Merry Miller says promotion is the goal for Roffey

The Bartholomew Way side continue to lead the way at the top of Division 3 after their 3-1 victory over Montpelier Villa on Saturday.

It remains tight in the top six with just six points between them all. AFC Varndeanians are best placed with their three games in hand - although were held to a shock draw by AFC Roffey on Saturday.

Three teams - Southwick, Sidlesham and Langney Wanderers were promoted last year amidst a summer shake-up of the divisions and it is unclear how many will go up this season.

Miller said: “We are in a good position and just taking one game at a time. The main aim is to get promoted as a lot of work has been done and continues to improve the ground.

“I am sure the chairman (Dave Jeal) would love to see the club achieve senior football, as would I, and the players are doing all they can. I am enjoying working with this group of players and we will see where we end up.”

On Saturday, goalkeeper Mike Norris made a good save from an early corner as Roffey grew into the game. They took the lead as a Devon Fender corner was flicked on at the near post by Harri Nourse and Duncan Hirschfield slid the ball in at the back post.

The defence then failed to deal properly with an attack and the ball was forced home by Nicholas Boutal to level on 31 minutes.

Fender scored a wondergoal before half-time, turning quickly and firing into the roof of the net after being set up by Gavin Fowler.

After the break, the third goal came from Nourse after a cross from Phil Awcock, finishing from the rebound after his first effort had been blocked on the line.

Miller said: “The hard work put in to get the game off paid off with a hard-working performance. We tried to play football in tricky conditions and deserved the victory over a Villa side that put a lot of effort in and saw a fantastic performance from their very good keeper.”

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