What the manager wants to see at Dulwich Park

On Sunday morning we play our first Brian Howard President's Cup tie, away to Peps All Stars at Dulwich Park.

Before kick-off we sat down with manager Stephen Epathite to talk about the opening month, the cup final we lost last season, and what he wants from the side from the first whistle.

The full conversation is below, and everything he said is written out underneath it.

Four games, four wins, and we have stepped up two divisions. What has impressed you most about how we have adapted to League Eight?

"The consistency, and the transition from where we left off last season. All the credit goes to the players: they have carried on exactly as we ended last season. The mentality, the attitude, the hunger, the desire. And I still think we have not got started properly yet."

We have scored 20 goals in those four games. If there was one area you wanted improved, what would it be?

"I am really happy so far with what they have done, and without over-criticising the team, I still think we have gears to go through. I still think we need to gel, and that there is more to come in terms of the football we want to play and the chemistry between the players.

"If I am critical, clean sheets is probably the one area where I would say we need to keep more of them. And in front of goal, just be more ruthless with the chances we get. Overall, I am happy at the moment."

We came close in the cup last season, reaching a final, but fell short. What does that experience give us this season?

"There is definitely a sting from that cup final. I feel it, and I think some of the players feel it as well.

"As a team we want to get back to the same final we were in last year. We want to get there. And if we do get the chance to get there, a lot of things will be done differently, from my point of view and from the players'.

"It definitely stung. And that sting is giving me fire to go and repair what happened last year."

Sunday is against Peps All Stars, a team we have never played. How do you prepare for a cup tie against opposition we are unfamiliar with?

"I prepare for every game exactly the same. I treat every game as a big game. I do not write anybody off, and I do not have any less respect for a team a division below or a division above, top of the league or bottom of the league.

"I have prepared every single team I have ever managed exactly the same. Every game is a big game and you have to treat it like that. If you want to progress, especially in cup matches, if you take your eye off the ball you can get a nice little surprise along the way."

When we step onto the pitch, what is the one thing you will be demanding from the very first whistle?

"The week off has been good. I know the group very well, and I think it was a good thing to keep them fresh and keep their minds ready, because we had a lot of games in pre-season and a fast start to the season.

"So tomorrow, I expect, and I know, that the players will be at it from minute one. I want the intensity, the aggression and the consistency we had last season carried into this season. The main thing is to win."

Sunday

Peps All Stars v Sue's Angels FC, Brian Howard President's Cup round one, Dulwich Park, 10:30.

There is no previous meeting between the two clubs, and no second chance in this competition.