REALITY has failed to match expectations at Viney this season. A rash of pre-season publicity surrounding a kit deal brought in new players and old supporters. Lots of them have faded away.
Saturday's disappointing result has left Viney one from bottom of the league. But there is no dispondency and plenty of hope.
Manager Gary Sutton says the aim is to consolidate a mid-league position and then to push forward next season. But after such a bright start, huge publicity, new players and an unbeaten pre-season, he admits the real thing has been a reality check.
He said: "I feared it would happen. Things were moving too quickly and we paid the price. After losing some early games we lost some young players and picked up some injuries."
But Sutton strongly believes his team has not enjoyed the rub of the green. Goals have been scored against the run of play and golden scoring chances have been missed.
He said: "I really do believe things will still happen for us. All we need is a bit of luck. We have not been playing badly and our performances have been quite encouraging. I'm very optimist we will hit form and enjoy a golden patch. It's a tight league so three or four wins would see us go to midtable."
No-one gets penny at Viney and Sutton says that means there is plenty of team spirit and commitment. One player, Mark Maunder, even travels every week from Sussex!
"We have a lot of good players. Matt Addis is leading scorer and attracts a lot of attention and Sam Green is getting back to form and full fitness after breaking his leg last season. Shawn Bamford is also doing very well," says Sutton.
There are few clubs with Viney's assets.
"We've got everything. The facilities are superb here and we are geared to play in the County League. It will happen, I'm sure of that," he said.