CHALVEY Sports manager Merv Lloyd is confident the character of players he has will not let him down in Hellenic Division One East this season.

The Stabmonks retained their Division Two East title last season and Lloyd believes they will be a tough side to beat in Division One.

He is confident everything is falling into place, despite a 6-0 defeat at Marlow United in a friendly match on Saturday, but admits the pressure will be on to get that first league win.

Lloyd told the Observer: “Everything is falling into place, with a little help from above, so it’s all positive and we’re moving in the right direction.

“You do need a certain amount of luck in football and we were fortunate to do well last season.

“We will always play to the last minute and be in a game looking to get goals or a clean sheet to give us the three points. Teams will have to work very hard to get points from us.

“We will be tough to be so long as all our personnel are available on a matchday. We will give a good account of ourselves because the characters I have around me are fantastic.”

He added: “The character of the players we’ve got will not let me down in this league.

“It would feel like winning the lottery if we could make the top-five and if we lose it’ll be to a better team, so we will just wipe our mouths and accept it.”

Chalvey will get their season under way with a visit to Arbour Park from Penn & Tylers Green on Saturday, August 11 (3pm).

Lloyd said: “The pressure is to get that first win because everyone is chasing their first three points, but we’re all in the same position with the same thoughts in our minds.

“It can cause a lot of problems if doubts start to creep in, but we’re looking good.”

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