Purfleet were justifiably proud of their record in 2002 of just nine defeats in 46 league games. As for this year, well there is already plenty of room for improvement.

Fleet have not yet recorded a win in either league or cup and now are falling further behind league leaders Aldershot.

"The midfield has been a problem," admitted manager Colin McBride.

"We've had players go off form at the same time, but I did think that Paul Linger had an excellent second half against Braintree last Saturday."

The former Billericay man is the Purfleet playmaker and was the club's top scorer by the middle of November but has not found the net since.

"Maybe I made a mistake of not changing things around sooner, but it's a difficult call to make when the players have been doing well for you for so long," added McBride.

Fleet will go in search of a first away win in six at title rivals Sutton tomorrow probably minus central defender Dean Chandler, who missed the 1-1 draw with Braintree because of a chest infection.

McBride is likely to stick with his new three-strong strike-force of Cliff Akurang, Tresor Kandol and Kris Lee, and remains bullish about Fleet's championship prospects.

Published Friday, January 31, 2003

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