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PICTURE: Chalvey Sports F.C. are currently outside of the East Berkshire League Premier Division on goals difference only and manager Brian Higgins understands that performances need to imrpove if the team are to climb the table.
Chalvey Sports manager Brian Higgins has fired a warning shot to his team that performances must improve if they are to achieve a mid-table position in the East Berkshire League Premier Division this season.
The Stabmonks returned to the East Berkshire League with a young squad in the summer after the club had a successful spell higher up in the English football pyramid which included two Hellenic Football League titles in 2017 and 2018.
Higgins wants his youthful side to put down a solid foundation to build on but player availability has affected on their rhythm, with Chalvey currently outside of the bottom two on goals difference only and facing a battle with relegation.
The Stabmonks boss explained: “So far, I would say that we’re off target for this season. We started the campaign well performance-wise, our displays against F.A.B F.C and Sandhurst F.C Royals were nearly on a par with where we want to be. We also played well against F.C Beaconsfield and got the win.
“Since then, performances have been mixed to say the least. We had a really good performance away at Old Windsor and an away win at A.F.C Reading, but those have been overshadowed by poor performances in between.
“A lot of injuries and a lack of opportunities to have a consistent squad had really delayed the flow of the team. This, along with our performances, must improve.”
Higgins added: “The aim for our first season back in the East Berkshire League was a mid-table finish, comfortably was the original plan. With an average age in the squad of about 20, we thought that this would be a good building block. Our form has been mixed, but performance progression has definitely grown.”
PICTURE: Chalvey Sports take on Langley F.C Reserves in a Showcase Match at the Arbour Park Staadium in Slough on Saturday night (7.30pm kick off). Click here to purchase your tickets at our discounted rates.
Chalvey head into the Showcase Match in 10th position in the Premier Division table, with two wins and six defeats from their eight league matches. The Stabmonks are outside of the relegation zone on goals difference only.
The team has struggled for goals a little bit with their total of 10 being the lowest in the division but, the young guns have conceded only 25 times which is the fifth best defensive record in the league.
Higgins hopes that a win in the Showcase Match could be the shot in the arm that Chalvey needs to improve their consistency in performances and start to climb the table.
The boss predicted: “Anyone who loves football will understand the thrill of a game under the floodlights, and at a great venue like Arbour Park stadium as well.
“My view is that it would be a great boost to the lads, the club and our supporters. These lads have tremendous ability and potential, a win in this environment will demonstrate this to the league but above all the lads themselves, and that would be huge for me. Every manager will tell you that coaching a confident team is an absolute dream.”
Higgins added: “The boys are certainly excited for this one, and as for the supporters, I hope that they get to see the true Chalvey Sports in action. I hope that the team uses this as a stepping stone for improvement.”
Alfie O’Conner could be the main danger for The Stabmonks having scored six goals in eight appearances this season, three of those strikes coming from the penalty spot.
His team however, will go into the Showcase Match as the underdogs with Langley currently standing in fifth position in the table, and with the chance of climbing into third spot with another victory.
Higgins commented: “Langley’s form has been pretty good. We haven’t played them with our current crop of players yet, so I would say that it’s one of those unknown quantities at this stage. But, I believe that it will be a good battle on Saturday.”
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