We are happy to go into the Ascot FA Vase game as underdogs, says Sporting Club Thamesmead boss Jason Long

SPORTING CLUB THAMESMEAD manager Jason Long says he has been in contact with some top football managers to ask for some advice.

The Acre welcome Combined Counties League Premier Division leaders Ascot United to Bayliss Avenue on Friday night, looking to spring a shock result in The FA Vase First Round.

Ascot United arrive in Thamesmead sitting three points clear of Molesey at the top of the tree with 22 points from nine games, while Sporting Club Thamesmead play one level lower and go into the game sitting in the bottom six in the Southern Counties East Football League First Division with 10 points from nine league games.

“We are very excited about The FA Vase First Round tie against Ascot United on Friday night,” said Long.

“We have experienced a lot as a team this season and feel that we are gaining momentum after every game that we play.

“We have had a few players leave the club, which is a shame, but that’s football and players’ have got to do what they think is best and we wish James Jewers, Jedd Smith and Jeodon Cogas all the best for their futures.

“We have signed a few new players recently and welcome Michael Olatunji, Luc Harpon, Jordan Gadd, Bode Olajide and hopefully Harvey Browne to our squad for the rest of the season.”

After beating Billingshurst 3-1 at home in the last round of The FA Vase, the Acre have beaten Kennington 3-2, lost 2-0 at Sutton Athletic and beat Bridon Ropes 5-1 at home.

“We have had some good results in the last few weeks with good results in the league with wins against Kennington and Bridon Ropes and we were unlucky against Sutton Athletic, which I feel we have learnt from,” said Long.

“We are scoring goals, which is positive and just have got to ensure that we don’t concede at the other end, which we stopped the rut in a 1-0 win in a friendly against Cray Wanderers on Tuesday night, which we had the opportunity to look at some trialists and sure we can look to build on this in Friday’s Vase tie.

“We have seen that Ascot have done very well so far this year and know they will be strong and tricky and have some excellent skilful players, which we are happy to go into the game as underdogs.

“This will suit us and with our hard work and the quality we have, I am confident we can get the result to progress to the second round of The FA Vase.

“I believe in the squad and we know what we are capable of.”

Long, who is in his first managerial job at senior level, has spoken to many managers in higher levels for some advice to start climbing the table.

“We are all learning at the club but will continue to do things professionally and to our best ability and know we will turn our league form around,” said Long.

“We are still a new team and know it takes time to gain momentum and we know what’s around the corner for us to come.

“I would like to say thank you to the board and fans for their early support they give to our club and to the players.  They are behind this team and this will help us keep progressing.

“We have learnt a lot about each other and the key to communicate as a whole club.  Everyone knows where they stand when people communicate clearly and sticking together is massive!

“I would also like to thank all the managers from this league and the leagues above that have given their advice and support to myself and my management team and players’ to help our team develop.

“Richard Styles, Adam Woodward, Tommy Warrilow, Tony Burman, Tony Russell, Keith McMahon, Jamie Coyle and Adam Flanagan have really helped me to understand what is required at this level.”

Friday’s game will be settled on the night with extra-time and penalties taking place if scores after level after 90 minutes.

Visit Sporting Club Thamesmead’s website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/sportingclubthamesmeadfc

Sporting Club Thamesmead  v  Ascot United
The Buildbase FA Vase First Round
Friday 11 October 2019
Kick Off 7:45pm
at Bayliss Avenue, Thamesmead, London SE28 8NJ