I think we've got the capability of putting us in the mix for it, says Sporting Club Thamesmead manager Jason Long

SPORTING CLUB Thamesmead manager Jason Long says he wants his side to be in the mix this season.

The Acre finished in ninth-place in the Southern Counties East Football League First Division last season and kick-off their new campaign with a long trip down to Lydd Town next Saturday.


Sporting Club Thamesmead celebrate winning the silverware in Joe Ford's benefit game that saw them beat co-sharers Welling Town 4-1 and raise over £900 for their  former manager.
Photo: Tom Riding

Liam Smith’s men finished three places lower last season and Long, who has been promoted as assistant manager following Joe Ford’s ill-health, and Long wants to get off to a good start.

“We’ll get it out of the way.  It’s going to be a long trip down to the coast for the boys but we’ll get it done and out of the way,” said Long.

“I’m excited to get going. The boys know what the expectations are. If they keep doing what we’re asking them to do, I’m sure we’ll be fine and do well.”

When asked what their aspirations are for the season ahead, Long replied: “I want to put us in the mix for it.  I think we’ve got the capability of doing it.

“We’ve done well in the cup beating Sheppey and Beckenham last year and had some good results against teams in the league above, so I do think we can definitely cut it.

“It’s if the boys can be consistent all season.  I know there’s been a lot of changes and it does happen but hopefully we’ll just try to do the best we can and I do see ourselves in the mix for it.”

Meanwhile, the club have confirmed that over £900 has been raised during Joe Ford’s benefit game on Friday night when Sporting Club Thamesmead beat newly-promoted Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division side Welling Town 4-1 last Thursday.

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

Lydd Town  v  Sporting Club Thamesmead
Southern Counties East Football League First Division
Saturday 3 August 2019
Kick Off 3:00pm
at The Lindsey Field, Dengemarsh Road, Lydd, Kent TN29 9JH