The realistic target is to finish the highest ranked Kent side, says Bromley's Hayden Bird

Monday 13th September 2010

BROMLEY assistant manager Hayden Bird says his side were disappointed as they dropped two points to a negative St Albans City at the weekend, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Lilywhites remain five points clear at the top of the Blue Square Bet South table following the 1-1 draw - a result that ended a run of seven straight wins - and resulted in the Saints' sixth draw in eight games already this term.

Bromley went ahead on the stroke of half-time through winger Tony Finn. A long kick from goalkeeper Wes Foderingham was headed on by Paul Vines into the path of Warren McBean, who held the ball up well before playing the ball through for Finn, who took it round goalkeper Paul Bastock and slotted home.

But St Albans - who fielded former Tonbridge Angels and Margate target man Jean Michel-Sigere - levelled through Mark Peters’ header following a corner.

“I think we were under no illusions,” Bird told www.kentishfootball.co.uk. “The game was going to be a difficult one and it proved to be the case.

“St Albans came to Bromley very motivated and they were very dogged and stopped us playing and some degree they achieved that.

“I thought we weren’t at our best on Saturday but when you’re looking back we were unfortunate not to get all three points, but nonetheless it’s a very good start to the season so we can’t complain too much!”

Bird added: “Very disappointed that we had dropped two points. We were disappointed with the goal that we conceded and we were disappointed in the last fifteen minutes we had three or four really good chances to win the game.

“But we’ve got to put it into perspective. If we said to anybody at the start of the campaign we would win seven and draw one of our first eight league games everybody would have taken it so we’re disappointed but still very pleased with the start to the season.”

Bromley are five points clear of Braintree Town, Dover Athletic and Welling United in the table and when asked whether the Hayes Lane club are serious title contenders Bird replied, “Are Bromley? No! I don’t think so! It’s far too early to suggest such things. As I’ve said to everybody, it’s been a good start, it’s been nothing more than that.

“We can’t talk about titles, promotion or championship winning credentials as early as September. I think the likes of Chelmsford and Dover are clubs that will challenge hard for the league title and the target for Bromley remains exactly what it was at the start of the season and that’s to improve on last season.”

A crowd of over 1,500 is expected at Dartford on Saturday, as Bromley’s increasing fan-base make the trip across to Princes Park Stadium.

Tony Burman’s side are presently in 14th place in the table with a record of two wins and three draws from eight league games - but Bird expects the Darts to climb the table.

“That really will be a good game,” agreed Bird. “Dartford are a club that have done really well under Tony Burman. I know him from my Carshalton days, where we locked horns on a few occasions.

“They are a team that probably would have wanted to start a little bit better but they will get stronger and stronger this season and will do well in their first campaign at this level.

“They have very good players and have a way of playing that is very effective and in front of a bumper crowd on Saturday that really is going to be the game of the day in the division, albeit there’s a few tasty ones on Saturday.”

Dartford attracted a crowd of 2,781 for their Kent derby with Ebbsfleet United and average gates of 1,535 - although Bird is pleased that Bromley’s average has shot up to 675.

“It’s great to see at Hayes Lane at the moment the last two attendances have been 940 (against Welling United) and over 800 (against St Albans) on Saturday,” said Bird.

“St Albans brought virtually no-one on Saturday so 800 Bromley fans turning up at Hayes Lane on Saturday shows there’s definitely a buzz about the place.”

Bromley travel to their Blue Square Bet South rivals Bishop’s Stortford in the FA Cup Second Qualifying Round on 25 September, before Ebbsfleet United visit Hayes Lane for a league fixture seven days later.

Bird said: “I think first of all with the FA Cup it’s always great to do well in the FA Cup, it’s great for the team and it’s great for the business. This season, because we’re managing the budget successfully, we’re within the budget set by the company. There’s no pressure to do well in the FA Cup, which is completely different to what you get at some clubs.”

Looking ahead to both Kent derbies, Bird added: “I always believe you don’t lose to the teams on your doorstep - you don’t lose to your neighbours.

“You need to win these games. You mention about targets, perhaps the realistic target is to try and finish the highest placed club amongst the group of clubs around us like Welling, Dartford and Ebbsfleet. There will be some big games in the next few matches.”

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering this game

Visit Bromley’s website: www.bromleyfc.tv

Dartford v Bromley

Blue Square Bet South

Saturday 18th September 2010

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Princes Park Stadium, Grassbanks, Darenth Road, Dartford, Kent DA1 1RT