We've got nothing to prove, insists Holmesdale coach Ross Mitchell

Thursday 12th August 2010

HOLMESDALE coach Ross Mitchell says his players have nothing to prove to anybody ahead of their home FA Cup clash against rivals Erith & Belvedere on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

The two Safety Net Associates Kent League clubs battle it out in the Extra Preliminary Round at Oakley Road on Saturday on the back of impressive opening day wins.

The Deres, who are now managed by Micky Collins, came away from much-fancied side Herne Bay with a 2-1 victory, whilst the Dalers stunned Erith Town, courtesy of goals from striker Badar Mohammed and midfielder Lindsey Prescott-Kerr.

“It was a good result,” Mitchell, the club’s goalkeeper coach and club secretary, told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“I don’t think it was a result that the rest of the League expected. What it is, it’s a result the lads have deservedly got and to be fair I think it could have been a lot more - but we deserved it.

“Again, I wouldn’t like to pick a player out, but the whole team done what they were asked. They were well briefed by Gary (Davies) and they never let Gary or myself down. Everyone had a really good game.

“Make no mistake, Erith Town are a good side and they will come back. This was just a one-off game and they will come good as they’ve got some good players.”

Holmesdale have certainly come a long way in a very short space of time. Since moving into their present Oakley Road base ten years ago, the Bromley based club have clinched two Kent County League titles and promotion into the Kent League and they are relishing competing in the World’s Greatest Cup Competition again.

“Personally it means a lot to us,” admitted 27-year-old Mitchell. “I’ve been involved with Holmesdale now for 14 or 15 years and for everybody at the club, we are only a small club, but to have a nice run would be good.

“We know we’ve got a tough test against Erith & Belvedere but one thing is for sure, all our players will give 110% on the day and will not let the club down.”

When asked whether he would prefer to avoid a Kent League rival, Mitchell added: “I think it’s the luck of the draw. Ideally it would have been better to have another side as we play these sides week in, week out, as it would be nice to have a little trip somewhere, but we’ve got what we’ve got and we’re ready to go for it.”

With manager Gary Davies formerly on the Deres coaching staff, and many of his players that used to don the blue and white quartered shirt, Mitchell insists no-one has a point to prove.

“I think we’re treating this like another game,” he insisted.

“Obviously there are ex-players and ex-managers but Gary has nothing to prove, the players have nothing to prove from Erith & Belvedere, as far as we’re concerned.

“My perspective, with my secretaries hat on, Gary has done a great job this season and last season and the ex-Erith & Belvedere players have nothing to prove to me. They’re all a good bunch of lads, they’re good people and they’ve just got to go and play their game.”

With a trip to Zamaretto League Division One South & West outfit Gosport Borough awaiting the winners on 28 August, an FA Cup run is on the agenda for both Kent League clubs.

Mitchell said: “The incentive for us is to win on Saturday, regardless of what we’ve got. Our main focus is to get the result, put a good performance on for the club and make sure we do ourselves proud.

“One thing I can guarantee about our side is we’ve got quality in abundance but one thing that we do really pride ourselves on and have shown all through pre-season is our work ethic.”

When asked about any missing players, Mitchell had this to say.

“No, we’re ok. The players have trained hard this week and everyone from the playing perspective are up for it.”

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

Holmesdale v Erith & Belvedere

FA Cup (Sponsored by E.ON) Extra Preliminary Round

Saturday 14th August 2010

Kick Off 3:00pm

At 68 Oakley Road, Bromley, Kent BR2 8HQ