting some momentum going at this stage of the season and not the performance.

“But when things are tight in that 90 minutes you need your team to defend well and take your chances and that probably was the difference on the day.”

Hollands & Blair welcome Bearsted to Star Meadow at Darland Avenue tomorrow, before travelling to newly-promoted side Sheppey United, who will be pushing last season’s league champions all the way this time out.

“I love these Bank Holiday weekends because it sorts the men from the boys with the two games in three days,” said Piggott.

“Six points puts your team in a good position but we’ve a tough couple of games with Bearsted and Sheppey.

“Bearsted always give us a good game and I’m sure that they’ll do that again with their new management team in charge and with the new boys in the league, which are managed by an old team mate of mine Kevin Hake, have hit the ground running with two wins from two.

“It’s great to see a Sheppey side on its feet again and I’m sure the locals will be there in numbers to support the team.

“But we’ll go into the weekend fixtures with a bunch of players who are all fighting to get into the starting 11 and not only keep their shirts in the team but the squad.”

Piggott revealed striker Rob Denness, who scored 22 goals last season, has returned from his holiday and has been added to the squad.

HOLMESDALE player-manager John-Paul Collier hailed his side for pulling off two great wins during the past seven days.

The Bromley-based club knocked league rivals Tunbridge Wells out of The FA Cup with a 4-1 home win at Oakley Road, before stunning favourites Greenwich Borough with an impressive 4-0 League win at Princes Park in midweek.

The Dalers are in fourth-place in the Southern Counties East Football League table with six points from three games.

Collier said: “We approached the game full of confidence after a great FA Cup win against Tunbridge Wells - a game we dominated from start to finish and couldn’t ask more of the boys.

“It was a great day for all connected to the club and I know the committee worked hard off the field and pleased we delivered on it.

“We knew Greenwich Borough was going to be a tough test for us but not one we feared. It’s no secret they have players in their side that should be playing at a higher level so we knew that we had to be switched on in all areas.

“Like with all games we had a plan in place and I ask the boys to play to that.

“We started the game really well scoring after three minutes and from then onwards we dominated the first half, our attacking and build up play was very good, we kept good possession of the ball and took our chances.

“Being 3-0 up at half time put us in an excellent position and my team talk at half time was very simple. 

“Second half was much the same. We wanted to look after the ball and our main objective was not to concede and we didn’t.

“Our passing became a bit sloppy at times in the second half but overall I couldn’t ask more of the boys.

“The most pleasing thing for me was keeping a clean sheet; my defenders and goalkeeper were superb from start to finish. We know as a team we have goals in us and being solid at the back allows our attacking players to express themselves.”

Holmesdale welcome Phoenix Sports – who are smarting after losing their epic FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round replay at home to Deal Town on Wednesday night - to Oakley Road tomorrow. 

“I come up against my old manager and mate Tony Beckingham, and he comes back to his old club where he had some great years and I know he is well thought off,” said Collier. 

“Again we are under no illusions that this is going to be another test and I will not allow my boys to get carried away with the start we have had. When the fixtures came out we knew our start was going to be tough.

“Phoenix had a long game midweek in their FA Cup replay and lost on penalties.  I am not even taking this into consideration when it comes to our game. Knowing Tony and what he demands from his team and the quality they have he will not allow them to dwell on the game and will demand an immediate reaction.

“Like I said we won’t fear anyone we play this year and we will play the way we play and we will cause people problems, but it’s one thing saying it but the boys have to deliver and I have every confidence they will.”

HYTHE TOWN boss Tim Dixon says he felt disappointed to lose 2-1 at home to Sittingbourne on Tuesday night.

The defeat to followed their first league win of the season and leaves the Reachfields Stadium club in the bottom five in the Ryman League Division One South table with three points out of 12.

The Cannons are at home to Corinthian-Casuals tomorrow, before travelling to Hastings United – who have picked up four points - on Monday.

Dixon said: “I was very disappointed with Tuesday’s result after our first win last Saturday.

“We created numerous chances and hit the bar twice but fair play to the Sittingbourne lads and in particular Adam Molloy who made two world class saves and defended very well.

“But it’s another defeat and we have to dust ourselves down and take the positives from the last two games and carry them onto the next games against Corinthian-Casuals, who never make it easy, and Hastings away on Monday, which on paper is one of the most difficult games of the season.

“Like us, they won’t be happy with their start and will look to put things right this weekend.

“Terry (White) has a really experienced squad with some big names in so we will need to be at our very best to get something from it.

“At present we have Lewis Mingle and Jamie Collado out injured.   Lewis will take a couple of weeks but Jamie could return tomorrow.”

LEWISHAM BOROUGH manager Kevin Harris admits fortunes on the pitch must improve after losing their first two league games to the season.

Lewisham Borough suffered a 3-2 defeat away to Seven Acre & Sidcup at Bayliss Avenue last Saturday and are third from bottom in the Pain & Glory Sports Kent Invicta League table.

