Batch Says "Stay Focused"

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Batch warns top Gulls to stay focused

By Dick Marshall

 

CANVEY Island go into their two-match Bank Holiday programme with a "stay focused" warning from manager John Batch.

 

Gulls have made a great start to the Ryman One North campaign and stand top of the table on goal difference following wins at Northwood and home to Potters Bar.

 

They host Waltham Abbey tomorrow before making the short trip to Tilbury on Bank Holiday Monday.

 

And Batch insisted: "These are the sort of games you've got to give the opposition utmost respect.

 

"You have to stay focused. If you don't you'll go out and get beaten.

 

"It's early days yet and being top of the table means little. You can't even start thinking about the end of the campaign."

 

Apart from broken ankle victim Kevin Dobinson, Batch has niggling doubts about two or three other players tomorrow - Jon Stuart and Dave Kreyling in particular.

 

Abbey come to Park Lane having collected one win from their first two games, while the Dockers have managed just one point.

 

Said Batch: "I said before the season started that our ambition had to be to do better than last season. That surely has to be the aim of every club.

 

"As we only just missed out on the play-offs last time we've made a good start. But there's a lot to play for yet."

 

Before preparing for the eagerly-awaiting Canvey showdown, the Dockers face a trip to Waltham Forest tomorrow knowing that their hosts already have a narrow opening day victory over Great Wakering Rovers under their belts.

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I spoke to Jon Stuart last night and he doesn't think he'll be fit for the bank holiday games. He's still having trouble with his rib injury at the moment.