I do feel I have a squad that is capable of winning its share of games at this level, says Bearsted boss Kevin Stevens

BEARSTED manager Kevin Stevens says his side must take their chances when they host Crowborough Athletic on Tuesday night.

The Bears were knocked out of the Kent Reliance Senior Trophy at the weekend after losing 2-0 at Southern Counties East Football League First Division side Glebe.

Adam Woodward’s side are second in the table, five points adrift unbeaten leaders Rusthall but with a couple of games in hand, and Ryan Golding’s 18^th goal of the season sealed the victory at Foxbury Avenue.

“Saturday’s game away to Glebe was a little disappointing after a couple of 4-1 wins,” admitted Stevens.

“We never really got going, but having said that we were really troubled.  I felt their first goal we switched off for a second and it cost us.  As in the last couple of games we created plenty of opportunities to get back on level terms but couldn’t take them.

“They finished us off with a superb second.  All said and done, not a bad performance from us, but fair play to Glebe they took their chances.

“One big disappointment for us was the loss of our striker Pete Williams for six-to-eight weeks with a broken foot.”

Bearsted were promoted as Kent Invicta League champions last season and they are finding the Premier Division a tough nut to crack.

The Bears are in the bottom three having claimed two wins and three draws from their 11 league outings and are a couple of points clear of basement side Fisher, who have played two games more.

Bearsted welcome fourth-placed Crowborough Athletic to Honey Lane on Tuesday night.

Sean Muggeridge saw his side seal a 3-2 home win over Sheppey United in the league at the weekend, with Bromley-based striker Adrian Stone scoring two goals on his debut following his release from Ryman League Division One North side Thamesmead Town.

The Crows are fourth, on 23 points from 11 games and they are five points adrift of leaders AFC Croydon Athletic, who have played a game more.

“Tomorrow’s game at home to Crowborough is one we are really looking forward to,” said Stevens.

“It’s always going to a tough game against teams with good budgets at this level but for me that adds to the challenge.

“We really haven’t been outplayed much this season, the difference being when teams have a good spell against us we sometimes have made mistakes that get punished.

“We then don’t make the most of our opportunities when we’re on top.

“That said, as they say, the table doesn’t lie.  Our last couple of home games we’ve taken those chances when on top and with that have had two good wins.

“I’m under no illusions how competitive this league is, but I do feel I have a squad that is capable of winning its share of games at this level.

“A couple of new signings this week have given us that little more strength in depth that we’ve needed at times.”

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

Bearsted  v  Crowborough Athletic
Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division
Tuesday 18^th October 2016
Kick Off 7:30pm
At Otham Sports Ground, Honey Lane, Otham, Kent ME15 8RG