We must get closer to Hythe, says Dalers' coach Dean

HOLMESDALE coach Jim Dean has challenged his side to end Faversham Town’s three match winning streak to move to within one point of leaders Hythe Town tomorrow night, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Dalers are currently four points behind Hythe and Dean, who has coached at a higher level at clubs like Fisher Athletic, Dulwich Hamlet and Grays Athletic, knows tomorrow night’s game at Oakley Road has to be won.

“Both sides have pretty much got to go for the win to cement our places in the table and hopefully for us to push on and hopefully win the title,” the 42-year-old told www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight.

“It will be a tight game, without many goals in the game. They’re a decent side, got a lot of respect for them and I’m sure they have for us.

“We went all the way down to their place some weeks back and came away with a hard fought 1-0 victory.

“If we can apply ourselves and show the same sort of attitude towards the game, as what we did a few weeks ago, I’m sure the result will take care of itself.”

Dean and manager Billy Hughes have worked wonders to maintain the club’s push towards the title, following the shock departure of it’s previous management team to Croydon earlier in the season.

And Dean explained the secret behind keeping the club in with a chance of winning the Bulmers Cider Kent League title - in only the club’s second campaign at this level.

“To be honest with you, we’ve pretty much not tried to change many things in personnel,” said Dean.

“Saying that, in hindsight, we have strengthened the squad in a few weeks with a couple of contacts that I’ve known from my time at other clubs so that’s helped out which has strengthened the squad.

“The starting eleven are looking fairly strong and we’ve got a decent bench where players can make a difference when called upon.

“We’ve tried to keep things as low key as possible. We want to play the right way. We’re a great believer of getting the ball down and pass it.

“We’re prominently a young side and we try to encourage them to play with no fear. They are challenging for the title and to be fair to them they’ve applied themselves magnificently over the last few weeks and that’s helped them accomplish the goals that we’ve set out for them.”

Wins over Sevenoaks Town (1-0), Deal Town (4-0) and Lordswood (1-0), has kept the pressure on long-term leaders Hythe Town.

And Dean is confident that his side can clinch their first ever Kent League crown, but his side face stern tests as they end their campaign against Faversham Town, Herne Bay (away on Good Friday), Hythe Town (away, on Saturday 18th) and at home to Erith & Belvedere on the final day of the season seven days later.

When asked if Holmesdale can win the title, Dean replied, “I definitely believe so! If we continue in the vain that we’ve showed in the last month.

“We’ve got some tight games coming up, we’ve got Hythe, which is obviously a big game if results go. It’s a must win game tomorrow, it’s our game in hand, which (if we win) brings us closer to Hythe.

“Things are in our own hands, but equally we’re not taking anything for granted. We know sides around us are in form, VCD and Herne Bay.

“We’re under no illusions, it’s not going to be easy.”

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

Visit Holmesdale’s website: www.holmesdalefc.co.uk

Holmesdale v Faversham Town
Bulmers Cider Kent League
Tuesday 7^th April 2009
Kick Off 7:45pm
At 68 Oakley Road, Bromley, Kent BR2 8HQ