We've got to aim to get into the top five again, says Hollands & Blair boss Simon Halsey

HOLLANDS & BLAIR manager Simon Halsey says he wants to finish in the top-five this season.

The Gillingham-based side were in the top six in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table at the time the season was abandoned due to the coronavirus health pandemic.

Halsey opened their campaign by coming away from south-west London with a 1-0 win over Colliers Wood United in The FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round on Wednesday night.

Former K Sports striker Matthew Gething headed home Louis Valencia’s thirteenth-minute corner to seal the victory, in a game when former Gillingham, Ebbsfleet United and Havant & Waterlooville striker Danny Kedwell, 37, made his debut for the club.

Hollands & Blair return to the capital to take on league newcomers Balham tomorrow.

“I’ve got no idea on them, the newbies coming into the league,” said Halsey.

“Balham are going to be up for it, lively and it’s not a bad pitch up at Croydon (Athletic), a bit like this one (at Colliers Wood).  We’re looking forward to it against the newcomers into the league so we’ll welcome them in.

“We’re going up there to come away with three points and we’ll be doing everything we can, whether it can be a great performance or a hard worked ugly performance, as long as we come away with three points, I’m not too fussed.”

Crowborough Athletic arrive at Darland Avenue on Wednesday night (19:45) for Hollands & Blair’s first home game of the new campaign.

Gillingham season ticket holders can watch Hollands & Blair for £5 per game this season, saving £3 per outing.

“First game back for the public so another tough game.  They’re all going to be tough.  The league’s going to be tough this year,” said Halsey.

“I don’t think we’re firing on all of our cylinders at the moment so we’ve got to make sure over the next two or three games we just dot the I’s and cross the t’s a bit better.”

When asked about his aspirations for the season ahead, Halsey who takes his side to Isthmian League South East Division side Burgess Hill Town in The FA Cup Preliminary Round on Saturday 12 September, added: “I don’t think we came out of the top six for most of last season, so we’re going for the top five again.  We’ve got to aim to get into that top five. Let’s see what happens, can we be the party poopers?”

Visit Hollands & Blair’s website:  www.hollandsandblair.co.uk

Balham  v  Hollands & Blair
Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division
Saturday 5 September 2020
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Mayfield Stadium, Mayfield Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey CR7 6DN