Bexhill seek top flight consolidation

Bexhill’s last two seasons in the top flight in 2010 and 2012 ended in relegation, but first team coach Cox is optimistic that it will be third time lucky this time around.

He said: “I’m quietly confident, but it’s a tough league and we’re under no illusions. If we can play to our strengths, and put our plans for other teams into action and stick to them, we’ve certainly got the talent to stay up and be better than just staying up. A lot of it’s mental as well at this level.”

Cox believes Bexhill are better equipped to hold their own in the Premier Division now than they were on their previous two attempts.

“It’s basically the same side, but they’re a few years older and more experienced,” he continued. “They’re probably three or four years away from their peak if you like so they’re only going to get better. With this group of players, we’ve got a team that could be challenging up the top in two or three years’ time.”

Bexhill will begin their campaign with a visit from Horsham tomorrow (Saturday, 12.30pm) and Cox thinks it’s a good time to play one of the perennial frontrunners.

“They will be decent, but they will have a few uni kids that won’t be back yet and it’s early season,” he added. “We’re confident of getting a result.”