Langton: Holmesdale's expectation levels are rising for every game

HOLMESDALE are thankful to their goalkeeper Danny Harwood for keeping the club’s FA Carlsberg Vase hopes alive - and coach Hugo Langton wants the surprise Kent League leaders to finish off the job at Oakley Road tonight, writes Stephen McCartney.

The table-topping Bromley side braved horrible conditions to force a 1-1 draw at Selsey in the first qualifying round tie on Saturday - Aaron Smith scoring the club’s first ever goal in the competition.

And Langton, the former Rusthall boss, hopes the Dalers can take advantage of their second chance to earn a trip to Combined Counties League side Dorking in the next round.

“It was a tough game on Saturday down there,” Langton told www.kentishfootball.co.uk this lunchtime.

“They are a good hard working side who can play some good football, so we are expecting another tough game tonight.

“The conditions were tough down there, their ground is very open and the wind and rain didn’t help either side.

“A draw was probably the right result, although either of us could have nicked it late on in extra time.

“We were living on a prayer at one point, as late in extra time they had a penalty, which was brilliantly saved by Danny Harwood.

“But then Joel Graves in turn was kept out brilliantly by their keeper in the dying seconds.”

Tonight’s replay will be the first ever FA Carlsberg Vase tie to be played at Oakley Road and Langton wants the team to continue their unbeaten run.

“We’re looking forward to the game tonight,” said Langton. “ There’s a good incentive for both sides to go through as the winner, I believe, plays Dorking.

“The levels of expectation on us seem to be rising every game. I think many people are waiting for us to start free falling, but I guess time will tell.

“We’ll enjoy tonight’s game as it’s great for us as a club to finally be able to play in these types of games.”

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

Holmesdale v Selsey
FA Carlsberg Vase First Qualifying Round Replay
Tuesday 9^th September 2008
Kick Off 7:45pm
At 68 Oakley Road, Bromley, Kent BR2 8HQ