Banstead away will be a very tough game for us as all these FA Vase games are, says Crowborough Athletic boss Sean Muggeridge

CROWBOROUGH ATHLETIC manager Sean Muggeridge says he is treating Banstead Athletic with full respect on Saturday.

The Crows travel to lower-league opposition in The Buildbase FA Vase First Round, as favourites.

They are unbeaten in all competitions in 11 games and have risen to second-place in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table, with a playing record of eight wins, two draws and two defeats.  They are now only two points behind leaders AFC Croydon Athletic.

Banstead Athletic are a Step Six club, playing in the First Division of the Combined Counties League and are level on points with leaders AC London, who groundshare Merland Rise and spent a controversial one season in the Kent Invicta League last season.

 “Banstead away will be a very tough game for us as all these FA Vase games are,” warned Muggeridge.

“When you play a team in a different league you go into the unknown and the Combined Counties teams are very hardworking and up for games like these.

“We won’t be at full strength but the depth in squad we have now is good that the players that will be coming in are as good as the ones not available.

“I’m expecting a very good game as both teams attack so it should be good on the eye and the best team on the day will win.

“I am treating Banstead with full respect and will plan the same as any other game.”

Visit Crowborough Athletic’s website:  www.pitchero.com/clubs/crowboroughathletic

Banstead Athletic  v  Crowborough Athletic
The Buildbase FA Vase First Round
Saturday 22^nd October 2016
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Merland Rise, Tadworth, Surrey KT20 5JG