It’s been a tough first season in the SCEFL Prem, not helped by having so many injures, says Bearsted boss Kevin Stevens

LORDSWOOD manager Richard Styles says he is expecting a tough test against Bearsted tomorrow.

 

Lordswood are in thirteenth-place in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division, with a playing record of six wins, two draws and 13 defeats.

Styles said: “As a team we have had a quiet holiday period as it’s a lot different to how busy it usually is. We have trained well and hard throughout Christmas though. This time has also allowed injuries and niggles to be healed ready for tomorrow’s game.

“We come into the game unbeaten in four games and are looking to continue that momentum as much as possible into the New Year.

“The squad has really come together lately and there is a good vibe around the club and the players are enjoying their football.

“We just need to keep doing what we’re doing and working as hard each time we’re on the pitch.

“Bearsted will be a tough test, we know that. We have already played them twice, winning one and losing one.”

Bearsted manager Kevin Stevens, meanwhile, admits it’s been a tough first season in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division.

The Bears climbed up to fourteenth-place in the table on 18 points from 20 games after beating Rochester United 2-1 on 27 December.

“We played really well on Tuesday against Rochester United and I thought we fully deserved our win,” said Stevens.

“We created a lot of chances and maybe should have scored a couple of more on the day.

“Looking forward to Lordswood on Saturday, it’s a local derby with only one position separating both sides, it should be a good game.

“We’ve played them twice this season losing 4-3 in the league and then knocked them out of the Challenge Cup 4-1. I’ve got a good squad available who are full of confidence and raring to go.

“I’m confident moving into the New Year that we can improve our league position and stay away from the relegation positions.

“If we can do that there is no doubt the experience will make us all the better for the new season.

“It’s been a tough first season in the SCEFL Prem, not helped by having so many injures.  Playing good sides week in, week out has been really hard at times with key players missing.  That said, it’s starting to look good on the injury front for the first time since September.

“With a little bit of luck if we can continue to keep players fit and get out a consistent side each week the New Year will hopefully be good to us.”

Visit Lordswood’s website: www.lordswoodfc.co.uk

Visit Bearsted’s website:  www.bearstedfc.co.uk

Lordswood  v  Bearsted
Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division
Saturday 31^st December 2016
Kick Off 1:00pm
at Martyn Grove, North Dane Way, Walderslade, Kent ME5 8YE