Our players must embrace the opportunity to test themselves against opposition who are playing at a higher level, says Cray Valley boss Kevin Watson

CRAY VALLEY manager Kevin Watson says his side must embrace the challenge during their FA Cup First Qualifying Round tie at Leatherhead tomorrow.

The Tanners are managed by Sammy Moore and he has enticed some of his former AFC Wimbledon teammates to Fetcham Grove and as a result they are in second-place in the Bostik Premier table with 12 points from their first five league outings, level on points with leaders Billericay Town.

Watson, the former manager of Chatham Town, took charge of Cray Valley for the first time when they came away from newly-promoted side Glebe with a 2-1 win last Monday afternoon.

“I could not fault the work ethic and attitude of each and every player but we must be better in possession,” said Watson, who saw his side go 2-0 up courtesy of Ben Francis’s eighth goal of the season.

“I think we will look back at that win later in the season and realise how important it was.

“I have no doubt that Glebe will continue to grow in strength as they have a very stable infrastructure, which is matched with ambition.”

Cray Valley are unbeaten this season and go to Leatherhead sitting in the top three in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table with nine points from their first three league outings.

“Our players must embrace the opportunity to test themselves against opposition who are playing at a higher level,” said Watson.

“Leaherhead are a big club and have assembled a very experienced squad, who will be looking for league promotion this season.

“I’m sure Leatherhead were pleased with the draw and most will assume that it’s a forgone conclusion.  My only expectation of our players is that they have a clear conscience come five o’clock tomorrow.”

Leatherhead  v  Cray Valley (Paper Mills)
The Emirates FA Cup First Qualifying Round
Saturday 2^nd September 2017
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Fetcham Grove, Guildford Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 9AS