Carl Stabler is predicting East Preston will be a County League force within two seasons.

The East Preston manager, who recently took over as chairman as well, says the youngsters in his squad have the potential to be major players in Sussex football.

After holding the runaway Division One leaders to a goalless draw at the Lashmar, Stabler said: "We've got a good base for a decent side. Langney have taken a few years to build themselves up to their present position and with our good set-up there's no reason why we can't follow suit."

Stabler is excited at the prospect of seeing players like Andy Willems, Matt Huckett and Lee Gibbs develop into top County League players. And with an experienced nucleus of players including Robbie Pearce, Gary Young and Richie Phillips, the East Preston boss has the right back-up to help him develop their talents.

"We've had a few well-documented financial problems," explained Stabler. "But the players have remained loyal and stayed and morale is high. That's very healthy and I think within a couple of years this club has the potential to be the top County League side. I aim to make it so and that's why I was happy to take over as chairman."

The goalless draw with Langney proved their potential and it even prompted praise from Sports manager, Garry Wilson. He said: "They're one of the best sides and are already up with the likes of Saltdean and Burgess Hill."

It would need something extraordinary to prevent Sports lifting the title and securing a place in the Dr Martens League. Ground grading officials have already visited Priory Lane and made recommendations for improvements to be made. Wilson said: "They are all small things that won't be a problem. They want us to put up a perimeter fence and were very positive. Everything's in our own hands now, both on and off the field."

This is only East Preston's second season in the league's top flight and Stabler admits there is still a lot of work to be done. "I'd love to go up, but we need to make sure everything in place," he said. "I wouldn't want promotion ambition to strain our finances."

East Preston defender Gary Young, who joined from Bognor in the close season, said: "This club has done well not to lose players when the financial problems startedhere. Wick were in a similar situation and most of their players walked out. Our lads have stayed and want to make this club a top one. We've got a little way to go before we can be up there with the Langneys of this world, but there's the potential to do so."

Saturday's 0-0 draw was a fair result. The hosts were on top in the opening 45 minutes and their keeper, Dave Treadwell, did not have to make a save. But Langney keeper Dean Lightwood was called upon to tip a Terry Withers' 25-yard shot over the bar.

It was a different story after the interval as the visitors, with the wind, controlled possession but looked like breaking the deadlock.

Stabler, whose team are 15 points behind the leaders, conceded: "It was a match we had to win if we were to even get a chance of getting near them. We can have no complaints about the scoreline and if Langney don't win the championship now they will only have themselves to blame."

His opposite number said: "We probably had the best chances in the second half, but a point away at East Preston is always a welcome one. Our failure to take advantage of our first-half domination saw us lose two points. It's important when you get on top against a side like Langney you make the most of it."

EAST PRESTON: Treadwell, Milford, Beard, Young, Hellen, Wren, Curnow, Phillips, More, Pearce (Willems 88), Withers (Gibbs 20). Sub not used: Huckett

LANGNEY SPORTS: Lightwood, Baker, S Willard, Barham, Burt, C Willard, Colbran (Monteath 72), Pearce, Reed, Snelgrove (Ducille 80), Allen (Agutter 76).

Referee: Ray Upton.

Men-of-the-match: Baker (Langney Sports), Young (East Preston).

Attendance: 272.

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