No one expects us to get anything at Greenwich Borough, so we’ve got absolutely nothing to lose, says Lordswood boss James Collins

LORDSWOOD manager James Collins says he is really pleased with his side’s start to the new season.

 

The Lords kicked-off their Southern Counties East Football League campaign with a 3-0 defeat at Cray Valley, but bounced back by beating Deal Town 1-0 at Martyn Grove in midweek.

“I’m really pleased about how we started,” said Collins.

“First game we played Cray Valley, lost 3-0, we maybe showed them too much respect.

“I think we probably got beat by the better team, which I’ve got no qualms about, but the game could have gone the other way.

“We had a clear penalty in my opinion. The keeper should have been sent off and it’s a different game and our goalkeeper hasn’t had a good day.

“When you go to the top teams in the league, which I think they will be, you need a bit of luck and you need your goalkeeper to play well, so that was a little bit disappointing - but lots of positives.

“We then backed that up against a really good performance against Deal, who I thought were a good side.

“It was a bit backs against the wall in the last 20 minutes but I know the football will come and I’ve got good footballers but the hardest thing is  creating team spirit and want to win for the club and that was really evident on Tuesday so really pleased with the start.”

Collins revealed he was at Oakley Road to watch Greenwich Borough beat Holmesdale 7-4 on Wednesday night.

Lordswood travel to Dartford on Sunday to play Greenwich Borough in The FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round.

The former Erith Town, Sutton Athletic and Corinthian manager said: “Like you I was at the game on Wednesday and it was quite enjoyable watching them play to be honest – but I’m looking forward to it!

“Everyone keeps saying ‘it’s the worst draw, it’s the worst draw’ and all the rest of it.

“You can’t control who you get in cups, it’s out of our control and I want to manage against the best managers and I think the players’ want to play against the best players.

“It’s a one-off game and we will definitely approach it differently to a league game.

“No one expects us to get anything, so we’ve got absolutely nothing to lose so if you look at it that way, maybe it’s not a bad draw.”

Greenwich Borough, Corinthian and Canterbury City are the only sides that have won their opening two league games.

Greenwich Borough reached The FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round for the first time in their history last season when they bravely went out 2-1 away to Vanarama Conference North side Worcester City.

Assistant manager Paul Blade has said this week that they are targeting the First Round this season but winning the league title is their priority.

Greenwich Borough saved their best for cup games last season, winning the Kent Senior Trophy and League Cup and also reaching the fourth round of The FA Vase.

Greenwich Borough’s football at Holmesdale on Wednesday night was mesmerising and it will go down as a giant-killing if Lordswood beat them on Sunday.

“I don’t know what people think from the outside,” said Collins.

“I mean, at Corinthian last year we gave them a couple of good games. I think they’re a lot better this year and we drew with them towards the back end of last season at Lordswood.

“I don’t know if it’s a massive, massive Cup exit if we get anything out of it.

“I think they’re a good side and they’re favourites for the league.  I think they’re the top team you could have drawn at this stage in the competition, but why not?

“I quite enjoyed watching them. They’ve got some fantastic players and they’re really good in possession.

“They conceded (three) late goals. I don’t know whether that was Holmesdale believing themselves a little bit more with nothing to lose and throwing caution to the wind or Greenwich Borough switching off after they’ve gone 7-1 up. I think time will tell from that but it was an enjoyable game to watch, definitely.”

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

Greenwich Borough  v  Lordswood
The FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round (Sponsored by Emirates)
Sunday 16^th August 2015
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Princes Park Stadium, Grassbanks, Darenth Road, Dartford, Kent DA1 1DA