Harris, who took charge of team affairs to replace chairman Ray Simpson, said: “If there was ever a better chance to say it was a game of two halves this was it!

“We came out for the first half and we may as well have stayed in the changing room or even at home and turned up at 3:45.  Poor marking, sloppy mistakes and not enough effort to win a game of cards let alone a game of football!

“I got the lads in for an honest chat, let’s call it and how they reacted is what we asked for.

“Unfortunately one error and a lot of luck against us and we lose in the last minute.

“I’ve played 100s of games and they go either way for me. That day it went against us!”

Lewisham Borough play Charlton-based Meridian VP at The Ladywell Arena tomorrow, before a trip to Holmesdale’s Oakley Road ground follows to play current leaders Glebe on Monday.

“We’re going into Saturday’s game against Meridian with a real positive attitude,” said Harris.

“We are still building here at Lewisham and the first 5-6 games was going to be a testing time but it’s all coming together well.

“I’ve got some new lads in the squad and excited about the game. I feel it’s only a matter of games before we really pull it together.

“It’s our first home game and I know Ray Simpson our chairman has been working tirelessly to make things happen and I know it’s been a tough ask for him but he’s made off tough stuff and will get what he wants for Lewisham.

“So in all the lads have trained well this week. We’re a tight squad and things are going to be good for Lewisham going forward.”

PHOENIX SPORTS’ joint-manager Tony Beckingham says their next two games will be spicy affairs after going out of The FA Cup in dramatic fashion on Wednesday night.

After coming back from Deal Town with a 2-2 draw in their historic first ever FA Cup tie last Saturday, the two sides thrilled the crowd of 171 with a six-goal thriller after extra time.

But Deal Town prevailed 8-7 on penalties, of which 20 were taken and Beckingham said after the game that he refused to blame Harrison Carneige, Rikki Cable, Jake McIntye for their defeat after the trio missed from 12-yards.

Phoenix Sports travel to Holmesdale tomorrow, before welcoming Erith Town to Mayplace Road East on Monday afternoon.

“We need to put the disappointment of Wednesday’s game behind us and show some character by bouncing back,” said Beckingham.

“Holmesdale are flying and we couldn’t have asked for a harder game to try and get back on track.

“Erith Town on Monday is a real local derby with them, having signed some of our players and us signing some of theirs.

“Coincidentally, both fixtures are against mine and Steve’s old clubs, which always makes them a bit more special.”

RUSTHALL manager Gary Sharman says his side have started poorly again.

The Jockey Farm outfit have suffered back-to-back defeats at the start of their Pain & Glory Kent Invicta League campaign and he wants to bounce back.

“Our last fixture against Sheppey was a disappointment to say the least,” admitted Sharman after his side’s 5-2 away defeat.

Sutton Athletic are the visitors to Jockey Farm tomorrow and Sharman said: “We hope to have players back from injury.

“It seems like a repeat of last season’s poor start.  You develop a squad and are unable to start your first eleven until the fourth game of the campaign, which is so very frustrating!

“We have a great squad of players and know we can do very well.

“We are hoping this weekend is our proper start and we will battle on against all opposition thereafter.”

Sharman revealed that Calum Hopkins returns from injury, while Josh Fernor and John Phillips both return following the completion of their three-match bans.

SEVEN ACRE & SIDCUP assistant manager Martin Reece admits last week’s home win over Lewisham Borough was a game of two halves.

He said: “The Lewisham game was as the old saying goes a game of two halves.

“We had the best of the first half with Jamie Williams getting another brace and well deserved though his hard work. 

“The midfield took control and played some smart football along the ground.

“Lewisham were trying their best to exploit our flanks with long balls played into their two winger's that had some good pace but our full backs managed well.

“To be fair to Lewisham they came out the blocks very quickly and took a quick goal.

“We went into panic mode and sat back to deep then allowed Lewisham to control most of the second half.

“It was a late goal from centre midfielder Ricky Hepburn to cross the ball for it to nestled in the back of the net.

“It’s about time we got some luck as last year we got none!”

Seven Acre & Sidcup are in the top six in the Pain & Glory Sports Kent Invicta League table and welcome Crockenhill to Bayliss Avenue tomorrow. 

Reece said: “Next up for us is Crokenhill, which we believe is going to be a tricky game and we will need to play at our best.
 
“They had a good 3-0 win against our last opponents so it is hard to tell what they are going to be like this season.

“Lewisham in the second half played some very good football so you never know if Lewisham were poor or Crockenhill have found their feet.

“But we must take the game as if we are playing top of the table team and make sure of another three points.”

Seven Acre & Sidcup then travel to their old ground on Monday to play their tenants Eltham Palace at Oxford Road in Sidcup. 

Reece said: “We travel to our old home ground to our tenants Eltham Palace.

“This again we need to be playing our best to take three points as they have had a good start too.

