Early days yet.
The Crows carried on their pre-season build up on Tuesday night when they played old Sussex County Football League foes and old friends Ringmer FC on the side pitch at the Alderbrook Recreation Ground.
The match was a very entertaining, played in good spirit throughout and the standard of football on show from both teams was excellent considering how early it is within their pre-season build-ups.
As is the case at this time of year the Crows had quite a few players unavailable to them, as did Ringmer FC probably, due to holidays, injuries and work commitments. However, it did not seem to affect the style and fluidity of the Crows football as seven U18 players from last season stepped in to fill the gaps and did not look out of place.
Callum Hampson and Jamie Weller both looked sure and comfortable in goal in the second half as they took it in turns after replacing starter, Michal Czanner, at the half time break. Connor Charlton, normally a midfield player, looked very comfortable playing at centre half along side the more experienced Paul Butler who led by example throughout the game.
Khalid Mwambakale showed great skill, pace and maturity playing in central midfield along side experienced new signing Andy McMath whilst Theo Cunningham showed his versatility by playing in two or three different positions in the game whilst not looking out of place wherever he was positioned.
Tom Cameron put in a great stint at right back, replacing the injured Dan Tear, and he was influential in many of the Crows attacking forays down the right hand side during the match, as was Alex Rich down the left hand side.
Aaron Leadbetter, who scored two goals on Saturday, had another very good second half, replacing Wayne Clarke, and with a bit more luck could have had another goal or two against Ringmer FC.
New signings, Ryan Waterman and James Pinnock, both looked sharp and effective during the game but perhaps the two stand out performances on the night for the Crows came from Wayne Clarke and Callum Ridley, the latter having one magical run that took him past four players before having a shot which the visiting goalkeeper did well to save.
The match itself was largely dominated by the Crows having the larger amount of possession and by far the better chances but some excellent goalkeeping, great defending and some poor finishing saw the teams reach half time with the scores 0-0.
The match was not quite as good in the second half, mainly due to both teams making many substitutions which affected the rhythm of each side but it was still the Crows who looked the most likely to score and again, good work by the Ringmer defence ensured the scores remained level.
It was then somewhat unfortunate for the visitors that as time was marching on and they were having their best spell of the game that the Crows scored the winning goal. Following some good defensive work by the home side, the eventually arrived at the feet of Aaron Leadbetter who hit a drive from the edge of the area which the goalkeeper could only parry out, away from his goal.
However, second half substitute, Scott Treleaven, alert as ever, was there on hand to tap the rebound under the goalkeeper and put the Crows 1-0 up. It was no more than the home side deserved on the balance of play and Ringmer deserve a lot of credit for making this friendly such an entertaining affair.
No body will be getting carried away by these friendly results, except to say, two wins, five goals scored and none conceded is not a bad way to start whilst fielding young players and trying to get the new signings settled in.
On the injury front, Nick Collick is not far away from being fit again and Dan Tear should be available during the next week or so. Sam Carrington is still a little away from being able to play and Chris Ransome, who has had a repeat of his back injury he suffered a few years ago may not be available until after Christmas.
All in all though, a very encouraging start from all concerned and it's off to play Tunbridge Wells on Saturday with another scratch squad as some players are back but others will be not available for selection. However, on what has been witnessed in the two games, it should be a very interesting friendly.