Greenwich Borough boss Barnes: Play-off semi-final is a fresh start – for everybody

By Richard Cawley

Paul Barnes has told his Greenwich Borough players to forget their stuttering form as they face Corinthian Casuals tomorrow night in the Bostik League South Division play-offs.

Borough have won once in their last six matches but they still finished fourth to clinch home advantage.

Casuals knocked Greenwich out of the play-offs a year ago.

Manager Barnes said: “It will be a great occasion for the whole borough and would be brilliant to see as many people there as possible supporting the team and cheering us on.

“We go into the game disappointed with the way we have finished the league campaign, but we have to put that behind us. The only thing that matters is the game in front of us, everything else that has gone before counts for nothing.

“It’s a fresh start for everyone involved, it’s a real test of character and bottle. Who has got the nerve when it matters to stand up and handle the pressure of the big occasion?

“Surely this is why we are all involved? When all eyes are on us – seeing if we can rise to the occasion. That’s when you step up and show what you are all about, this is what your whole season depends on, so you better make sure you leave everything on that pitch and have no regrets.

“Going into the game we have a fully-fit squad, which will give me plenty of headaches and options. We have big game players in my changing room and matchwinners all over the pitch, I am positive we will show that on Tuesday.”