The two wins and clean sheets in the last couple of games has certainly settled everyone down, and given everyone a lot more confidence after a bad couple of games against Walton & Hersham and Worthing.
I think Steve Ward coming into the starting line-up a couple of weekends ago against Corinthian-Casuals settled us down. That said Nicky Humphrey was superb against Chipstead, he could have sulked after being put on the bench, but he came in and did an excellent job. I think confidence is a massive thing in football, and it is that one win and clean sheet against Corinthian has given everyone renewed belief.
Although we don’t want to get carried away, we now have a platform to build on and the squad is certainly more balanced, which is a help. Kaiyne Woolery has been superb, but I think the signing of Les Thompson has given us some stability on the right, and obviously getting Alex Flisher back earlier than expected has been a bonus.
During the week we faced Ebbsfleet in a training match at Stonebridge Road in what was a fitness exercise for both teams. Liam Daish phoned me asking if we could give them a game as they have a few players coming back from injury, and it was a good opportunity for us to give like likes of Charlie Mitten, Ryan Cooper and Danny Lye a run-out. The game also gave me the opportunity to have another look at reserve players such as Jason Hollick, Brett Ince and Jordan Hill.
Sam Bewick will return to the squad for the Needham Market match after completing his four-match suspension. Ade Olorunda may miss out, he felt his hamstring slightly against Ebbsfleet during the week and we may not risk him. To be honest Ade could probably play, but a three-hour coach trip probably won’t help his hamstring so it may be best to leave him at home on this occasion.
Ian Draycott is still a week away from returning to first team action; he played 45 minutes for the reserves last week before suffering a suspected cracked rib, luckily for us it was only bruised so he should be available for the FA Cup match at Grays next week. Steve Ward will also miss out after coming off last week, although he again should be fit for Grays.
I have had a couple of reports on Needham Market and it will be a tough match up in Suffolk against a good side. They are one of the favourites to win their division, but they will be wary of us too, so we will head there, set up right and have a go at them. Although it is a long journey, it is something most of the boys have experienced before, we have a good team spirit so it should be a good trip up – and hopefully an even better trip home.
Good luck in the cup go Stones …