CHALVEY Sports manager Steve Quelch has explained the Slough Town Challenge Cup is high on the Stabmonks list of priorities this season, writes Rob Stevens.

Chalvey got their Challenge Cup campaign under way with a 5-1 win away at Iver Heath Village from Division One of the East Berkshire League on Saturday.

The Stabmonks fell behind early on in the second round tie, but goals from Tom Williams and Jason Marney gave the lead heading into the break.

The away team secured victory after half-time with goals from Williams, Marney and Lawrie Toombs.

Quelch told the Observer: “The league and the Slough Town Cup are the biggest things on our list and anything after that is a bonus.

“The competition is good for the local area and it’s the biggest tournament around. Players should be proud to play in it and be privileged to get to the final.

“Historically it has been the biggest competition around and long may that continue.

“We’ve been in it for several years and not got over the line, but it’s definitely one of our highest priorities.”

He continued: “It was nice to get a win under our belts because of what’s happened recently - it has been a tough time.

“It could’ve been a banana skin and it started like that as well with Iver scoring in the first five minutes, although that was probably down to the weather and win.

“The players could have turned up thinking the game was already won and Iver worked their socks off, but we soon found a way to get going and it was a case of when we could score and how many.”

Quelch added: “It has been a tough start for me as manager I must admit.

“We’ve brought in a few more players and on the coaching staff, and changed our style of play.

“The players are getting used to it but it has been very tough. I’ve got the guys behind me, they want to help, and we’re just starting to turn a corner.”

Chalvey do not have a fixture to fulfill this Saturday but return to action with a Subsidiary Cup match against Burnham at Arbour Park next Tuesday (7.45pm).

Quelch commented: “Burnham deservedly won the last match between us, but it will be a different encounter this time around because we tried to give some younger players a game then.

“We will continue to do that in this competition and we’ve some new signings coming in as well to have a look at.

“The competition is not high on our priorities at the moment.”