Carter hoping new signings can help cure Moneyfields’ travel sickness

The Dover Road outfit start their league campaign with a long trip to Cinderford Town tomorrow (3pm).

Carter wants to return from the Forest of Dean with all three points.

'Last season was poor, even though we only lost twice at home,' said Carter.

'All our problems were away from home where we weren't good enough.’

Moneys won three and lost 10 of their 13 away league games in 2019/20.

Their wins were at the teams who were in the bottom two when the season was halted in mid-March - Barnstaple and Basingstoke - and a remarkable 6-4 victory at Melksham after Moneys had trailed 4-1 at the interval.

Moneys, though, suffered some heavy beatings - 7-0 at Willand, 5-1 at Highworth and 4-1 at Cirencester. They also crashed 7-1 at Bristol Manor Farm in the FA Trophy.

'Cinderford is a three-hour journey to the Welsh border,’ said Carter.

'We don't want a repeat of what happened two seasons ago when we got stuck in traffic on the M4.

'It meant we didn't arrive at their ground until five minutes before kick off.

'The referee even wanted us to get changed on the bus but we refused.

'It was all a bit rushed and we found ourselves a few goals down in the opening 15 minutes.

'The situation was far from ideal.

'Last season it didn't help at times having players travelling in different cars and arriving at different times.

'We have got a new minibus for this season, though we can't use it yet because of the Covid problem.

'This is a big game for us so we have hired a coach and are also leaving at 9-30am to give us plenty of time to get there.'

Carter has been given a big boost by the return of regular goalkeeper Jake Hallett.

The ex-Norwich City pro missed the 4-2 win against Camberley in the FA Cup last weekend due to food poisoning.

Captain Sam Pearce had to step in and did a good job.

Having Hallett back, however, means that the experience of Pearce can be used in his more familiar central defensive role.

Left wing-back Alex Lefleur could be back after missing the cup tie with a bruised ankle, but Marley Ridge is a slight doubt with a bruised foot.

The FA Cup performance was encouraging with all Carter’s summer arrivals making a significant contribution.

The pace and quality of George Barker in particular caused Camberley lots of problems.

Carter will, however, want to see some defensive aspects tightened up after his side gave away two soft penalties.

'I want to do well this season and the target is to make the play-offs,' he declared.

'We have a lot more width and pace in our team.

'This will take some of the pressure off striker Steve Hutchings and share the load.

'At times last season I felt we were one dimensional. When Hutch wasn't playing we found it difficult to adapt our game.

'Now I feel we have more options.

'This is a tough opener because they have a new side under a new manager. They will also be out to impress.

'We are looking to win more away games and I want that to start this weekend.'