Longhurst pleased with character shown by his nine-men

SLADE GREEN’S NINE men ensured that their local rivals, Erith Town, came crashing back down to earth with a thump yesterday, writes Stephen McCartney.

A late winner from substitute Lee Barnett ensured Matt Longhurst’s men bagged the points against an Erith Town side that defeated AFC Wimbledon 3-0 in the first round of the London Senior Cup in midweek.

“This week’s game was a competitive one,” admitted Longhurst, when speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.  “But one I felt we deserved the points from."

He added: “I thought first half we were the better side, although we didn’t really threaten their goalkeeper, other from set pieces.

“The referee came to the fore in the second half and I don’t think I’m unfair in saying he had a poor day at the office!”

Longhurst admitted the local derby didn’t excite many of the 58 fans at the Small Glen.

He said: “I was not a vintage game in terms of quality football, but the work-rate and endeavour of the team was outstanding and showed that we are starting to hopefully turn what seemed a few weeks ago, an unforeseeable corner.

“We have continued to work hard off the pitch and brought in the right players. I thought Luke May was superb again in midfield and Lee Woodyard also had a very good game.

“The whole squad deserves a mention as that is what it took to win the game, especially after going down to nine men.

“It showed character, something we have spoken about in recent weeks, that we lacked in the opening weeks of the season.”

Visit Slade Green’s website: www.clubwebsite.co.uk/sladegreenfc/