We appreciate improving on our last campaign is going to be incredibly difficult, admits Corinthian boss Michael Golding

CORINTHIAN manager Michael Golding says it will be incredibly difficult to replicate their last campaign.

The Gay Dawn Farm outfit finished runners-up to Cray Valley (Paper Mills) in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table last season, losing out on the title by just one point.

Corinthian kick-off their new campaign with a trip to thirteenth-placed finishers Crowborough Athletic tomorrow.

“Pre-season has gone well in terms of results and performance levels against mostly higher league opposition,” said Golding.

“Probably more importantly the player retention has been good, which shows the players’ have again got faith in the project we are continuing to build here and the ethos we as a club believe in.

“Thirteen of the squad for tomorrow’s game were with us last season, which gives us great continuity going into the new season.

“It would have been easy for the boys to have jumped ship at the first offer and most of them have had financially attractive offers to move on, but it is pleasing the majority of last years’ squad will be playing in green and white again this season.

“Our aspirations are the same as always – can we improve on our previous campaign?

“For us, we appreciate this is going to be incredibly difficult, but it is a challenge we are really looking forward to and hopefully will be able to create some upsets along the way again and with a bit of luck and momentum we have to believe anything can happen.

“It would be great to go into the last month and week of the season with something still to play for and that will be our aim.”

Corinthian and third-placed finishers Fisher were the surprise packages last season and Fisher boss Allan Fenn has revealed that he is working with a zero budget this season.

“The League looks set to be very competitive and more and more money seems to have been spent this season,” said Golding.

“I would expect the teams with the apparent biggest budgets; Chatham, Beckenham, Glebe, Sheppey and Canterbury to be fighting for the title.

“However, you can’t rule out teams like Erith Town and Hollands & Blair, who will be strong this season and no doubt looking to secure one of the promotion spots.”

Looking ahead to their trip to East Sussex, Golding said: “Crowborough will be a tough test tomorrow.  Sean has recruited well over the summer and a number of former players have returned, so they will be stronger than they were last season and will obviously be looking to start well in front of their home fans.

“Crowborough always provide a tough, physical test and we expect nothing less tomorrow.

“Last year we got off to a poor start, so this is something we will definitely be looking to improve on tomorrow.”

Crowborough Athletic  v  Corinthian
Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division
Saturday 3 August 2019
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Crowborough Community Stadium, Fermor Road, Crowborough, East Sussex TN6 3AN