We have to get the job done and come away from Sporting Bengal with three points, says Ricky Bennett

Sunday 13th February 2011

VCD ATHLETIC boss Ricky Bennett says his side must be mentally right for their trip to perennial whipping boys Sporting Bengal on Wednesday night, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Mile End based outfit are rooted to the foot of the Kent League table and they suffered an 8-0 defeat away to Hythe Town at the weekend.

Beckenham Town, Fisher and Lordswood have suffered defeats to the east Londoners in the league this season, whilst Erith & Belvedere have drawn against them, but Sporting Bengal go into the game with the statistic of shipping in 26 goals in their last five league games and are five points adrift of second-from-bottom side Holmesdale.

Bennett wants his side - now in fifth place following their comfortable 3-0 home win over Greenwich Borough at the weekend - to adopt a professional attitude and claim three points.

“I was just going to say, you know yourself, Sporting Bengal sometimes are a very good side, depending on who they can get out,” warned Bennett.

“When they came to us earlier on in the season, I thought they were a decent side. We had a tough game and we won 3-1 but you can see by their results, maybe, I don’t know, their best results, I think, have been midweek when they beat sides so maybe they have a stronger side that can play midweek. I’m sure we have to wait and see.”

Bennett says he wants his side to retain their “good habits” for their next game having defeated third-placed side Greenwich Borough at Oakwood at the weekend.

Daryl Wheeler’s sixth minute chip sent them on their way and two goals from debutant striker, Daniel Westerman sealed a comfortable win.

Bennett admitted he doesn't enjoy visits to the in-hospitable Mile End Stadium.

He said: “It’s all about good habits, good things and just going there, getting the job done and coming away from the three points because there’s no thrills about it.”

Deal Town climbed up to 12th place in the Kent League table with a 1-0 win over Holmesdale at Oakley Road and Bennett takes his side there on Saturday.

Bennett said: “Deal started the season well. Always a tough side to play, especially at their place, so we’ve got to go with the same mentality as we’ve had (against Greenwich Borough) and look to be solid and do a job again.”

The draw for the semi-finals of the Kent League Cup was drawn yesterday, with Vickers facing Hythe Town in the two-legged tussle, with the winners facing Herne Bay or Corinthian in the final.

Bennett added: “I’d love a Cup final, they’re good days. It would be great to get to a Cup final. After all the bad news from the end of last season it’s something for all at the club to get excited about.”

Visit VCD Athletic’s website: http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/vcdathleticfc0102/

Sporting Bengal United v VCD Athletic

Safety Net Associates Kent League

Wednesday 16th February 2011

Kick Off 7:30pm

At Mile End Stadium, Rhodeswell Road, London E14 4TW