Harrow Borough boss hopeful over Dagenham and Redbridge striker (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Harrow Borough boss has high hopes for Dagenham and Redbridge striker

12:50pm Friday 4th November 2011 in Sport By Joe Whitbread

Harrow Borough manager Dave Anderson has urged Dagenham and Redbridge loanee Jon-Jo Bates to “keep his feet on the floor”.

The 19-year-old striker joined the club on loan from the League Two side earlier this season and has already bagged seven goals in the Ryman Premier.

Bates scored both in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Bury Town but Anderson insists the youngster is far from the finished article.

“He is very raw and has a great scoring record this season but he still has a long way to go,” Anderson said.

“He certainly has the ability to play in the Dagenham team at some point but not yet.

“He has a great attitude, is a bubbly lad and has been a great signing for us. But he has to keep his feet on the floor. He always listens and is willing to learn but he needs to improve his performance outside the box with his hold-up play.”

The win over Bury was the club’s first league victory at home this season and lifted the Reds up to 13th.

It was even more impressive when considering the hosts had to battle back after conceding in the opening 15 seconds.

“I did not even see the goal because I had not reached the dug-out,” Anderson said.

“I feared the worst but it was a really nice lesson to me about the team’s ability and mental attitude to come back.

“We spoke at half time about how we recovered from that and although they had a good chance after they went 1-0 up I thought we played really well.

“As a team I thought we looked good, worked hard and at half time seemed really confident and that is good for a manager to see that in his players.”

The Reds face another difficult challenge this Saturday when they host AFC Hornchurch in the FA Trophy.

“It is going to be a tough game but I have been in dressing rooms when we have been favourites and I prefer being the underdog to be honest.

“The dressing room is a happy place to be. It is always great to have a happy room of players; we are in great form and they have confidence in themselves.

“It doesn't matter how much confidence you give a player, the most important thing is the belief they get out of their performances. It is a good place to be at the moment.”