Foxes boss says game will show if Ilford can challenge for title next year

Ilford manager Allan Fenn believes Tuesday’s game with Bowers & Pitsea will show whether the Foxes can compete for honours next season.

The Cricklefields side travel to the Len Salmon Stadium to take on a Bowers side that are still in with a realistic chance of winning the Essex Senior League this year.

That is something Fenn wants to challenge for next season and he believes the clash will show Ilford where they need to improve in the close season.

“Bowers are a top team. I’ve said it all season that I think it’s between them, Haringey Borough and Barking for the title,” said the Foxes gaffer.

“That’s where we want to be next season. The match with Bowers will be a good benchmark for us going into next season.

“They’re a strong side and they’re on a good unbeaten run. It’ll probably be our toughest game of the season so far.”

Ilford themselves are not in bad form having picked up their seventh win in their last nine matches in all competitions with a 3-1 success at Southend Manor on Saturday.

The results have lifted the Foxes to seventh in the table and Fenn is proud of what his club have done so far this campaign but says they are capable of more.

“Whatever happens for the rest of the year, what we’ve achieved this year has been nothing short of brilliant,” said the Ilford chief.

“But the season is not over yet, The boys are still fighting hard. We’re confident of getting a result at Bowers, as we are in any game.”