Faversham Strike Force have started a new era with their long-serving manager stepping aside from match-day duties after seven years at the reins.

Former assistant Stuart Benfield began life as Gary Axford’s replacement with a tough double-header which yielded two defeats, including an agonising 1-0 loss at high-flying Rochester United in Saturday’s Southern Counties East Division 1 clash.

The Force carved out the best chances, with Tom Carter hitting the post and Tom Barton narrowly failing to fire home the rebound.

Insult was added to injury when the hosts found a last-ditch winner to round off a difficult week for Strike Force after an 8-2 Challenge Cup hammering at Premier Division Deal Town last Tuesday, as Barton scored both their goals.

Despite a tricky first week, Axford thinks successor Benfield, supported by three new first-team club coaches recently added to their ranks, should look to the future with confidence.

He said: “The side is established in Division 1 now and the plan was always to strengthen the management team and pass over responsibilities to Stuart.

“He’s had a baptism of fire - but the side is in a good place. The time is right and we can quickly climb the table with a few wins.”

They are in only their second season at the level.

“The key, really, is to try and consolidate at that level,” said Axford. “We’re on track to be able to maintain our status at that level this season.

“Whether we can go up this year or the year after remains to be seen. But that’s quite a big change for us.

“Stuart will bring a fresh approach, although we’re usually on the same page now.”

They made the play-offs in their debut campaign at the level - only to lose out at the Semi-Final stage 4-2 to eventual play-off winners Lydd Town.

Axford said: “It’s the highest status we have achieved, finishing in the play-offs last season.

“Even that was frustrating. We came up against Lydd and they had thrown a lot of money at the team. It’s very difficult.

“If you see what’s going on at Faversham Town, they’re doing very well - but they have a huge budget and we haven’t. Even at our level, there’s teams with big budgets whereas most of our squad are home-grown.

“It’s a big difference - but that’s football at any level. We’re managing with a smaller budget and trying to maximise what we have got.

“I just feel the timing is right.”

Strike Force now ground-share with neighbours Faversham Town on their new 3G pitch at Salters Lane.

“Our relationship with Faversham Town is probably as strong as ever,” admitted Axford.

“We’re ground-sharing there and my relationship with [chairman] Gary Smart is great. I know Sammy [Moore, Town’s manager] and Darren [Hare, a Faversham Town club coach] as well.

“We have got a very good relationship.”

Axford founded Faversham Strike Force in 1999.

Back then, the club didn’t have any senior sides but, now with one of the largest youth football clubs in the county, they have two Saturday and two Sunday sides - as well as a ladies team.

Axford said: “It’s really grown what we have got in the senior side. We have two men Sunday sides, under-18s and a ladies team.

“It’s really manifested into something we’re proud of as a club. It’s not all about the first team for me, it’s all about the club.

“It will be strange in some ways. But in other ways, I had to make the decision to move on by myself because it’s not like there’s a chairman who is going to come in and sack me! We’re in a good place.

“Stuart has got the players on side. I expect him to get the support of the new guys coaching and myself when he needs it.”

Axford remains Strike Force’s club manager and a club trustee while sons Chris, Tom and Jordan play for them.

“My sons are still involved,” noted Gary. “But they’re getting older and we have all got families.

“I’ve had to dedicate a lot of time and I still oversee the charity side of it. I need to concentrate on some other stuff for the club and get some of my Saturdays and training nights back - if I want them!

“Stuart said ‘Why don’t you become director of football?’

“But I don’t think you need such a person at our level.”

Faversham Strike Force are next in action at FC Elmstead in the Kent Senior Trophy First Round on Wednesday.