We know the opportunity to go up is potentially huge this season, says KFU manager Sam MacNeil

KENT FOOTBALL UNITED manager Sam MacNeil says he wants to get his side’s new Kent Invicta League campaign off to a winning start.


The artist formerly known as Erith & Dartford Town finished in the bottom four last season, but the 20-year-old manager wants to do better this time around.

The club, who are based at VCD Athletic’s Oakwood ground in Crayford, welcome Woodstock Park on Saturday.

The Sittingbourne based club finished in ninth-place last season and that’s where MacNeil wants his side to be at least.

Reflecting on pre-season, the youngest manager in Kent football said: “Pre-season for us has been very productive. A number of new signings we we’ve rebuilt a brand new team after last season’s disappointing finish.

“The key signings of Alex Tiesse and Eltrom Die (both signed from Kent League side Beckenham Town), as well as securing players such as Dave Abe, Jason Sowle, Tamar Bilal, Tamba Ngongou and Maidstone goalkeeper Peter Gills, who is playing for us on Saturday.

“The opening game of any season is interesting and for us it’s all about securing three points.

“Woodstock Park will give a physical edge to the game and a presence at set pieces that we will have to deal with, but I’m positive that our team’s passing game and counter attacking pace will give us the edge going forward.”

Bly Spartans got last season off to a flying start, which ultimately helped the Strood based outfit seal their promotion into the Kent League at the end of last season.

MacNeil said: “Bly Spartans last year were arguably not the best team in the league ability wise but they got on a winning run and secured a winning mentality throughout and we hope we can get a good start and keep a positive momentum throughout.

“In terms of our season’s aspirations, we have sat down and talked about a top-half finish.  Eighth or ninth would be a good season, having rebuilt the team.

“However, with the restructuring of Step 5 and the Kent League we know the opportunity to go up is potentially huge this season so we will as a team and club be pushing to achieve the maximum we can out of our season.”

Kent Football United  v  Woodstock Park
Kent Invicta League
Saturday 11^th August 2012
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Oakwood, Old Road, Crayford, Kent DA1 4DN