Sidmouth Town boss speaks about the Stoke Gabriel game

Sidmouth Town boss Josh Stunell is optimistic about his team’s home game against Stoke Gabriel on Saturday (October 29).

The Vikings chief says: “We have a full squad available so there’s no reason why we should not go into the contest full of hope. Would I take a point before kick-off? No, I would not, for I feel we are as good as any side in the division when we are at our best.

“Where we come unstuck is that dreaded thing ‘consistency’. I yearn for us to show that. It is a fact that we have, predominantly, a young side and that means inexperience, and consistency is something that comes with experience.”

As for the game at Stoke Gabriel, Stunell says: “I am pretty confident how they [Stoke Gabriel], will set out their stall and we’ll set up ourselves, not just to counter them, but also to look to take something from the game.”

“Dan [central midfielder Dan Evans] was a big miss last Saturday in the defeat at Brixham where we shipped those early goals and then gave ourselves too much to do. What Dan gives us is that middle third presence. He is someone who can pick a pass, be it 10-yards or 40-yards, he can hurt the opposition and we are fortunate to have some serious pace in our forward line which can benefit greatly from the Dan delivery.”

As for the way Town will take to the pitch, having five out the week before and now a full squad does that cause a problem for the Vikings boss? His response was straight to the point: “No way, I am very satisfied that I know my best starting eleven and so they’ll take to the Manstone Lane pitch to do battle with what will be a good Stoke Gabriel side, but not a team we need to fear.

“Indeed, I want teams to begin to fear us and, if we play to our strengths, and do so on a consistent basis, then I am confident we can match anyone in this division. Bring it on!”