CHALVEY Sports got their Hellenic League Subsidiary Cup campaign under way with a 5-3 win against Penn & Tylers Green on Tuesday.

Stabmonks manager Merv Lloyd took the chance to shuffle his pack and was rewarded with a victory at Arbour Park thanks to goals from Levi Thackery, Jason Marney, Ryan Hazell, Tawanda Rupere and Ayden Coomber.

Lloyd, who it was announced has stood down as first team manager today (Friday),  told the Observer: “It is a cup competition and gave us the chance to get some reserve players involved, but it’s onwards and upwards now.

“I’m happy with the players we got involved and it was a good win, but we’re taking it one game at a time as always.

“It was a good workout for all and there were some goals scored that were long overdue from players that haven’t scored in a while.

“We always want to win and compete in any competition that we’re put in. We can’t afford not to because that’s when problems start.

“However, it was a chance to look at a few others that aren’t in the usual crew and I wasn’t dis-satisfied at all.

“You never can tell how people will turn up in midweek but I was really pleased because our attitude was spot on. I was a bit upset that we let in three goals but there you go.

“It was a little more relaxed and I would rather be playing for three points but a cup is a cup.

“We had a look at what else was available to us and the strength in depth at the club.”

Chalvey now stand in fifth position in Hellenic Division One East after a 1-1 draw at Aldermaston on Saturday. Marney was on target for the Stabmonks.

Lloyd commented: “I’ve never been so dissatisfied with a linesman. He ruled out a late goal for us claiming offside, but it was never in a million years. It was one of the more frustrating days but that’s football for you.

“Aldermaston are a strong side but had a goal gifted to them.

“We looked dominant and came into our own as the match went on.

“We were all over them like a bag of ash in the second-half.

“We were the better side in the second-half and deserved the three points but, when you have got to travel that far, I will take one.”

He continued: “The players are all turning up with a different attitude each week, which is very strange, but once we are reading off the same hymn sheet we will be fine.

“We are drawing too many matches at the moment but it might be the point that puts us in the right place.

“We know what we have got to sort out in our heads and what we want to achieve.

“I have no worries at the moment and we certainly will bot be relegated. We will keep on working hard and it will come.”

Chalvey travel to Malmesbury Victoria this Saturday (3pm) before a short trip to rivals Burnham on Tuesday (7.45pm).

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