Final should be played at Princes Park, bemoans Gorman

The Deres lock horns with local adversaries VCD Athletic, who at this moment in time lead the Bulmers Cider Kent League table, on their own turf, much to the displeasure of Gorman.

"I’m disappointed, considering it’s our own ground," the Doncaster born Gorman told www.kentishfootball.co.uk today.

"I’m not very happy, obviously the club aren’t happy about it either. It could’ve been at Dartford or Chatham Town, but it’s at our ground, which I’m very disappointed about."

But he added, "It’s an advantage for us because we play on it every week. It would have been nice to play it (at a neutral venue) – obviously money comes into it and it’s a bit silly really."

Gorman, who tasted glory in both the Kent and London Cups with Fisher Athletic towards the end of his playing days, wants to maintain his 100% record, but knows Paul Foley’s side will be a tough nut to crack.

"It’s going to be a very tough game," he said. "Obviously their the favourites, they’re top of the league.

"We’ve had an up and down season, we’re just looking forward to the game and hopefully we’ll give a good account of ourselves.

"VCD will be confident, they’ve not lose in the last 12 games. If we had a run like that we will be! We’re either playing well and the next minute we’re playing poorly. You have to catch us on a good day.

"I’m hoping the side that played against VCD at the beginning of the season, when we beat them 2-1, if that team turns up then we’ll have a very good chance."

Bosses Gorman and Chris Cosgrove aim to bring the first piece of silverware to the club in 27 years – a long time for a club of Erith & Belvedere’s stature.

"We haven’t been in a final for 27 years," Gorman highlighted. "Everybody keeps going on about we’re breaking club records but club records aren’t (achieving) success.

"I want to keep my 100% record (in winning county cups). I want the players to have a bit of experience in this and look forward to next season. Hopefully I’m still at the club, the chairman wants us to bring in new players.

"I’m not looking (to move elsewhere), I just want to look forward to next season to build on things we’ve done here. Breaking club records is nothing, they want success like every other club and that’s what me and Chris want."

Gorman says he’ll be fielding a "patched-up side", as Sam Prett (foot), Joe Penny (groin), Ryan Robinson (hamstring), Richard Radbourne (calf), Michael Adcock (foot) and Matt Bedford (knee) have all been ruled out through injury.

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering this game.

Visit Erith & Belvedere's website: www.erithandbelvederefc.co.uk

Erith & Belvedere  v  VCD Athletic
Kent Senior Trophy Final
Sunday 19^th April 2009
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Park View Road, Welling, Kent DA16 1SY