We just have to maintain our performance levels, says Faversham Town boss Ray Turner

FAVERSHAM TOWN boss Ray Turner says it’s too early to predict which sides will finish in the top-five in the Ryman League Division One South at the end of the season.



The Lilywhites climbed into second place in the table following their well-deserved 1-1 draw at Dulwich Hamlet last weekend, despite playing with ten-men for 34 minutes after defender James Peacock was sent-off for two fouls on former Stones winger Ellis Green.

But they slipped down to fourth place after Maidstone United reclaimed top spot with their 3-0 home win over Chipstead and Hythe Town’s battling 2-0 victory at Dulwich Hamlet.

Faversham Town welcome Maidstone United to Salters Lane on Saturday, and victory over Jay Saunders’ much-fancied side will prove that the Lilywhites are serious promotion contenders.

But Turner said: “I think it’s really early for that, to make any statement.

“I think a lot of sides still have games in hand to be played and there’s still a lot of settling down in the league.

Faversham play four league games all on Saturday’s and their only midweek date is a home tie against Thamesmead Town in the third round of the Ryman League Cup on 20 November.

“I think it will start to give now we’re playing games once a week and the games will start open up in sections in the League so I think we’re way off that (winning the title).

There are currently only eleven points between leaders Maidstone United and basement side Walton Casuals.

“I think it will start to give now we’re playing games once a week and the gaps will start opening up in sections in the league,” predicted Turner.

“I don’t think you’ll see anything until probably after Christmas when sides start settling down.”

Faversham Town, who have extended their unbeaten run to eight games, are looking forward to attracting a large crowd for Maidstone United’s visit on Saturday.

Turner said: “It’s a solid start.  I think we were a bit disappointed right at the beginning of the season, but I think there was a settling down process and a balance to be found in the team. I think we’ve found that now.

“We’ve got a really difficult November, playing the teams that are all up there. We just have to maintain our performance level.

“I think, without a doubt, Maidstone United have got the best squad in the league. I think Jay’s doing a good job up there.  There’s expectations of them is to get straight out the league.  I fully expect them to do that this season so we’ve got a massive challenge on our hands but equally as you can see from us we looked like a side that can cause problems for anyone in this league.”

Turner added: “If you don’t turn up, you’re not fully focused any side top or bottom could beat you and that’s the biggest thing.  That’s very evident and I don’t think there’s a weak side in the league and at the moment there’s not a side running away with it.”

Visit Faversham Town’s website: www.favershamtownfc.co.uk
 
Faversham Town  v   Maidstone United
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 3^rd November 2012
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Salters Lane, Faversham, Kent ME13 8ND