CHALVEY Sports boss Merv Lloyd plans to keep his squad smiling this season after a 4-0 opening-day win against Penn & Tylers Green on Saturday.

The Stabmonks opened their inaugural campaign in Division One East with a convincing victory at Arbour Park thanks to a Jason Marney brace, plus goals from Levi Thackery and Bryan Taylor.

Lloyd explained that the whole squad played their part in the success and he is interested to see what position Chalvey will be in at Christmas.

He told the Observer: “The lads were really looking forward to the game despite the fact we didn’t have a good pre-season.

“We were a little bit nervous at first because the first game is always a big deal and you want to lay down a marker.

“We scored early on then just before and after half-time to put the game to bed.

“We were very disciplined and tight, so it was a good win with a nice atmosphere.

“We played well and the whole squad played their part and did their job.

“We all had a smile on our face in the dressing room after and the plan is to keep that going forward into a long old season.”

Lloyd added: “It was a good day out with good support, and that’s something we’re trying to build on.

“It’s also nice to have a little extra sponsorship now so the Chairman doesn’t have to worry.

“We’ve got the players to get us out of trouble so it will be interesting to see where we are at Christmas because it’s a test for us going up.”

Chalvey return to action with a trip to Thame Rangers on Saturday, 25th August (3pm), and Lloyd knows it is up to his side to be at their best.

He said: “It is still early in the season so it’s difficult to know what teams have, but we will have a look at Thame when they play Burnham this weekend.

“There’s no guarantee that you will play the same team, so we will not make too many plans, but Thame are always a decent side.

“It’s another big obstacle and our first away game, so it’ll be interesting to see how we travel now.”

Lloyd continued: “The players have got to show commitment because we can’t give them that in training.

“I’m sure they’ll all be up for the challenge of making the shirts their own because we have no favourites here.”

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