Hughes wants to bowl them over

Wednesday 26th August 2009

HOLMESDALE manager Billy Hughes has revealed that he is taking his side on a team bonding session during a make-or-break week of Cup football, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Bromley outfit have began their Bulmers Cider Kent League campaign with a 2-1 win over Lordswood, but missed first half chances cost them dear as they came away from Faversham Town on the end of a crushing 4-1 defeat at the weekend.

“We were disappointed on Saturday,” Hughes told www.kentishfootball.co.uk this lunchtime. “We started very brightly, very lively, went a goal up, had a couple of more chances.

“If we had put them away it could have been a different game all together, but we didn’t take those chances.

“Fair play to Faversham, they did so they deserved the result in the end.”

The win leaves Justin Luchford’s men at the top of the table with a 100% record from three games.

Hughes added: “Faversham are a good side and they play to their strengths. Some teams can handle that, some teams can’t and we didn’t handle it.

“In the first half there was only one team in it, but had we taken our chances then I think it would have been a different outcome but it’s all about taking our chances.”

Holmesdale now look forward to a big eight days of Cup football, as Badshot Lea visit Oakley Road on Saturday in the preliminary round of the FA Cup - before the Dalers’ travel to Feltham in the First Qualifying Round of the FA Vase on Sunday, 6th September.

“The FA Cup is something for all of us to get excited about, both as players and as management staff,” added Hughes.

“I’ve been on the internet and asked a few people (about them) but we’re going into it a bit into the dark, like most of these early stage games.

“We’ll prepare ourselves accordingly and go out there with the right attitude and express ourselves.

“Any extra income (from FA prize money) always helps so yes, we’re hoping to progress as far as we can.”

Hughes takes his side bowling for a team bonding exercise and wants progression in both of the national cup competitions.

“We’re looking to do a team bonding next week and get through this with a nice win,” he said.

“We’re going to go bowling and then we’re going to train hard and then we’re away to Feltham next Sunday in the Vase, so it’s a good week really.

“It could be potentially a great week if we perform. Everyone knows that if we go out there and perform we’ll win. If we don’t, we could go out of both cups.

“It’s just how much we want it on the day. If we turn up the way we should, prepared and organised, we should beat most teams.”

Visit Holmesdale’s website: www.holmesdalefc.co.uk

Holmesdale v Badshot Lea

FA Cup (Sponsored by E.ON) Preliminary Round

Saturday 29th August 2009

Kick off 3:00pm

At 68 Oakley Road, Bromley, Kent BR2 8HQ