Cannock v Canterbury

STEWART KEIR is staying positive as Canterbury’s men prepare for their toughest test of the season at unbeaten Premier Division leaders Cannock on Saturday.

Last week’s 4-4 home draw against East Grinstead leaves them second from bottom in the table, and face a side boasting a 100 per cent record, winning all 10 games, and conceding only nine goals in the process.

Skipper Keir said: "We will turn up and give it our very best shot as we always do. They are such a good side and it is a pleasure to play against them, but we won’t just roll over, and want to get whatever we can out of the game."

Canterbury let a 4-2 lead slip against East Grinstead and Keir believed that the game hinged on two major umpiring decisions, with the Sussex club scoring from both situations.

He added: "Luck was against us again. We have had two goal cushions in both our last two home matches and failed to close out each time.

"I think last week was a must-win game in terms of team morale. There is still a long way to go and we must learn to win games, because like losing it becomes a habit.

"We were delighted to have Brian Garcia back with us and he combined well with Ed Butcher to give us a stable attacking platform down the right."

Full-back Morten Pedersen will be out for a month after breaking his thumb in a second team game against Indian Gymkhana.