The standard of football in Medway is going up, says Hollands & Blair boss Paul Piggott

HOLLANDS & BLAIR manager Paul Piggott has explained why he thinks two Medway clubs are the leading lights in the new Kent Invicta League at present, writes Stephen McCartney.


The Gillingham based outfit sit in second place in the table with four wins and a defeat from their opening five games and travel to Strood based leaders Bly Spartans, who have a 100% record, on Wednesday night.

When asked what he is expecting under the floodlights at Rede Court Road on Wednesday, Piggott said: “What we always get – a tough game – especially midweek.  They get a few people over there.  A lot of local people like to see that fixture.

“As it is for them as it is for us, it’s another game.  Nothing’s going to get decided at this time of the season so we’re looking forward to going over there as they must be looking forward to us going over there.

“I think there will be a few people there as there always is when we go there.  I think we went there twice last year midweek and there were big gates and they were two very good close games.

“We beat them both times in the league and we beat them in the Cup!  They were great games to be fair, they were well fought out.  The Cup game went to penalties and we were lucky enough to win.  They are good games to play in.  Their games I love to be involved in to be honest with you.”

With Gillingham still being the only Kent club in the Football League, Chatham Town in Ryman League Division One North, and Lordswood one level below in the Kent League, Piggott believes Hollands & Blair and Bly Spartans will swiftly progress.

“Both teams want to be in the Kent League, which is good for the area,” said Piggott.

“I think the area needs another club in the Kent League.  It just shows, I think, the standard of football in this area is going up in my opinion.

“Once upon a time players’ would travel a long way to go and get their 20, 30, 40 quids elsewhere but I think times have changed and players’ are more prepared to play for their local clubs.  We feel we’ve both got players who can play at a higher level, but they’re prepared to play for their local clubs if they can see progression at those clubs.

“I’m sure the players we’ve got at Hollands & Blair wouldn’t be playing for Hollands & Blair five years’ ago because you’re playing at a higher standard you can attract players.”

With his club established as being one of the leading lights in the Kent County League, having won the top-flight two of the last three seasons, Piggott spoke about the standard of the new league.

He said: “I said earlier on, at the end of last season, you don’t know what the new teams are going to bring.  I bet it’s been hard for the likes of Ashford and Erith & Dartford who have had to start from scratch and full credit to them for being able to compete.  To start a team from scratch must be hard.

“The teams that were playing at a lower league, again, they might be able to attract a better player because their playing at a higher standard.”

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

Visit Hollands & Blair website: www.hollandsandblair.co.uk

Bly Spartans  v  Hollands & Blair
Kent Invicta League
Wednesday 7^th September 2011
Kick Off 7:45pm
at Bly Spartans Sports Ground, Rede Court Road, Strood, Kent ME2 3TU