Ross: We are in good shape

Redbridge joint-manager Dave Ross is expecting a tough match against Erith & Belvedere tomorrow (Saturday) as the Motormen open their Ryman Division One campaign with a fixture at Park View Road.

Although Ross believes his squad are in good shape, he admits he will know a bit more about his squad come 5pm on Saturday.

He added: “We are in good shape. It will be a hard game and they play at Welling’s ground so it will be on a good pitch.

“No excuses for us. We are going there reasonably ready, not 100 per cent because I think that (Enfield) friendly has set us back a little.

“You won’t know how you’ll stand until 5pm Saturday. That is when you see your strengths and weakness because it is completely different to pre-season.”

Erith were promoted last season from the Southern Counties East League and Ross conceded it is difficult to find out information about the opposition.

But from what he does know, he and joint boss Ricky Eaton expect them to be a tough test.

Ross said: “It is tough (to find out information) but their pre-season results have been good.

“I think they could be pushing for top half and they’ll be on home turf so it will be hard.

“I don’t think we’ve got any injuries. We have a few players coming back this week so we’ll have to assess them but touch wood we have no injuries and we will go in with a full squad.

“It is a long old season irrespective of Saturday’s result but we are hoping for a (positive) result.”

Redbridge play their first home match of the season at Oakside on Tuesday against Aveley and Ross is hoping to get a win for the fans, despite acknowledging the toughness of the fixture.

He tipped the Millers to be high up the league again after reaching the play-offs last season.

Ross said: “It would be nice to get a home win in front of the fans.

“We’ve got Aveley and I think they’ll be contenders. They’ve got a strong squad and again it’ll be a hard game.

“It is a hard start to the season. Erith we don’t know much about and Aveley we do. They made the play-offs last year and I expect them to be up there again.”