CHELMSFORD City boss Mark Hawkes has declared that his side are the fittest in the Vanarama Conference South.
Despite playing with ten men for more than half of Monday night's 1-0 derby defeat by Concord Rangers at Melbourne Park, after James Love was sent off, Hawkes only made one substitution and his players still looked strong in the final moments.
"We're the fittest side in this league and we don't know when we're beaten," said the Clarets manager.
"We play until the end and our fitness levels, well, we have finished every game this season as the stronger side. That shows you that we're doing good work on the training ground and good work with Matt [Brinkley], our fitness guy, who is superb with them."
Hawkes added that if City can show the same enthusiasm and energy levels with 11 men they will be in "a very healthy position come the end of the season".
This Saturday sees City travel to Whitehawk in the FA Cup third round qualifying in what will be a tough encounter on the south coast. The Brighton-based club have plenty to spend this season, but have lost seven of their opening 13 Vanarama Conference South games.
Hawkes is looking forward to the cup clash as well as the prospect of the prize money on offer.
"We love cup games," he said. "All non-league clubs need the revenue. It helps out massively. There is £7,500 up for grabs.
"Unfortunately, with a draw away to Whitehawk, we're unlikely to make any other money, because the crowd isn't going to be big there. It's £7,500 or nothing really.
"There's a lot to play for, for both clubs, and Whitehawk have got some very good players. We'll have to see how they get on tomorrow and we'll have had a day's rest more than them and we'll see how we go."
Hawkes gave an update on the injuries at the club and the recovery of striker Evans Kouassi, who picked up a hamstring injury during 6-0 victory against Worthing in the previous FA Cup round.
"We haven't got many knocks. We might have one or two back at the weekend," said Hawkes.
"Evans is doing OK. I'm not going to risk him playing one week and then miss another three or four. We've seen how he is tonight (Monday) and we'll see how he is again on Thursday."
