We're working hard to improve our league position and make this a good first season at this level, says Bearsted boss Kevin Stevens

BEARSTED manager Kevin Stevens says he wants to make it a good first season in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division.

 

The Bears are presently in thirteenth-place in the table with 21 points from their 22 league games and are eight points clear of the relegation zone, which is currently occupied by Beckenham Town and Fisher.

Bearsted have suffered back-to-back defeats, losing 3-0 at home to Cray Valley, before suffering a 4-0 home defeat to the same opposition in the Challenge Cup on 10 January.

“With six players missing through injury, our last game against a good Cray Valley side proved to be a stiff test,” said Stevens.

“I thought we played well for the first 25 minutes or so and maybe could have gone ahead after creating a couple of good chances. Goals change games though, Cray got two during our good spell, which really hurt us.

“Second half we were second best, Cray showing what a really good side they can be.”

Bearsted celebrated winning the final Kent Invicta League title last season and Sheppey United went up with them as runners-up.

The two sides meet each other for the first time this season at Honey Lane tomorrow.

Ernie Batten’s side are in the top four, with 48 points from 23 games and are only four points adrift of leaders Ashford United.

“This is our first meeting this season and I’m looking forward to what should be a really good game,” said Stevens.

“Ernie and his side have had a great season up until now and fair play to them.

“As usual, we’ve watched them a couple of times recently and know their strengths and weaknesses. It will be a tough game that hopefully goes our way.

“For the first time this season I have a fully fit squad available all but one. Unfortunately, Andy Irvine, who is a very important player for us, is out due to injury but will hopefully return soon.

“Having a fit squad enables me to pick a settled squad week after week, which is so important for the rest of the season.

“I’m looking at adding a striker to the squad if possible to give us a few more options going forward.

“The lads’ trained really well this week and are full of confidence and continue to work hard to improve our league position and make this a good first season at this level.”

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

Bearsted  v  Sheppey United
Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division
Saturday 21^st January 2017
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Otham Sports Ground, Honey Lane, Otham, Maidstone, Kent ME15 8RG