3rdnov05

Thursday 03rd November 2005

Binks: So good to get back to winning ways
EXCLUSIVE

After playing five games away from home, Chatham Town manager Steve Binks will be looking to win in front of their home fans when they tackle Great Wakering Rovers at Maidstone Road on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

And the Medway side go into the game in confident mood, having secured a place in the third round of the Errea Cup after their 3-2 win at Barking & East Ham United on Tuesday night.

"It was really good to get back to winning ways on our fifth away game on the trot, against what I thought was a very good Barking side who were unbeaten in their last seven games," Binks said in an EXCLUSIVE interview with www.kentishfootball.co.uk

"It was a very exciting game with numerous chances at both ends - lets hope for a good draw in the next round."

After beating Rothwell Town (3-1) in their last home game, Chatham haven't won at Harlow Town (1-1), Sittingbourne (FA Trophy, where they were beaten 3-0), Boreham Wood (0-3) and Uxbridge (1-2) but Binks admitted they could have taken more from their travels.

"There has not been a lot going wrong," he said. "We have played five away games on the trot and in the games against Boreham Wood especially, and Uxbridge our failure to take our chances cost us dearly.

"If we weren't creating chances I'd be worried. Sometimes you go through a spell like that."

Binks, however, has been without some key players on their travels, but was delighted that former Bromley striker, Jason Long, 19, scored on his debut having recently signed from Ryman League Division One strugglers Ashford Town.

"Jason played a couple of pre-season friendlies for me when I was running our reserves two seasons ago and impressed me then," he said.

"He's a big strong lad for his age and whilst he has got some way to go yet, he could prove to be a valuable member of the squad.

"He took his goal at Barking very confidently after a good first touch to control a free kick from Tom Binks on the right and then drilled it into the bottom corner from the edge of the box."

Chatham were boosted with the return of striker Rob Denness at Mayesbrook Park on Tuesday night, having recovered from a broken wrist.

"He has been flying in training and itching to get back playing," revealed Binks. "He was instrumental in our victory over Barking causing their defence all kinds of problems.

"For our third goal, he burst through two defenders and when one on one with their goalkeeper, unselfishly passed the ball to Brendon Cass to roll into the empty net. He and Brendon are really forming a potent partnership."

Looking ahead to their game against Great Wakering Rovers on Saturday, Binks added: "Not too sure how they'll react after their 5-0 home defeat last week to Enfield Town.

"They could either be lacking in confidence or come out fighting for their lives.

"I had them watched a couple of weeks ago and know a bit how they play.

"What I really think is more important is how we play and getting the best from my players."

Midfielder Steve Searle, however, is still a week or two away from playing but winger Byron Walker should have recovered from a niggly groin problem.

But Glen Billeness and Andy Larkin are unavailable due to work commitments.

Chatham Town v Great Wakering Rovers
Southern League Division One East
Saturday 5th November 2005
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Maidstone Road, Chatham