Langney Wanderers is our biggest game so far, says United boss Cooper

United are still without a victory in 14 Southern Combination games but were able to pick up just their second point of the campaign thanks to a goalless draw at home to promotion chasing Pagham on Tuesday evening.

“We’re being very realistic as to where and when we’re going to pick up points and Tuesday night was a game that we identified as one where we’d have taken a point before the game started,” explained United manager, Ryan Cooper.

“I am really pleased and actually came away from the game thinking that we could have nicked it.

“We’ve got a very good group of lads and one of the things I am most pleased about since I took over is that we have managed to build a good team spirit. We have got a good mix of older guys and younger lads that have all bought into what I’m asking them to do and it’s now starting to come together.

“You can see by the Pagham game that having a good team spirit with lads who work hard for each other can be worth a few points in season. To be honest I came away thinking it was a very even game. Our goalkeeper Matthew Dann hasn’t had to make a top quality save to keep us in it and I think on the balance of play we actually shaded the chances.”

Cooper and his United side are under no illusions as to how important the Langney game will be for their season.

The Wanderers currently sit just two places but crucially ten points above rock-bottom United.

“A win for the visitors would see them close the gap and drag Langney into relegation contention whilst a win for the Wanderers would see them stretch the gap to a daunting 13 points.

“It is a huge game and one of the biggest of our season and certainly the biggest of this season so far,” explained Cooper.

“They are a good side and I know a few of their players well. They are coming into a bit of a sticky patch and we’re coming out of one, so I think it will be a good game. The players that we have are all very good footballers, so I think the 3G pitch there will help us if anything and so we’re going into it confident.”