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RAY: TIME TO FOCUS BACK ON THE LEAGUE

RAY: TIME TO FOCUS BACK ON THE LEAGUE

Brian Flynn23 Sep 2016 - 10:59
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TOWN boss Ray Turner has warned his team they must focus back on the league after their FA Cup exploits.

Every time we've gone out on the pitch the players have played with heart and sould, and that's all I can ask.
- Ray Turner, Manager
But he admits it will be hard after the physical and mental strain of playing two high octane matches in three days - and elation of beating higher level opposition.
Town take on undefeated league leaders Tooting and Mitcham United in yet another home match - their seventh at Shepherd Neame Stadium in the last eight outings.
The visitors are three points clear at the top and nine clear of the eighth-placed Lilywhites, but have played three more matches.
And Town are full of confidence after their historic 1-0 FA Cup replay win at Hitchin Town, which took them to the third qualifying round for the first time ever.
Asked if it would be tough getting the team back into a league frame of mind after the FA Cup excitement, Ray admitted: "Yes, it's going to be difficult because there are a lot of young players out there and it takes a lot out of them mentally - not just on the physical side.
"They were literally out on their feet at the end of the game.
"Generally young players recover pretty quickly physically but it's more then mental challenge of facing a team that are obviously flying right now and unbeaten and clear at the top of the league.
"So yes, it's a big challenge but equally hopefully we can challenge all the energy and the good feeling and the confidence from winning eight out of our first 11.
"Every time we've gone out on the pitch the players have played with heart and soul, and that's all I can ask.
"And if we do that, with the support behind us on Saturday, there's no reason we can't get a result against Tooting."
There are a few injury worries following the two cup matches, with striker Luke Harvey taken off and George Monger still nursing a tight hamstring.
But club physio Wayne Jones was working on the team on Thursday night and Ray is hopeful he will have a full squad to select from tomorrow.
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