Our opening game against AFC Croydon Athletic is a tough opener for us having not beaten them in three seasons – but we are all looking forward to the game and hopefully we can start with a win, says Bearsted boss Kevin Stevens

BEARSTED manager Kevin Stevens says he wants his side to break their AFC Croydon Athletic hoodoo tomorrow.

The Bears kick-off their Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division campaign against one of their bogey sides when Kevin Rayner brings his Rams to Honey Lane.

Bearsted finished last season in fourteenth-place in the table, a place higher than AFC Croydon Athletic.

“I’ve been really pleased with pre-season. I looked at a lot of players’ during games, which has helped us put together the best squad we’ve had at the club,” said Stevens.

“The boys are all here for the right reasons, which is very important for me.  The new signings have strengthened us in the right areas, so I can’t wait to get going now.

“It’s a young, confident squad with great attitudes to improve and play for Bearsted FC – I’m excited to see where that takes us.”

When asked what type of League he is expecting this season, the Bears’ boss replied:  “Every year this league gets stronger and stronger. We saw that with how well our teams competed in The FA Vase last season.

“There are teams obviously throwing a lot of money around who will be up there as potential promotion favourties and probably one or two surprises.

“It’s great to be involved in and can’t wait to get started.”

Stevens is keen to get their campaign off to a winning start.

He said:  “Our opening game against AFC Croydon Athletic is a tough opener for us having not beaten them in three seasons – but we are all looking forward to the game and hopefully we can start with a win.”

Visit Bearsted’s website:  www.bearstedfc.co.uk

Bearsted  v  AFC Croydon Athletic
Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division
Saturday 3 August 2019
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Otham Sports Ground, Honey Lane, Otham, Maidstone, Kent ME15 8RG