We have a really tough game against Balham, says Sheppey United assistant manager Nick Davis

SHEPPEY UNITED assistant manager Nick Davis says he will wield the axe if they fail to beat Balham in The FA Vase tomorrow.

Davis has contacted Thamesmead Town boss Tommy Warrilow for details on Balham after the Mead knocked Balham out of The FA Cup Preliminary Round with a 2-0 win last weekend.

Ernie Batten’s men are in eleventh-place in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table with two wins and three defeats from their opening five games and suffered a 3-1 defeat at Canterbury City at Salters Lane in Faversham on Bank Holiday Monday.

Davis is keen for the Ites to bounce back against Balham, in fourth-place in the Combined Counties League Premier Division table, tomorrow.

“Really tough draw against Balham for us.  I spoke to Tommy Warrilow about them as they had them last week and we had them watched so we have an in-depth report on them,” said Davis, ahead of tomorrow’s First Qualifying Round clash at Holm Park.

“They have had a brilliant start to the season and we are going to have to be at our best to get through to the next round, that’s for sure.

“They set up a certain way that works well for them and they stick to those principals.

“It’s obviously worked as they’ve had a couple of promotions in the last few years.

“I’m glad we are at home, that’s for sure and if we play the way we know we can, we will win the game.”

Sheppey United are seven points adrift of leaders Chatham Town going into September and Davis demands more from his players.

“We’re disappointed with the start we have had, that’s no lie, especially away from home,” admits Davis.

“We have all the ability, we believe, as a squad but if you don’t put a shift in you’ll get beat, it’s as simple as that and unfortunately that was the case on Monday against Canterbury.

“It’s no good papering over the cracks or making excuses like you hear from a lot of teams.  If you’re not honest with yourself then how can you improve?

“Ernie and myself will keep working hard to get the balance right and if we have to change personnel, then so be it.”

Visit Sheppey United’s website:  www.sheppeyunitedfc.co.uk

Sheppey United  v  Balham
The Buildbase FA Vase First Qualifying Round
Saturday 1 September 2018
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Holm Park, Queenborough Road, Halfway,  Sheerness, Kent ME12 3BD