Pitchero Non League

Lee Burns

....Odd Down were thumped 7-1 in Wales in the Premier Division last Saturday.

Big-spending Town are seen by many as hot favourites for the title, having been promoted from Division One in their first season after rising from the ashes of the defunct Merthyr Tydfil FC. "They are far better than any team I have seen in thirty years of playing and coaching in this league," said Downers boss Burns.

"I was a bit shell-shocked at first but, after taking some time to reflect, I'm actually really pleased and proud of the players for keeping the score down.

"We were lucky to keep it under ten and we probably wouldn't have done if it hadn't been for our keeper Steve Scannell, who made five or six great saves.

"I've had people asking me if it was a case of us being that bad or them being that good, and they really were that good.

"I'm a bit angry that the Western League have allowed them in, as it seems they are just biding their time at this level.

"Their wage bill is probably about five times what I have available to me. The attendance was about 500 and my lads are used to playing in front of about 40 or 50 people."

Now, Burns wants his players to show what they are truly capable of and says the season starts here.

"It won't be difficult to motivate them," he said. "I've told them to treat it more like our final pre-season friendly and now we can show what we're really about.

"I'm glad we've got it out of the way because it is without a doubt our most difficult game of the season.

"I spoke to some of my senior players after the game and I feel we can use Merthyr's level as a benchmark to chase, because I can't see anyone going there and getting a result from them."

Burns` side made up a few of those conceded goals on Wednesday when they won the derby at Corsham Town 6-0!

Burns hopes that will give his players some confidence ahead of Sunday's FA Cup game at Uhlsport Hellenic League side Highworth Town.

"It's always nice to have a cup run and nice to play a side from a different league, who you wouldn't normally play," he added.

Tags: News | Odd Down (Bath)

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