H&B hoping it will be fourth time lucky

The William Parker Sports College-based outfit, who have missed out on going up to London South East Division Four by losing promotion play-offs in three of the last four seasons, are seeking to make it fourth time lucky in 2005.

H&B, who finished second in Sussex Division One, entertain their Kent League equivalents Sittingbourne on Saturday April 30. They enjoy home advantage because of a better record than their rivals during the regular league season.

"It's our best chance," said spokesman Peter Knight, "and it's one we must grab with both hands. It's not a case of 'now or never', but we've got to go out and prove we are a big game team. We've won big games in previous seasons, so we can do it. It will be a good reward for the hard work that the players, coaches and committee have put into the season."

Having watched a video of their opponents at training last Saturday, H&B also feel they are better prepared than they have been for any of their previous play-off reverses.

"As a club we are better organised," Knight continued. "We've never gone to the extent of studying another team. They are obviously a good team, but if we play to the best of our ability, we can beat them. If we get into London Four, we will have to play to the best of our ability anyway."

And they're also confident that the previous play-off defeats won't be a factor tomorrow. Knight added: "They will put those defeats behind them. The coaches and the captain are good motivators and I don't think that will be a ghost in the cupboard. We've got a better team than in past seasons and the (friendly) win over Hove (13 days ago) will have helped us."

Several players, including Ben Davies (hamstring) and Rob Sparks (knee), were expected to shake off niggles to take their places in a pretty much full strength squad.

Kick-off has been brought forward to 2pm.