We need to do a little bit more before we can be considered serious contenders, says Steve Chapman

CRAY VALLEY (Paper Mills) manager Steve Chapman says it’s too early to describe his side as dark horses for the Kent League title.

The Eltham based outfit are in a respectable fifth-place in the table, with 17 points from 9 games after playing their part in an enthralling eight goal thriller away to Erith & Belvedere at Park View Road in midweek.

Joe Matthews’ 90^th minute penalty ensured Chapman’s side claimed a well-deserved point, which maintained their unbeaten record on the road and it was a result that put Erith & Belvedere at the summit.

Chapman said: “I think we’ve got a lot to learn defensively.  We’re letting goals in and we’re scoring goals this year.

“We’ve got a new goalkeeping coach, Darren Macey, as well now and I think we need to do a little bit more on the coaching side before we can be considered serious contenders but we’re enjoying it at the moment.

“We’re hoping when people see the fixture and they’re playing Cray Valley, they’re going to be in for a game.”

Chapman says he has retained his ambition of finishing in the top six in their second campaign at this level.

He said: “I think the fact that the top six won on Saturday shows there may be a bit of a breakaway this season. 

“Hopefully we can maintain our form and stay in the top six. That was our ambition at the start of the season to finish top-six. If we can finish higher than that all the better!”

Tony Russell brings his Erith Town side to Badgers Sports Ground tomorrow looking to get back on top after losing top-spot to Erith & Belvedere on Tuesday night.

Chapman said: “We’ve got two home games next. We’ve got Erith Town Saturday and Woodstock on the 13^th with the Kent Senior Trophy game (away to Crown Alexandra) in between that so hopefully we’ll keep the run going.

“It will be another tough game though. Tony Russell has got a good team this year. They’ve not let too many goals in and we’re expecting a very tough game on Saturday.

“I think it will be a very open game because they like to play football like we do. 

“The good thing is the last two games we’ve played them we’ve beaten them so we’re a bogey team to them so hopefully we can take that into Saturday’s game and get the advantage but I’m expecting another exciting close game.”

Visit Cray Valley’s website: www.cray-valley.co.uk

Cray Valley (Paper Mills)  v  Erith Town
Kent Hurlimann Football League
Saturday 29^th September 2012
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Badgers Sports Ground, Middle Park Avenue, Eltham, London SE9 5HT