We are delighted with the start we've made, says Stansfeld joint-manager Jamie Phipps

STANSFELD joint-manager Jamie Phipps says he hopes his side are celebrating on the party bus on their way home from Worthing United in The FA Vase Second Qualifying Round tomorrow.

Billy Hamlin and Phipps guided the amateur club to the Second Round last season, losing 3-0 at home to Flackwell Heath, last December.

Stansfeld knocked out Bagshot in the First Qualifying Round after winning 3-1 at Foxbury Avenue a couple of weeks ago.

Worthing United welcome Stansfeld tomorrow sitting in ninth-place in the Southern Combination League First Division table, having banked 13 points from their 10 league games.

“We don’t know a great deal about Worthing United but obviously have kept an eye on their results,” said Phipps.

“They have lost their last couple of games and appear as though they don’t score many goals but they also don’t concede many either.

“We have a few niggly injuries but Frankie Beale is out for a long period with a broken leg but we have Joe Minter returning to the squad.

“We have signed Dan Parkinson from Sevenoaks Town and he is a fantastic addition.

“We are still hopeful of bringing in a couple more but are more than happy with what we have and also the quality that we have in our reserves, who when called into the first team have done really well.”

Stansfeld are second in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table, having collected 18 points from eight league games.

They are four points behind leaders Croydon but Stansfeld do have a couple of games in hand on Liam Giles’ side.

Stansfeld came away from newly-promoted side Larkfield & New Hythe with a point in a 1-1 draw at New Hythe Lane last weekend.

“We were happy with a point away at Larkfield last week, considering we were on the wrong end of some decisions and with Charlie Cottrell saving a penalty as well,” said Phipps.

“We feel that they will be in and around the mix come the end of the season.

“Billy Hamlin and I are delighted with the start we have made and being the only unbeaten team in the division after eight games and sitting second in the table.

“Even with the injuries we have had speaks volumes about how we have progressed as a club, especially considering the budgets that a lot of clubs have compared to us who have no budget.

“The only thing that is guaranteed tomorrow is whatever the result our journey home will be a fantastic one with the new additions having to perform their initiation songs along with a few, hopefully celebratory beers and sambucas.”

Worthing United  v  Stansfeld
The Buildbase FA Vase Second Qualifying Round
Saturday 25 September 2021
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Memorial Ground, Lyons Way, Worthing, West Sussex BN14 9FL