'It was definitely a deserved result' (From Enfield Independent)

Steve Newing admits he is always looking to improve his Enfield Town squad

5:01pm Wednesday 31st October 2012 in Sport By Adam Newson

Steve Newing admits he is always looking to improve his Enfield Town squad but is pleased with his side after the Towners defeated Concord Rangers 2-0 in the FA Trophy second qualifying round.

A Liam Hope penalty and a second-half strike from Mark Kirby sealed victory against Rangers, who played the majority of the game with ten men following Billy Coyne’s dismissal in the 20th minute.

Newing acknowledged the red card helped Enfield but was pleased with how his side defended.

The Towners manager said: “It was definitely a deserved result but of course it helped us with them going down to ten men after 20 minutes.

“Concord are a big side so they were always a threat from set pieces but we defended well.

“We had a perfectly good goal disallowed for offside but then we got the second goal.

“It was important that we got it and once we did then we were able to control the game and see it out.”

Newing stated last week he was “working towards” bolstering his squad with a new signing.

However, the Enfield boss has missed out on his transfer target. He said: “The player has joined a club in the Southern Premier Division. The club were able to offer a bigger financial package then we were unfortunately.

“I will always be looking to improve the squad where we can but since the end of September we have been putting in good performances and not getting the points we should have.

“If you look at the table then we are only two or three points below those in mid-table.

“Of course we would like more points on the board but the performances have been good and we haven’t got what we maybe deserve.

“We should’ve drawn with East Thurrock and beaten Bognor Regis Town. Had we done that then we would have more points and been further up the table.

“The aim is to stay in the division but until we’re half way into the season you can’t really judge where a team will finish in the table.”

After back-to-back cup victories, Enfield return to league action as they travel to Canvey Island this weekend before a Tuesday clash against Hastings United.

Newing is anticipating a stern test for his side on Saturday but is hopeful the Towners can come away from the match with a positive result.

“They are a good side who I think, and I’m sure they do, will be looking to reach the play-offs this season,” the manager said.

“They have dropped down a couple of divisions in recent years but they will certainly prove a tough test for us.

“We then follow that up with a long trip to Hastings United. They will also be difficult and again it will be a tough game for us. But hopefully we can collect the points.”