Our build up to the new Invicta League season has been excellent, says Sam MacNeil

Friday 26th July 2013

KENT FOOTBALL UNITED manager Sam MacNeil says his side’s pre-season campaign has been superb.

The Crayford-based club have beaten Aylesford (3-0); Bromley Green (5-2) and APM Contrast (2-0), before drawing 1-1 to both Park Regis and Ryman League Division One North club Romford, but lost to Canning Town to a single goal in their last pre-season outing.

MacNeil’s side host Eynsford at Elite Venue, Dunkirk Close in Gravesend tomorrow, before playing Southern Counties East Football League side Fisher on Monday at Crown Woods Academy in Eltham.

MacNeil told the clubs website: “This season’s preparation has been superb. Once it is finished we would’ve played at least 8 games and had 5 training sessions.

“Our build up to the new Invicta League season has been excellent. The players’ attitudes have been great especially with so many new fresh faces coming in as James Cole and I look to build for a very successful future at this football club.

“We have retained a couple of players from last season with the others not making it through the trial stage.

“Our results in pre-season have been good too, highlighted by a fantastic 1-1 away draw to Ryman North side Romford.

“We have also used games against APM Contrast and Canning Town to look at trialists.”

The new fixtures for the season have been published with Kent Football United hosting Bearsted in the first Kent Invicta League game of the season on 10 August.

“We have drawn Bearsted in the first round of the Challenge Cup and the first league game of the season, funny how it works,” said MacNeil.

“Every game is a challenging game and Bearsted will be one of the best teams in the league this year whether they like that pressure or not.

“Getting them first up is great, best time to play a top team in my opinion.

“After Bearsted the fixtures look favourable but as I’ve already said every game is hard and a battle and my team will need to be at its best to secure points on the board.”

Asked about his targets for the new campaign, MacNeil said: “We want to do well. We are not going to hide the fact.

“Our preparation has been organised, disciplined and has run very smooth. James and myself see the squad of players we have as being highly competitive at this level make no mistake but we need to be consistent.”

With last season’s champions Phoenix Sports and third-placed Ashford United promoted to the Southern Counties East Football League (formerly known as the Kent League), this year’s Kent Invicta League title race appears to be wide open at this early stage.

MacNeil said: “I think Hollands & Blair and Bearsted will start as favourites but watch out for Bridon Ropes this season. They are well drilled and coached so don’t be surprised to see them up there. I think they were better than their league position suggested last season.

“I am sure it will be an exciting season so roll on 10 August and let the fun begin.”

Visit Kent Football United’s website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/kentelitefootballclub