26thsept05

Monday 26th September 2005

Binks' anticipating another cracker against Darts
EXCLUSIVE

Chatham Town manager Steve Binks predicts tonight's (Tuesday) local derby against Dartford will be a cracker - if the Errea Cup tie between the two sides is anything to go by, writes Stephen McCartney.

Israel Amadi's late goal gave Chatham a 1-0 victory at Stonebridge Road seven days ago and Binks is relishing this Southern League Division One East clash between these two very exciting teams.

In an EXCLUSIVE interview with www.kentishfootball.co.uk, Binks is expecting: "Another very close encounter between two good footballing sides.

"If the game is anywhere near as good as last Tuesday's cup game then it should be another cracker."

Reflecting on their win against the Darts, Binks added: "It was a very entertaining game with good attacking by both sides."

Chatham came from behind to secure a 3-2 win over Potters Bar Town at Maidstone Road on Saturday and go into this game in buoyant mood - and in fifth place in the table.

"I was absolutely delighted with the result on Saturday," admitted Binks.

"The lads showed great character to come from 2-1 down at half-time to deservedly run out 3-2 winners. It could have been four or five.

"I felt we completely dominated the second half, which was led by the example of our captain, Steve Best, not only for the equalising goal immediately after half-time but the work-rate in midfield to break up Potters Bar time and time again.

"It was also very pleasing to see Dan Larkin get on the scoresheet with a fantastic strike from the edge of the box following a fine passing move."

With his side fifth in the table, two points above Dartford, who are in ninth place - a place below Kent rivals Sittingbourne - Binks revealed the mood in the camp is good.

"It's very bubbly and no surprise at the moment," he said. "Not only because of the start we've made, but I think also due to the quality of football being played.

"The attendances have increased slightly and its pleasing to see.

"There is a hard core of support that is there through thick and thin and very much appreciated - let's hope the trend continues."

Binks is delighted with his current crop of talented players and is very happy with the strength in depth.

With central defender Andy Larkin (hamstring strain) likely to still be out of action for a further two weeks, striker Rob Denness and Dan Larkin should recover from knocks in time and Ross Finn may be added to the squad if fit.

"I'm very happy at the moment but would never rest on my laurels," warned the Chats boss.

"You can always improve a side no matter how good you are.

"We have strength in depth in the squad at the moment too, which has been fully tested due to the various injuries picked up in the very busy schedule of games played so far.

"The youngsters are gaining experience very quickly and have adapted to this level brilliantly," added Binks.

"We have another busy October coming up and I'm pleased that we have such a strong (substitutes) bench."

With our three Kent sides doing well in this league this season, Binks played down his side's hopes for promotion at the moment - but insists its too early for that kind of talk.

"It's far too early to tell as there are so many games still to be played.

"However, we've been more than a match for any side that we've seen so far and on that basis are capable of beating anyone in this division.

"It's just so tight most games, and anyone is capable of beating anyone else in this division."

Binks finally paid tribute to Phil Miles, his assistant manager, for his hard work behind the scenes.

"There's a fantastic spirit and belief in the side at the moment," he said. "It's working very well with Phil (Miles), whose done a brilliant job on the training ground and in the dressing room too.

"Also very pleasing to see many Kent sides doing well currently - long may it continue."

Chatham Town v Dartford
Southern League Division One East
Tuesday 27th September 2005
Kick Off 7:45pm
at Maidstone Road, Chatham