Hampton & Richmond boss Steve Cordery has pleaded with the clubs supporters to be patient as he continues to rebuild his squad.

Cordery has been chopping and changing his squad since Hampton were forced to cut their wage bill.

Saturdays 5-1 mauling by Ryman Premier Division leaders Canvey Island reiterated to Cordery the gulf in class between teams at the top and bottom of the table.

I learned on Saturday that we werent good enough, he said. Im trying to build a side with the budget I have.

My advice to the supporters is be patient. It takes time to rebuild a side especially when you consider all the players that have left the club.

We dont have the strength in quality that we had at the start of the season.

Things will improve. At the moment its hard attracting players because they can see a lot are leaving.

Cordery has improved his forward line by signing former Sutton United striker Nko Ekoku on a free transfer from Chesham United.

The 32-year-old, has been made surplus to requirements by Bob Dowie.

But Cordery believes Ekokus physical presence will provide extra attacking options.

Nko is big strong and is quick, he added. He knows the league and what is required.

Remarkable

Hamptons spirits were lifted by a remarkable 8-3 win at Division One strugglers Barking & East Ham United in the first round of the Ryman League Cup on Tuesday night.

Cordery was delighted, as a hat trick from Raphael Nade, braces from fit-again Craig Maskell and Fiston Manuella plus one from Kezzie Lee sealed an emphatic win.

It was a good win, said Cordery. There were some plusses and a win is a win.

I was pleased we scored eight goals. Take nothing away from Barking they made life difficult for us.

They deserve a lot of credit for a team rooted to the bottom of Division One.

Hampton have five players, either unavailable or rated doubtful for tomorrows FA Trophy game with Ryman Division One outfit Harlow Town.

Matt Flitter, Tony Houghton and Darren Deegan are all rated at less than 50-50 to be available for the game.

Ronnie Girvan suffered a back injury while Steve Omonua went off with a knee injury during last Saturdays match 5-1 defeat by Canvey Island.

Cordery said: We lost both full-backs in a 15 minute spell in the second half.

If things had gone our way at that time we could have been 2-1 up.

Having five or six players out is a huge loss in the position we are in.

Harlow are a very good side and its going to be a difficult game for us.

By.Russell Young