Ayres expects Heathens to be resilient in cup clash against Risborough Rangers

Flackwell Heath manager Chris Ayres is expecting his side be as resilient as they were at the weekend against Virginia Water in Tuesday night’s Challenge Cup clash with Risborough Rangers.

On Saturday, Flackwell Heath narrowly triumphed 1-0 at Wilks Park, with captain Jamie Essex on target with his head in the 52nd minute.

Virginia Water didn’t have a plethora of chances in this match but when they did break into the final third, the Heathens were alert and on their toes.

Their opposition tomorrow evening, Risborough Rangers, might pose a greater threat in the box.

Mark Eaton’s men were clinical enough to beat Edgware & Kingsbury, 3-1, at the weekend and record their third victory of the Combined Counties Premier Division North season.

“Our next game is really tough, in fairness our next four are. We’ve just got to show the same resilience that we showed today,” said boss Ayres on Saturday.

“We weren’t defending for our lives but they (Virginia Water) did have a couple of opportunities after we scored and towards the end of the game.

“We will shuffle the pack on Tuesday, give some boys the gametime they need. We will hopefully keep a clean sheet again and Marcus (Mealing) will also be back to full fitness next week.

“He done his hamstring in the FA Vase last week. It was a little bit touch and go as to whether he was able to feature on the bench let alone play some minutes.”

Ayres added: “We had some good build-up play today but when we got to the final third, the cross, the shot, or the pass wasn’t good enough. Our decision-making wasn’t great in the first half.

“In the second half, we were better. We could’ve scored more than the one goal. Overall, I am really pleased we’ve got the three points and having Jack (Brooker) back makes a massive difference.”