Chelmsford City manager Gary Bellamy is confident his side will bounce back with extra determination to beat lowly Andover in their Dr Martens League Southern Division match at New Lodge on Saturday.

After what Bellamy described as "a dreadful all round performance" at Fisher on Monday, the players will be keen to make amends and return to their winning form which has seen them lose only two out of their last 13 league games.

"We couldn't do a thing right and not even string two decent passes together," he said.

"Perhaps we had become too complacent and although the match referee did us no favours against some over physical tackling from Fisher, we have no excuses and deserved to lose."

He added: "The young players have done exceptionally well and had a hard season so I told them I'll give them that one game but I don't ever want a repeat.''

It also proved to be an expensive match in injury terms with Kevin Dobinson and Brett Girling unlikely to be fit for tomorrow's match.

Also missing will be promisinbg defender Shane Wardley, who is unavailable, but Bellamy hopes that the experienced Scott Darton will be given the all-clear to resume playing after his recent car crash.

Another absentee is expected to be John Girling who is still suffering from the effects of a virus infection.

The manager is already making plans for next season and one of his priorities is to sign a big, strong forward which he feels is an essential ingredient in the Dr Martens League Southern Division.

"We need to strengthen in that area and I am already making en-quiries." he said.

Most current players, including the Girling pair and the youngsters have re-signed for next season.

Any lingering hopes that City or fourth placed Folkestone Invicta had of promotion were dashed over the holiday weekend when Margate returned to winning form and look set to go up along with Havant & Waterlooville.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.