Everyone connected to Greenwich Borough FC will give everything in every single game to make sure we hit our targets, says manager Paul Barnes

GREENWICH BOROUGH manager Paul Barnes says he wants his side to hit their targets in the Bostik South promotion race.

Barnes has been in charge for 10 games following the shock departure of Gary Alexander, who is now assistant manager at struggling Ashford United.

Lewes sit at the summit with 89 points from 40 games, followed by Corinthian-Casuals with 81 points from 40 games.

The four play-off sides consist of Carshalton Athletic (81 points from 38 games), Greenwich Borough (79 points from 39 games), Cray Wanderers (78 points from 40 games) and Walton Casuals (73 points from 39 games).

Barnes has led the club to five wins on the spin.  They thrashed South Park 8-1 before coming away from Sittingbourne with a 2-1 win in midweek.

“The last seven days has seen us overcome two very tricky away trips,” said Barnes.

“Last Saturday we travelled to South Park, where the players were superb in their application of our approach and showed what we are capable of when things click, running out 8-1 winners at a ground where many will struggle and have over the course of this season.

“We then made the trip to Sittingbourne on Tuesday night and as expected Sittingbourne played with a real determination and freedom.

“As I said to my team before the game, if I was in the Sittingbourne changing room, I would see this as a chance to make a name for ourselves and take a big scalp off of one of the top six sides.

“That's exactly what they did and all credit to Aslan and his young side, they made it very difficult to play and congested the game, they also had a real threat from set pieces and the long throw.

“But again my lads are proving to have the character needed to sustain this time of the season, with the whole squad playing a part in the two games, again we made changes when we felt we needed to and it paid off.”

Greenwich Borough welcome fourth-from-bottom side East Grinstead Town to Middle Park Avenue on Easter Saturday, before the big one at Cray Wanderers on Easter Monday (both games kicking off at 15:00).

“Over the Easter weekend we host East Grinstead on Saturday, who again will prove a tough test, as Matt Longhurst transmits his passion through his young team and they will be dangerous with the amount of goals they have scored recently.

“On Monday we travel to Cray Wanderers and no doubt it will be a well-attended fixture as it could be a crucial game in the league run in.

“I was delighted to see Cray given approval for their new stadium to be built, they deserve it and it will be brilliant for the local community and everyone associated to Cray Wanderers.

“Cray have been scoring goals for fun this year and have very good mix of flare, grit and determination. This has been evident in the recent up-turn in results and Tony Russell who has done a brilliant job to build the team he has and produce the football and results over this season, even when form dipped for a little while, I knew Tony would get his side back on track, they have the characters and staff who have experience and know how quickly football turns around.

“It will be a good game and we respect them, but don't fear anyone, as we know that we have the players who can be match-winners and always rise to the big occasion.”

With transfer deadline day in the Bostik League fast approaching, Barnes has signed one and has released a couple of players.

Barnes said: “I am delighted to add Junior Aikhionbare to my squad, who joins us from Herne Bay. Junior is someone who I have admired throughout this season and his record at Herne Bay has been brilliant, scoring 13 goals and grabbing nine assists. He is a powerful, pacey attacking player who has a real work ethic and desire to succeed.

“Departing is both Chinedu McKenzie who joins Harringey Borough and Calvin Ekpiteta, who joins Aveley.

“Our aims have not changed and we only focus on the next game, as I have told the players, all we can do is affect our own outcome and destiny, wherever that leaves us come the last day, so be it.

“The club has gone through a lot this year, on and off the pitch and I must give huge credit to the players throughout all of this, their focus and commitment to the club and its objectives have not been disturbed, this is testament to their character and the people they are.

“We have seven games left and myself, staff, players and everyone connected to Greenwich Borough FC will give everything in every single game to make sure we hit our targets.”

Visit Greenwich Borough’s website:  www.greenwichboroughfc.co.uk

Greenwich Borough  v  East Grinstead Town
Bostik South Division
Easter Saturday 31 March 2018
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Middle Park Avenue, Eltham, London SE9 5HP