I have a quality squad but it's taking a while to gel, admits Cray Valley boss Steve Chapman

CRAY VALLEY manager Steve Chapman says his side will pull out of the title race if they fail to beat sixth-placed Lordswood on Saturday.



The Eltham-based club have applied for promotion to the Ryman League along with six of their league rivals – Ashford United, Erith Town, Greenwich Borough, Phoenix Sports, Tunbridge Wells and Whyteleafe.

But The Millers travel to Martyn Grove sitting in seventh-place in the Southern Counties East Football League table – with 24 points from 14 games.

They are 12 points adrift of league leaders Ashford United, who also have a game in hand.

“We’ve got another two tough games over the Christmas period which will determine whether or not we’ll still be in the title race in the New Year,” said Chapman.

“I’ve said all along that it would be a close affair this season as a lot of teams are evenly matched.

“Lordswood are on a good run and clearly Simon (Halsey) fancies his chances having read his comments on Twitter.

“We have Jamie Wood and Gary Cook back from suspension and Paul Gross is back in the dug-out but now as a married man.”

Chapman is disappointed that his squad aren’t higher up in the league table.

“I have a quality squad but it’s taking a while to gel,” admitted Chapman.

“Hopefully, a good Christmas will push us up the table a bit.

“I’ve seen our fixtures for January and we must do well against Beckenham and Tooting & Mitcham (in the London Senior Cup) if we are going to have any chances of silverware.

“Again we will have to be at our best if we are going to progress and it would help if the players’ stop getting silly suspensions and a few regain that early season form!

“Fingers crossed for a happy Christmas and New Year!”

Visit Cray Valley’s website: www.cray-valley.co.uk

Lordswood  v  Cray Valley (Paper Mills)
Southern Counties East Football League
Saturday 21^st December 2013
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Martyn Grove, North Dane Way, Walderslade, Kent ME5 8YE