We have to make sure our work-rate is at a level it should be, says Tunbridge Wells boss Larkin

TUNBRIDGE WELLS boss Martin Larkin says his side kick-off their new Kent Hurlimann Football League campaign with a nice fixture against Fisher.



The Culverden Stadium outfit finished in fifth-place in the Kent League last season, which was their highest finish since 1985, the last time the club won the title.

They welcome a Fisher side who finished in tenth-place last season and Steve Firkins’ side play attractive football on the deck.

Larkin is looking forward to the opening game.

He said: “It’s a nice one.  It will be good for the crowd because Fisher play really nice football. 

“He’s (Firkins) got his philosophy with how he likes to play.  Steve does really well with that. They’re a really good footballing side.

“We like to play in the right areas as well so it should be a good game, but they’ve had quite a few pre-season games as well so they’ve had a good little run.

“It’s always a good game against Fisher.  There’s always goals when we play them. We’re looking forward to it.”

Tunbridge Wells have played only four games during their pre-season campaign, finishing with a 3-1 home defeat to Kent Invicta League neighbours Rusthall.

Larkin can’t wait for the opening game, saying, “It’s a week early, which is a pain.  There’s only so many changes you can do and pre-season games you can play until you want to crack on.  We’re ready to go.”

When asked what his aspirations are for the season ahead, Larkin said: “Everyone should want to be finishing as high up in the league, that’s what we’re here for.

“We’re not going to put any targets out publically.  We just want to do the best we can in each game and that’s what we’ll go about doing.”

Tunbridge Wells travel to Bromley next Tuesday to lock horns with Fabio Rossi’s Holmesdale, who start off with a trip to Deal Town.

Larkin said: “It’s nice to have two games put together to start the league off.  Again, they’ve got some decent players there.

“They’re a nice club.  I like to spend time there. They’re a good bunch of guys behind the scenes.

“We have to play well. It’s quite a quick turnaround from the Saturday but that’s what it’s all about in the league and it will be good to get in a couple of games in before the FA Cup starts.

“It will be a tight game.  Everything’s the same in the Kent League. If you don’t work hard then the games are hard games.  If you get your work-rate right and your tempo right that allows your quality to come through.

“We have to make sure we match the first two games and make sure our work-rate is at a level as it should be.”

Tunbridge Wells welcome their Kent League rivals Beckenham Town to Culverden Stadium in the FA Cup Extra Qualifying Round on 11 August.

Larkin said: “It’s a good game.  They’re a decent side.  Again, they’re a very good footballing team.

“In the FA Cup, it’s always nice to get away games at clubs you’ve not been to before but the draw is what it is. We’ve known about it for a while so it’s not a shock at the moment so we have to make sure we’re ready for the occasion.”

Jason Huntley will bring his Beckenham Town side to Tunbridge Wells after starting their league campaign away to VCD Athletic on Saturday, followed by a home game the following Tuesday against newcomers Whyteleafe, who were relegated from the Ryman League after finishing rooted to the foot of Division One South.

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

Tunbridge Wells  v  Fisher
Kent Hurlimann Football League
Saturday 4^th August 2012
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Culverden Stadium, Culverden Down, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 9SG