Vickers have set the benchmark, says Wells boss Robbins

TUNBRIDGE WELLS manager Mike Robbins believes VCD Athletic are the benchmark for the rest of the Bulmers Kent League club’s to follow, writes Stephen McCartney.

Robbins’ men welcome the Crayford based club to Culverden Stadium on Saturday as they open their new league campaign.

Every season Kent League managers always mention VCD Athletic when they’re asked who they feel will win the title.

And after finishing runners-up in the last two seasons, many people feel Vickers’ time will come at the end of this season, clinching promotion into the Ryman League.

“They’re going to be the benchmark for the season,” Robbins told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“We’ll set our stall out so if we know we can do well against them, give them a good game of football.

“If we get something out of that, we’ll do well for the rest of the season. They’re the bookies’ favourites aren’t they?”

Robbins, now in his first full season in charge at Culverden Stadium, was left frustrated when pre-season games against Redhill (away), Orpington (away) and Ashford Town (home) were cancelled.

“I had a couple of postponements with Redhill’s pitch not being ready and my own pitch not being ready and Orpington,” he said.

“We had to put in quick friendlies against Ramsgate with Jim Ward and Folkestone with Neil Cugley.

“We were hoping to play well and win games and not get thrashed, but in those (two) games we had spells of exceptional football and went toe-to-toe with good footballers but we did manage to score against good sides, so it didn’t go too bad.”

Ashford resident Robbins has challenged his side to get this season off to a flying start and continue where they left off last term.

“Last year (when) I took over and we only had a few points and it took me a while to settle in,” reflected Robbins.

“We had a good half of the season and we’re trying to continue that form and we should be able to break into the top six.

“I want progression from last year, be hard to beat at home, organised and disciplined and I’d like to have a decent Cup run.”

Robbins feels the standard at the top - and bottom - of the Bulmers Cider Kent League has improved.

He said: “If you look at the teams (that finished) below us last year, Faversham are signing some superb players, Croydon appear to be signing everybody and you have Sevenoaks. I played against a team who played them and they told me they will be very good - and your usual suspects (for the title), Hythe, VCD, Erith & Belvedere. There’s some really good teams this year.”

Visit Tunbridge Wells’ website:  www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk

Visit VCD Athletic's website:  www.vcd-athletic.co.uk

Tunbridge Wells v VCD Athletic
Bulmers Cider Kent League
Saturday 9^th August 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Culverden Stadium, Culverden Down, Tunbridge Wells