We just got to start doing it out on the pitch, says Lordswood boss Richard Styles

LORDSWOOD boss Richard Styles admits he is still looking over his shoulder going into the last three months of the season.

Lordswood suffered a 4-0 defeat away to Cray Valley (Paper Mills) in the Quarter-Finals of the Kent Reliance Senior Trophy on Wednesday night and have now gone five games without a win.

They are in the bottom seven in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table with 21 points from 24 games and with 18 games remaining they are only six points clear of the relegation zone, which is occupied by Fisher and Beckenham Town.

Lordswood host Corinthian tomorrow, a side that are a couple of places higher than them in the pecking order.

“We go into it now and we’ve got a dog fight on our hands, we know that and we know what we’re part of,” said Styles, who wants to avoid relegation in his first season in charge of the club.

“We need to get some points on the board.  We go into Corinthian’s and if we play like that (at Cray Valley) we’ll score goals, it’s as simple as that and the boys know that.  You can’t keep creating chance after chance like that and not score so goals will come.

“I still believe in the boys. If we can keep playing like that, we’ll be absolutely fine.”

Two clubs will suffer relegation from the Premier Division at the end of the season for the first time and Lordswood are one of eight clubs that can crash down through the trap door.

“It’s that end of the season now where you’re always looking at the results of the other teams,” said Styles.

“I’m not focusing on other teams. I’m still focusing on us and what we do because I know if we do what I want us to do we will be fine but you always think about the teams behind you and when two are playing against each other the chances are one of them are going to win, so they creep up on you pretty sharp.”

When asked how many more points Lordswood must collect to avoid relegation to the First Division, Styles replied: “It’s a difficult one. I’ve never really thought about that one because I try to win every game.  You’re looking at probably say 10-12. I think we’ll be fine.  I want more than that, don’t get me wrong I’d love 15-18 and every game we’ll go in with the mentality to win.

“We’re not going to hold back. We want to be amongst it.  I look at my team every week. I’m happy with the boys I’ve got. I’ve got some real ability in the side that I’m pleased with.  We’ve just got to start doing it out on the pitch.

“It is the business season now and every decision and crucial and vital and every point is vital.”

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

Lordswood  v  Corinthian
Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division
Saturday 4^th February 2017
Kick Off 3:00pm
Martyn Grove, North Dane Way, Walderslade, Kent ME5 8YE