Eastbourne United face a daunting challenge this weekend as they travel to second-in-the-table Three Bridges in this Sussex County division one clash.
Manager Paul Daubeney said he expected a very tough game, adding: “They don’t come much tougher than Three Bridges in this league”.
The concern for United remains their dismal defensive record and their propensity to ship goals in the closing stages of matches. Daubeney said: “We need more commitment, particularly in the last 20 minutes. It doesn’t tend to be one we concede, it tends to be two or three”.
United will be looking to play a different system this weekend. They have been trying things out in training and may decide to play one up front with five in midfield. Daubeney is also considering bringing through some reserves, including Michael Ridgeway and Rory Newby, to shore-up midfield and the back-line. He will also hope the return from injury of keeper Grant Fitzgerald will strengthen the team, with current keeper JJ returning to Lewes after his loan spell.
After losing a number senior players at the beginning of the season Daubeney believes it is a lack of experience at this level that is costing his team. He said: “We’re a young team; we’ve got a good bunch wanting to learn but they need some experience around them.”
United are struggling to find players who will be able to make an immediate impact and strengthen the squad. Daubeney said: “We’re still looking to sign players. It’s tough, with no money at the club and propping up the table, to attract players.”
They have just signed Dan Peters from Kingstonians as a left back, but he has been out for about a year and is only likely to feature in the reserves initially.
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