Flint ready for kick-off

BLUES boss Adam Flint is looking forward to seeing his side in action for the first time as Stortford open their pre-season programme this week.

Flint’s team travel to Crayford to face VCD Athletic on Thursday evening before hosting Dagenham & Redbridge at the ProKit UK Stadium on Satursday (3pm).

“Training has been going well and fitness levels have been good, so we’re looking forward to the games.

“A few of the boys have been away on holiday and I’m still looking to get one or two more players in next week..

“I expect the VCD game to be a good starting point on Thursday and will be good for the lads to get a game under their belts.

“Dagenham on Saturday will be a tough one as they have played a few games already but it will be a good test for us and we can work on some parts of Thursday’s game.”

VCD finished 18th in Bostik South, level lower than Stortford, last season with 52 points from 46 games.

Dagenham are expected to send a full strength side to face the Blues as new boss Peter Taylor continues to build his squad.

The Daggers opened their pre-season campaign with a goalless draw at Heybridge Swifts before beating a West Ham United XI 2-1, on Saturday.

Under John Still, who quit in the summer to join neighbours Barnet, the east London side finished 11th in Vanarama National League, five points off the play-offs with 68 points from 46 games.

In common with Blues they went out both FA competitions at the first stage, going down by a single goal against Leyton Orient in the Cup and  Hereford in the Trophy.

The teams last met two years ago, with Dagenham strolling to a 6-1 win against a Stortford side who went on to get relegated.

Blues follow up the visit of Dagenham with a pair of home games against Football League 2 sides Southend United (Tuesday July 24) and Cambridge United (Saturday July 28) with both clubs expected to bring their full first team.