We've turned the corner, says Kent Football United boss Sam MacNeil

Monday 11th February 2013

KENT FOOTBALL United manager Sam MacNeil says his side have turned the corner after winning their last two games.

The artist formerly known as Erith & Dartford Town are in the bottom four in the Kent Invicta League table, with 15 points from 15 games, but confidence has grown after beating Lewisham Borough and Bearsted during the past two weeks.

The emergence of striker Sadike Balarabe, 20, who has just completed a two-year scholarship in America, scored on his debut at Honey Lane, with former Bridon Ropes player Jamie Thomkins scoring the winner over the fourth-placed Bears.

”The last two weeks has been much improved with two dominant displays over Lewisham Borough and Bearsted where the scoreline didn’t reflect the dominance we had in both matches,” said the 21-year-old boss.

”It is clear we have turned the corner and the added experience of new captain Michael Morgan has helped create some stability but also energy in the side with the likes of Jamie and Sadike.

”Sadike netted his first in the 2-1 away win to Bearsted and is showing a lot of potential as a potent young centre forward. He has pace, strength and quick feet making him an all rounder who can go in behind or play back to goal.”

The Crayford-based club’s surprise win over Tony Cornwell’s side saw them leapfrog over Lydd Town, who were held to a goal-less home draw by Bridon Ropes.

”With six points out of six and moving up two places in the league we have games in hand which can see us up to midtable. That was our target and as a squad we feel that is achievable.

”Positively has been a key in the difficult times we have had. The players’ know the club is building excitingly off the pitch but we have been able to stay mentally strong and consecutive wins works wonders for confidence. It’s like a new group of players.

”Our link up and pattern of play is much improved and every player is now fighting for their place creating healthy competition but a balance on a Saturday we have never previously had.”

MacNeil, who has also signed Jason Elliott from Bridon Ropes, takes his side to Crockenhill on Saturday.

The Crocks have announced that they will be withdrawing from the Kent Invicta League at the end of the season owing to the costs involved running at step six and are in negotiations with Kent County League officials about playing in either the Premier or Division One next season.

”Crockenhill away is a must win for us. We won’t be happy coming away from any less than three points,” said MacNeil.

”I have a place in my heart for Crockenhill as at the age of fifteen I made my senior debut at Wested Meadow under John Adams following in the footsteps of my dad who also played there many years ago.

”I’d hate to see the club relegated out of the division. It’s a place I enjoy going back to. I have great memories and made some good friends there in my younger days of playing Kent County League football.

”I wish them all the best and hope they seek all the possible avenues before withdrawing as being one of the member clubs is something to be proud off and I for one would hate to see them not part of the constitution for next season and I know I’m not alone in that fact.”

MacNeil added: ”We are on a good run but it has to continue. Lewisham Borough was a game we expected to win but Bearsted was not so. We know we are capable. We have drawn with Bearsted and Ashford this season, who are both in the top four, but other games have let us down.

”I know I haven’t got a bad group of players but consistency gets you points and that’s what we haven’t been – but I think we’ve turned the corner.

”Our younger players are maturing at this level and starting to influence games and our older heads are using their experience to guide them through.”

MacNeil has appointed Gareth Sims as his new first team assistant manager.

”Gareth has been working with me side by side in youth football for the past five years and we felt it was right to promote within the club.

”Gareth was present at Honey Lane for the win away to Bearsted and will work with me on all first team affairs for the foreseeable future.”

Crockenhill v Kent Football United
Kent Invicta League
Saturday 16^th February 2013
Kick Off 2:00pm
At Wested Meadow Ground, Eynsford Road, Crockenhill, Kent BR8 8EJ