LANGLEY FC joint-boss Peter Phillips is confident his young side can challenge for the East Berkshire Premier title this season.

The Kedermister Park outfit beat Huntercombe to the Division One championship last year, and then lifted the Ascot & District Fielden Cup.

In a bid to compete with the East Berkshire elite, Phillips has signed skilful young players as well as keeping hold of star man Dean Papali.

The new-look team showed its quality with an 11-2 thumping of Alpha Arms Academicals at Burnham Grammar School on Saturday.

And now, Phillips believes Langley are in a position to rival some illustrious Premier clubs, such as defending champions The Lynchpin.

Speaking to the Observer, he said: “We’ve got a very good side with teenagers released from professional clubs.

“We looked very strong against Alpha considering we had seven first-team players missing and youngsters on show.

“Eight players made their debut and we’re looking to bring on the youngsters.

“I am quietly confident that we will be there or thereabouts with the talent we’ve got and additional quality from youngsters.

“We’re not in there [Premier Division] just to make up the numbers and we only want winners on board.

“Obviously you look at The Lynchpin but, if you stand up and match them physically, they are nothing to worry about.

“We’ve gone from Division Four to the Premier in four seasons which no team has done before, so I’m looking forward to the challenge.” Former Burnham FC man Papali scored 35 goals in Langley’s title-winning season last year and he added five more in the friendly win over Alpha.

Tom Amsalom and Shai Eine both netted twice whilst Latif Erksine and Karl Rochford were also on target at Burnham Grammar.

Phillips commented: “Dean is one of the best players in the area and, together with Andy Wickens, form the spine of the team.

“Andy’s experience and calm head will definitely help the guys and bring the youngsters forward.

“We are also close to signing three more players, hopefully we can finalise the paperwork this week.” Langley have friendlies booked against KS Gryf at The Polish Club on July 26 (2pm) and Hemel Hempstead Reserves at Farnham Park on August 16 (2pm).

The new season gets under way on Saturday, August 23 and anyone interested in joining Langley should contact Phillips on 07752 090820.

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