We have done remarkably well in our first season, says FC Elmstead boss Fabio Rossi

FC ELMSTEAD manager Fabio Rossi says the club’s ambition is to gain entry into the Kent Invicta League within the next five years.



The club are undergoing extensive ground improvements at their Chislehurst-based ground and therefore have hired Coney Hall’s ground at Tiepigs Lane for their inaugural Haart of Kent County League campaign.

They are in fourth-place in the Division Three West league table with 42 points 19 games, a couple of points adrift of leaders Stansfeld Oxford & Bermondsey Club’s reserve side, with one game remaining.

FC Elmstead lock horns with Old Roan in the Barry Bundock West Kent Challenge Shield Final on Tuesday, arguably the club’s biggest game at this level.

Old Roan, who play in Kidbrooke, have completed their 22-match Haart of Kent County League Division Two West campaign in sixth-place in the table with 31 points.

“We have battled through to the final beating Blackheath United, Meridian VP reserves, Sutton Athletic reserves and finally Farnborough Old Boys Guild’s reserves,” said Rossi.

“This is our first season as a Saturday side. All in, we have done remarkably well.

“A top three finish is still very much on for the Kent County League Division Three West.

“We also reached the semi-finals of the Beckenham Hospital Charity Cup losing last Tuesday to Old Roan’s reserves from the South London Alliance Football League.”

Rossi is looking forward to the Cup Final, which should draw a large crowd to Sevenoaks Town’s Greatness Park.

“Our squad for the final will include a sprinkling of players that have played higher; Steve Strotten (Phoenix Sports and Holmesdale), Luis Rozan (Erith & Belvedere) and Daryl Dylan (Phoenix Sports and Cray Valley).

“Having lost last Tuesday to Old Roan’s reserves, I guess we are underdogs.

“I am hoping for a big crowd and an entertaining game.  It’s great to reach the cup final but now that we have come this far we shall be doing all we can to win it.”

Rossi, who left his role as the manager of Kent League side Holmesdale in October 2012, revealed the club’s progress of making improvements to their ground in Chislehurst.

“Lots of good work is going on around our club and we are working towards getting up the Kent County League divisions and into the Kent Invicta League.  This is our goal over the next five years,” said Rossi.

“Although our Saturday side are based at Coney Hall FC, our home is Chislehurst Recreation Ground.

“We have currently just completed £100,000 worth of pitch levelling and drainage work.

“The next phase is for a clubhouse rebuild.  Plans are just about to be submitted to Bromley council for the new clubhouse which is estimated to cost in the region of £300,000.

“Hopefully we shall see a new pavilion in the next two years.”

Admission prices for the final have been confirmed at £4 (adults) and £2 (concessions).

Visit FC Elmstead’s website: www.fcelmstead.co.uk/club/Home

FC Elmstead  v  Old Roan
Barry Bundock West Kent Challenge Shield Final
Tuesday 6^th May 2014
Kick Off 7:30pm
at Greatness Park, Mill Lane, Seal Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 5BU