The most important thing is to win the League, says Bly Spartans' boss Matt Hume

BLY SPARTANS manager Matt Hume says there are eleven Cup Final shirts up for grabs.



The Strood based outfit moved three points clear of Phoenix Sports at the top of the Kent Invicta League table after playing out a hard-fought goal-less draw against in-form Sutton Athletic on Tuesday night.

They play two league games before they face Phoenix Sports in the first Kent Invicta League Challenge Trophy Final on Good Friday, 6 April (2pm) – a game being played at Welling United’s Park View Road ground.

Bly travel to mid-table side Lewisham Borough on Saturday, followed by a trip to fourth-placed side Hollands & Blair on 24 March.

Paul Piggott’s side are presently eight points adrift of Bly and travel to fellow challengers Ashford United this weekend.

But looking ahead to their trip to Ladywell Arena on Saturday, Hume, 42, says he is clued up on the south Londoners.

He said: “I’ve spoken to Dave Ward on the phone believe it or not this week about some other matters and he was telling me when Ashford played them the other day he reckons they’re the best side they’ve played this year.

“Again, Lewisham Borough haven’t potentially got loads to play for this year.  It’s going to be a big game for them.  Like what Sutton wanted to do on Tuesday, they wanted to beat us.

“Again, every game is going to be very tough now going to the end of the season.

“I know Lewisham Borough are a decent side. I think we have to start well against sides like that, let them show our quality first and foremost. 

“I don’t believe there’s a better side than us in this league. It’s all about can you perform on the day.”

Hume says his players’ are keeping fully focused on winning the inaugural Kent Invicta League title in his last season in charge of the Rede Court Road outfit.

The club confirmed that they received three applications for the soon to be vacant manager’s job on Tuesday alone.

Hume insists no-one has mentioned the Cup Final against their tittle challengers, Phoenix Sports, who are one of the better footballing sides in the division.

He said: “It’s something else for the lads’ to look forward to. It’s making positions competitive because I don’t think we need that now. I think everyone knows every position is up for grabs and people have got to perform week in week out.

“The Cup Final is another little thing that is there to look forward to but clearly from my point of view – and I know the lads’ – the most important thing is to win this league and we haven’t thought that far ahead yet.”

Hume feels Peter Hawkins’ experience of a much higher level of football will be valuable to his squad and to his central defensive partner Aaron Burrett.

The 33-year-old played for the club last season and has played for the likes of Wimbledon, York City, Rushden & Diamonds, Ebbsfleet United, Maidstone United, Tonbridge Angels and Whitstable Town.

Hume said: “Aaron and Peter aren’t the paciest of centre halves but I think they have a quality in reading the game.

“Peter’s a really important player. He’s not the only important player. It’s about having a squad.  I think Peter’s been a great signing for us. He’s added a lot of strength in areas where you need it.”

Lewisham Borough  v  Bly Spartans
Kent Invicta League
Saturday 17^th March 2012
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Ladywell Arena, Silvermere Road, Catford, London SE6 4QX