Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
FAVERSHAM: COLLINS FEARS RELEGATION FIGHT
Boss James Collins concedes Faversham will become embroiled in the Isthmian South East relegation scrap - if their form doesn’t quickly improve.
The Lilywhites lost 2-1 at Hythe last Saturday, their fifth straight league loss, despite recent addition Marcus Elliott’s consolation goal.
“If you cannot put the ball in the back of the net, it’s very difficult to win games of football,” said Collins, whose side are now only three points ahead of second-bottom Lancing. “We should have been 2-0 or 3-0 up by half-time. But an individual error cost us and, after that, we were chasing the game.
“It’s chucked us into the bottom group and we are in a relegation fight. We have got to pick up some wins quickly.”
The Lilywhites manager has a points target in mind to ensure survival. Collins explained: “I have said all along that 38 points probably would keep us up. weare on 25, sowe probably need another four wins.
“But we have four home games this month.
“We have played some good sides like Hastings recently and drew with Ashford (on New Year’s Day), and East Grinstead were flying but there was nothing in that game (which Town lost 1-0). “So we are not a million miles away. I feel, if we get a win, we will probably get two or three.
“But we are where we are because we have not won enough games of football.” This Saturday, Faversham welcome Burgess Hill to Salters Lane in the first of three home matches. Collins knows this is a big period for his side. Burgess Hill will still harbour hopes of making the play-offs and have a goal threat in Martyn Box who has been in good form recently. But Collins stated: “Their manager (Jay Lovett) has done a great job there.
“It’s a big club but, with their budget, their players and management are overachieving really. “We lost 1-0 at their place but there was nothing in it. “There’s no reason we cannot be where they are but, at the moment, we are playing well and not winning. So we just need to get a win.”
Collins hopes midfielder Sam Bewick (hamstring) will be fit to return against Burgess Hill, while at least one new signing may be signed in time.
Town will visit Isthmian Premier in the last-16 of the Velocity Trophy.