“As a management team we are really happy with the squad and glad we have a 20 odd man squad. We have no weak link this season and it’s great for us as there is so much competition within the team to play. 

“We probably rotate a few players for the two games this weekend and with the cups we are playing this season we will need all of them.”

SITTINGBOURNE manager Matt Wyatt says he is delighted with his side’s unbeaten start to the season.

The Brickies are in second place in the Ryman League Division One South table with 10 points from four games.

They claimed a 2-1 win over Hythe Town at Reachfields Stadium in midweek and Wyatt said: “I was away but been picking the team and speaking to my assistant on a regular basis.

“We didn’t play our normal football game in a very physical game against Hythe.

“At times we had our back to the walls but showed great character to battle to get the ball down wherever possible and to go 1-0 up through a good goal on Joe Nwoko’s full second debut and we were all delighted for him.

“Then we got pegged back just before half-time but still showed great character again to go on and win the game as George Crimmen was fouled in the box and Nick Dunsdon converted.

“So to get another three points we’re highly delighted. It was a very hard fought victory.”

Sittingbourne welcome last season’s Southern Counties East Football League champions Whyteleafe to Woodstock Park tomorrow, before travelling to Folkestone Invicta on Monday afternoon.

“The game on Saturday against Whyteleafe will be a huge test,” said Wyatt.

“They are a good side, started off where they have left off from last season. They are a very well organised side, hardworking, play good football, so we must be on our game.”

Looking forward to their test against Neil Cugley’s Folkestone Invicta on Monday, Wyatt added: “We’re playing, in my opinion, the league favourites. They don’t give you nothing! Neil knows how to win this league. We must be patient and don’t switch off for a minute.”

TONBRIDGE ANGELS boss Steve McKimm says his players had fire in their bellies to beat Lewes 2-0 at Longmead Stadium on Tuesday night.

The Angels are in thirteenth-place in the Ryman Premier League table after winning both of their home games and losing two on the road.

McKimm’s side travel to Wingate & Finchley tomorrow, before hosting bitter-rivals Maidstone United at Longmead Stadium on Monday afternoon.

“I thought we played well on Tuesday showing a lot more quality and fire in our bellies than what we did on Saturday which helped get us the result,” said McKimm.

“It was a disciplined performance with two good goals and pleased to keep our first clean sheet of the season.

“Wingate & Finchley will be a tough place to go who are on the back of two four goal performances so we will have to defend well.

“Maidstone again will be tough with them being top of the league. They are there on merit winning four out of four.

“Local derbies, anything can happen. It'll be good for young players to play in front of a big crowd and I'm looking forward to it personally to come up against a very good friend of mine and former team mate, who I believe had done a fantastic job since taking over at Maidstone, Jay Saunders.”

VCD ATHLETIC manager Tony Russell says his players have been working hard on the training pitch to turn around their fortunes.

The Crayford-based club are sitting at the foot of the Ryman Premier League table after losing their first four games.

Metropolitan Police, who have 7 points, are the visitors’ to Oakwood tomorrow, before Russell takes his side to Kingstonian on Monday afternoon.

“We didn’t play well in the first two games and got what we deserved but since then as a group we have done some good work on the training pitch,” said Russell. 

“The last two games we should have won and won well! A combination of poor finishing in front of goal, hitting the woodwork four times and a couple disallowed has resulted in what should be six points but instead we have none?

“I know if we keep doing the work on the training pitch we will go on a run. 

“Met Police on Saturday will be like most games in this league, we will face a good team. We trained well last night so I'm hoping for more improvement and a little turn of luck from the footballing gods!
 
“There are six really strong teams in the Premier and kingstonian are very much one of them.

“I watched them Wednesday night at Leatherhead and was really Impressed. That game will be a test but one we should look forward too. 

“VCD have worked so hard both on and off the pitch to be involved in this sort of game so we will not go there fearing anything.

“The crowds and the stages are a lot bigger than what most in the team has experienced but rather than fear it, I want to boys to enjoy it and show everyone what a good side they are.”

WELLING UNITED manager Jamie Day says he wants everyone at the club to remain positive despite going three games without a win.

The Wings are second-from-bottom in the Vanarama Conference after being held to a 1-1 draw at home to AFC Telford United, before losing 3-0 to both Torquay United and FC Halifax Town in their last two away games.

“I thought last week we put in a good first half display at Halifax and limited them to a few chances and one or two half chances came our way but we started the second half poorly and never recovered and in the end got deservedly beat,” said Day.

Welling United welcome bitter-rivals Woking to Park View Road tomorrow, before travelling to last season’s Conference South champions Eastleigh on Monday.

Day, who has put himself on the bench for their opening three games to the new season said: “Hopefully tomorrow the boys respond with a good performance and show a bit of character against a strong Woking side, who themselves will expect to be in the mix this season.

“Monday is again another difficult trip against a side who have spent a lot of money to do well this year, so it’s a really tough start where we need to stay positive and hopefully pick a few points up.”