The goals are flying in at Coles Park – and Haringey Borough manager Tom Loizou believes the new 3G pitch has played a big part after his side scored seven goals in Saturday’s FA Cup victory, writes Dan Long.

Haringey installed a pristine new surface at their ground during the summer and they have scored 10 goals in their first two home games, beating Dereham Town 3-0 in Ryman League Division One North before thumping Barkingside 7-2 in the preliminary round of the FA Cup.

Chris Benjamin struck the opener with his fifth goal in three games, and Nana Asamoah, Dean Fenton and Jamie-Lee O’Donoghue all scored twice in a rampant triumph.

“I’m very pleased with Saturday’s win considering the problems we had before and with 14 players out. It goes to show how far we’ve come with our squad,” said Loizou.

“On Saturday we could have had about 12 goals – people might think that’s an exaggeration but it isn’t.

“I think it’s the hard work we’ve done in training more than anything – we’ve got goals coming from all over the pitch at the moment. Obviously the new 3G surface has helped us because we’ve been able to train on it and do more sessions than last year and previous years before that.

“There’s no limit to how much training we can have now. It’s helped but it’s also the players that we’ve brought in.

“We’ve brought Chris Benjamin back and he’s going to be very important for us this year. He was here a few years ago and has played in the Conference since then so we are lucky to get him back.

“He’s still fighting to get his fitness up but he’s hitting the target more and more often now [with five goals in three games this season] so I’m happy with his progress.”

Haringey will host Witham Town – who are fellow members of Ryman League Division One North – in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup on Saturday September 3 (kick-off 3pm).

Loizou said: “We’re desperate for that FA Cup run as we’ve got a lot of bills to pay – it all helps. They [Witham] won’t be pushovers though. We played them twice last year – they beat us once and we beat them once so it’s going to be tougher than everyone thinks.

“Hopefully our squad has progressed like we saw in the previous round on Saturday and we will deal with it the threat.”

In the meantime, Borough visit Norwich United in the league on Saturday before hosting Maldon & Tiptree on Bank Holiday Monday (7.45pm kick-off) – and they are still offering free season tickets worth £161 for every home games this term.

“I’ve been here seven years and every penalty appeal and every corner appeal normally goes to the opposition because we’ve just had no fans,” said Loizou.

“What we’re trying to do is create some interest for local kids, the local community and give away free season tickets for a bit of support.

“When you slightly miss a goal, it would be nice to hear a bit of a cheer and not just the opposition. Sometimes it does sway referees’ minds and obviously it’s free football for the community.

“All people need to do is come and fill in a form and they will get a free season ticket.”Meanwhile, Haringey Borough Women began their league campaign on Sunday with a resounding 4-1 win away at Billericay Town.

Borough raced into a 3-1 half-time lead against last season’s Eastern Region Women’s League runners-up through Julia Carruthers’ brace and Anele Komani’s stunner. Jessica Appeaygei capped the win with a low drive in the second half.

The women’s team welcome Brentwood Town to Coles Park on Sunday (3pm).