7thfeb05

We can get out of trouble

STEVE Robinson has admitted he is pleased with his players attitudes during his first two games in charge following Barry Lakin's departure to Heybridge Swifts, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Erith & Belvedere boss has seen his side lose to promotion chasing Barton Rovers (2-1) and draw 1-1 at home to local rivals Dartford on Saturday.

Robinson, a 40-year-old Job Area Manager with Nat West where he looks after ten branches in Kent and Sussex, holds the record for playing the most games for Dartford - 665 - and he admitted a draw with a fair result at Park View Road on Saturday.

He said: "On reflection it was probably a fair result to be perfectly honest with you.

"I think we had the better of the first half and slightly disappointed we came in with only one goal."

After Darren Thomson opened the scoring for the Darts after nine minutes, Deres striker Chris Dickson netted his 13th goal of the season ten minutes later to share the spoils.

"The second half was probably even Stevens, Robinson added.

Deres midfielder Paul Abbott, however, was sent off by referee Gary Johnson with only four minutes to go for a second bookable offence for handling the ball just outside the box.

Robinson questioned the actions of the referee, adding: "Really disappointed with the referee's decision towards the end of the game to send Paul Abbott off for a second bookable offence.

"It was definitely ball to hand and he took that as deliberate and sent him off, which probably made the end quite exciting but on reflection a draw was probably a fair result."

Erith & Belvedere, however, remain in the Southern League Division One East drop zone, five points behind Dartford with Great Wakering Rovers separating the two North Kent clubs.

Reflecting on the two games he has taken charge off, Robinson said: "Looking at the two games I think we've deserved a lot more out of them that we've got.

"That's the sort of thing that happens when you are down there.

"We've got fourteen games left - 42 points are available and I know there's more winnable games for us to get out of the position we are in."

The Deres have one game in hand over Dartford and play that game next Tuesday when promotion chasing Maldon Town visit Park View Road.  They do, however, travel to Arlesey Town on Saturday but  have to play fellow strugglers Leighton Town, Great Wakering Rovers and bottom placed side Tilbury at Park View Road so their destiny is in their own hands.

Southern League Division One East (bottom 7)

* 3 points deducted