11thnov05

Friday 11th November 2005

Chatham put in approach for Kent League striker
EXCLUSIVE

Chatham Town manager Steve Binks is on the verge of signing a striker from a Kent League club as the Maidstone Road outfit aim to continue their impressive start to their Southern League Division One East campaign, writes Stephen McCartney.

Binks has revealed in an EXCLUSIVE interview with www.kentishfootball.co.uk that he has put in a seven day approach for the striker to improve his side.

Chatham, who play the only fixture in their league when Wivenhoe Town visit Maidstone Road, will go level on points with fifth placed Stamford if they win tomorrow.

Binks, however, was delighted his side defeated Great Wakering Rovers (3-2) on home soil last weekend.

"Absolutely delighted with the result against Great Wakering, who put up a really good fight and probably gave us the hardest game we've had at home all season," he said.

"That makes it one draw and six consecutive home wins in the league and long may it continue.

"Our away performances have not always got the results we deserve and we need to pick up a few more points away."

Looking ahead to their game against a side in the bottom five, Binks is expecting a tough game against a side that are under achieving if you're going by last season's standards. He said: "Wivenhoe are undefeated in their last six games and starting to pick up points regularly after a poor start to the season.

"They are a good footballing side who were in the top six nearly all last season until the last few games when they dropped just below the play-off places."

Midfielder Steve Searle is recovering well from a bad ankle injury sustained against Kent rivals Sittingbourne in their FA Trophy defeat and should be available for selection in two to three weeks time.

Winger Byron Walker has a virus and will miss out whilst defender Andy Larkin and utility man Glen Billeness will both return to the squad after missing their win last weekend due to work commitments.

But Andy Garrett - whose a Maidstone based fireman - has moved to his home-town club Tunbridge Wells in a bid to play more first team football.

Binks said: "Whilst I'm sorry to see him leave, I can understand his reasons for wanting more regular games. He could not hold down a regular spot, but trained really hard and proved to be a very strong and versatile member of the squad. I'd like to wish him well for the future."

Chatham Town v Wivenhoe Town
Southern League Division One East
Saturday 12th November 2005
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Maidstone Road, Chatham