Old Reds boss bids for striker

GHOSTS from Redhill past were a strong presence as the Lobsters were held to a 0-0 draw at Lingfield on Tuesday night.

One ex-manager was on the bench, but it was another ex-manager, Stuart McIntyre, whose presence was more haunting.

McIntyre was once Redhill manager, before stepping in as John Crumplin's number two in October 2008. Eight months later the pair left for Ryman League Division One South side Walton & Hersham, who have now put in a seven day transfer request for Red Daniel Morris.

However, Redhill manager Marcus Alcindor is confident Morris is happy at Kiln Brow.

"McIntyre was there I believe," he said.

"I haven't sat down and had a one-to-one with Daniel yet, but he hasn't expressed any interest in leaving. We are pretty confident he will stay; they are only one step above us and he's played for Stuart McIntyre before.

"There are other managers everywhere; people trying to claw at our players, but I respect the players and the players respect me and we hope they will all stick around and enjoy their football at Redhill."

A friendlier ghost came in the shape of Dean Forbes, whose presence was more welcomed by the Redhill camp.

"The clubs are all after Forbesy as well, but nobody can afford him," Alcindor joked.

"Dean didn't really want to leave. I still talk to him on a regular basis and we are happy to have him involved at Redhill. He has made quite a few appearances for the reserves recently."

In Tuesday night's Surrey derby in the Sussex County League, Redhill always looked like the team most likely to score, but with the Reds strikers leaving their finishing boots at Kiln Brow, and some dogged defending, the home side were able to cling onto a point.

After losing 1-0 away to division one leaders Chichester last weekend, Alcindor admits the draw against Lingfield was a major dent to Redhill's promotion credentials.

"We started slowly, in credit to Lingfield they probably started better than we did, but we played well, unfortunately we just didn't score," he lamented.

"I was absolutely gutted. We played good football especially in the second half when we completely dominated the game. We couldn't find the back of the net but I don't want to blame the strikers. It was not meant to be."

"Today was a big blow to our promotion hopes, it was a kick in the teeth, especially after Saturday. We've got to win everything now, but also make sure our ground is up to scratch so we qualify for promotion. Hopefully other people drop points, and we've got to pick them up."

Eight places lower than the Lobsters in the league, Lingfield were pleased to secure the draw against their local rivals, and new manager Mick Buckingham plans on taking his time before instigating a metamorphosis.

"I'm new here and I feel like I'm going through pre-season at the moment," he explained. "Before I make any changes I want to see the players and where I need improvements. Rather than sling everything at the boys at once, I'd like to improve things in stages. But I was very pleased with the back-line. I think it's very strong and we can work forward from there."