Foxes boss says fringe players are pushing for first team slot

Ilford boss Allan Fenn may have a few selection headaches when his team entertain Newham this weekend.

The Foxes performed admirably at Hullbridge Sports on Tuesday, winning 4-2 despite Fenn saying he was missing enough players to fill a starting line-up.

A double from Karolis Atutis and goals from Elias Armar Tackie and Carl Mullings guided Ilford to a first win in the league for almost a month.

Fenn confimed that he was impressed by those who stepped in for the trip to Lower Road, adding many had pushed their claims for a regular starting spot.

But the Foxes boss is expected to welcome several members of his squad back in time for the visit of Newham on Saturday.

All this means Fenn has a wealth of competition for places, but rather than dread the tough decisions, the Ilford manager is in fact looking forward to it.

“We’ve got about eight players who will still be out for a good few weeks, but we should have four ready to come back for Newham,” he said.

“It will give me a few selection problems, but we have a lot of games coming up which gives me an opportunity to keep the players happy.

“The league is the priority though. We need the points to put pressure on those above us, so I’ll have no qualms about picking what I feel is the strongest squad available.”

Fenn should be confident of victory this weekend when his team hosts a Newham side that has been struggling of late.

Newham, who are being forced to play their home matches almost 20 miles away in Tilbury, have just one win so far this season.

Managed by Shamrez Darr, Newham currently find themselves floundering in 18th with only five points to their name and are on a losing streak of five straight matches.

Despite Newham’s poor form, Fenn believes Ilford face a tough task when they return to their Cricklefield Stadium home after a run of five matches on the road in all competitions.

“Newham will provide us with a good test. They have some good players like Sherwin Stanley who has played at a higher level,” added Fenn.

“Despite their form, they’ll be a handful and I understand they were unlucky not to beat Bowers & Pitsea recently.

“But we’re back at home and we have to make sure we are set up right. If we work hard then I’m confident we’ll be able to pick up the points.”