More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Rochester United are in uncharted territory as they welcome Fleet Town to Rede Court Road this Saturday.
It’s the first time the Spartans have been in the second round proper of the FA Vase and the Southern Counties East Division 1 promotion chasers are facing a team they know little about.
Fleet play a level above and only lost their first game in the Combined Counties League Premier Division on Tuesday.
Boss Matt Hume has gleaned some information on their opponents and they’ve already beaten Abbey Rangers from the same division in the first qualifying round. Last season’s SCEFL Division 1 champions AFC Whyteleafe are the league leaders.
But for Hume, the focus is on his own team and he’s got every confidence in them.
He said: “They look like they're a decent side but we played Abbey Rangers from in the earlier round, who were a good side, and we probably surprised them that day.
“We're expecting another really tough game but we've got everything in our favour.
“We're at home, which I like. We've got everyone available. We can't complain this Saturday with the players that we've got. We'll just have a good go at it and try and enjoy it as much as we can.
“I think with the way we play and what we've got, I definitely think we can win.”
Rochester beat SCEFL Premier Division Lordswood in the last round after a thrilling contest, fighting back from 3-0 down at the break and eventually winning on penalties after a 4-4 draw.
Since then they’ve lost 4-3 at home to fellow promotion chasers Canterbury City, after conceding two stoppage time goals, but bounced back with a 4-2 win over Bridon Ropes last Saturday.
“We've got a lot of belief in our own team,” said Hume.
“We've played some good sides in pre-season friendlies from leagues above and I watch a fair bit of football and I think on our day, we can definitely get a result against any of these teams.
“You've got to say we're underdogs, because they're a team at the league above, but it's very hard to know. I do think there are differences in the leagues so who's to know? We might be pleasantly surprised and they're not as good as we think they might be. But I'm not going to be afraid of that.
“There's no way I'll be planning to counteract what they might be offering. We'll just go with our game plan and try and do what we're really good at because I always believe that's the best way to do it. Just do what suits your players and your team and let's see if it's good enough.
“We will need a little bit of luck but let's see if we can make another bit of history and get through to the next round.”
Southern Counties East Division 1 table
Hume combines his role as manager with that of chairman and the team’s run in the FA Vase has already added over £2,000 in prize money to the club. Another £900 is up for grabs this Saturday and a big attendance will help boost the coffers some more.
Plans for an additional clubhouse remain in place - they’re currently awaiting a site visit for the project to progress - and those extra funds will help.
Hume knows the club have to grow on and off the pitch in unison.
He said: “As a manager, you want to just keep strengthening up but we've really got to keep our budgets tight and make sure that we're not overspending in different areas.
“If we can get fundamental things in place, the new bar being one of them this year, that will help generate more income for the future, which is definitely what we want to try and do.
“There's no point in us going up or getting promoted if we haven't got the infrastructure to support us being there and at the moment, I see that as being a key part of it.
“We could possibly throw a bit more at the players' budget but actually, if you're doing that, and then you do get promoted and you haven't got an infrastructure to support you when you're up, there's no point. You've got to do the two together.
“It's brilliant up at the club. There's a great good feel factor and I’m really glad this game is at home. If we win Saturday, that will be massive and just keeps the momentum going.
“We know it’s going to be tough but I think there's everything to play for. I'm excited. They're going to come to us, and I don't care who you are. If I was playing a team the league below, you're expecting to beat them, and I don't think you can get that mentality out of players. That can be to our advantage.”
