Moneyfields boss confident he has extra ‘artistry’ in his squad ahead of FA Cup clash with lower league Camberley

Carter overhauled his squad during the summer with a spate of new signings ahead of his sixth season in charge.

He felt the time was right to freshen things up after a disappointing 2019/20 which saw Moneys in the lower reaches of the Southern League Division 1 South table - after reaching the play-offs the season before.

'I felt that we had become a bit jaded and needed to freshen things up a little both on and off the pitch,' said Carter.

'Gav Spurway has become my assistant and Brett Poate has been drafted into our coaching set-up.

'I feel that we have added a lot of attacking power and strengthened our ability going forwards.

'We have always been a big, powerful side in the past.

'Now we have worked hard at retaining the ball better with a little bit more artistry.

'We have a lot more pace and energy in our team and in pre-season we looked to have taken things up to another level.

'Also a number of our new faces have played on a higher stage.

'The FA Cup is important and every club wants to stay in it for as long as possible.'

Carter has recruited three players from Southern League Premier South neighbours Gosport Borough.

Marley Ridge, Alex Lafleur and George Barker all have an excellent pedigree.

Ridge is a 'workhorse' in midfield with a fantastic engine and will provide a key attacking midfield option.

He was among the scorers when Moneys defeated Denmead 4-0 in midweek in the Portsmouth Senior Cup, their first competitive outing since March.

Lafleur, who can play full-back or wing back, is another who offers great pace and possesses a good left foot.

He is currently travelling from Watford before taking his place at Southampton University.

Barker's pedigree speaks for itself, including EFL stints with Brighton and Swindon Town.

The 28-year-old also made 44 appearances for the Hawks and his experience will be a valuable asset.

As an attacking midfielder, he can not only score goals but set them up with his fantastic delivery.

Carter has also brought in 19-year-old defensive midfielder Tom Dinsmore, who was released by AFC Bournemouth, striker Kieron Roberts - at Wimborne and Blackfield last season - and ex-Bognor Regis centre half Ed Sanders.

Curtis Da Costa is also available again after missing most of last season with a shoulder problem.

‘Last season was disappointing for us,’ said Carter.

'We made a couple of poor signings and also suffered a spate of injuries.

'Our fitness levels are now a lot better and we have added some quality players.'

Moneys are waiting on the fitness of Connor Bailey but otherwise are at full strength.

Camberley Town, known as the 'Krooners', play in the Combined Counties League - the same level as the Wessex League Premier.

In the previous round they beat Wessex Leaguers Blackfield & Langley 5-4 at their Krooner Park HQ on penalties after a 0-0 draw.

Camberley were 15th out of 21 in their league when last season was halted, but in midweek inflicted a 1-0 loss on Ascot United, the side who topped the table when the pandemic struck in March.

This is Moneyfields’ 20th season in the FA Cup, and the furthest they have ever gone is the third qualifying round.

That was only two seasons ago, in 2018/19, when they went down 3-2 at home to Worthing with consolation goals coming from Bailey and Lewis Fennemore.