We've brought a squad in to have a go, says Micky Collins

ERITH & BELVEDERE boss Micky Collins couldn’t hide his disappointment over his club being drawn at home to their Kent Hurlimann Football League rivals Tunbridge Wells, writes Stephen McCartney.


A comfortable 4-1 home win over a poor Selsey side set up a FA Cup First Qualifying Round trip to Hythe Town on 17 September, but before they look forward to a trip to Reachfields Stadium to face Scott Porter’s side, they welcome Tunbridge Wells in the FA Vase First Qualifying Round on Saturday, before hosting Fisher in the league next Tuesday.

“You don’t want to draw someone from your same league, you play enough of them as it is,” said Collins, ahead of the Kent showdown in the FA Vase at Park View Road.

“It’s always disappointing, however, both teams will be up for it and both teams will want to go through.

“A good thing with the Vase is if you’ve got a decent squad then you can progress.  Herne Bay done fantastically well in it last year and obviously we’ll try and go as far as we can.”

Erith & Belvedere opened their Kent League campaign with a 2-0 win over Fisher at Champion Hill – and it’s the return fixture next Tuesday.

“That’s a toughie, Fisher are a very good side,” said Collins, knowing that Steve Firkins’ side are presently in second place.

“It will be a tough game, they’ll want revenge for us beating them at their place.  They’ve got a quick turn around to avenge that game.”

With his side presently in fourth place, with three wins and a defeat from their first four league outings, the Deres are three points adrift of league leaders Canterbury City at this early stage.

Collins said: “We’ve brought a squad in to have a go.  We’re by no means pay the most money, that’s for sure but we do have the facilities that people want to come and play here.

“Hopefully we’ve put a squad together of 20-22 players who will be competing for it by the end of the year.”

Visit Erith & Belvedere’s website: www.erithandbelvederefc.co.uk  

Erith & Belvedere  v  Tunbridge Wells
FA Carlsberg Vase First Qualifying Round
Saturday 10^th September 2011
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Park View Road, Welling, Kent DA16 1SY