15thsept03

Monday 15th September 2003

Thamesmead put in approach for Knight

Go Travel Kent League side Thamesmead Town have put in a seven day approach for Slade Green's Pedro Knight, writes Stephen McCartney.

Slade Green manager, Terry Malin said: "We obviously hope he stays as he is a valuable member of our team. He knows how highly we rate him as a player and a person and what a huge blow it would be to lose him."

Slade Green won their first Kent League game of the season on Saturday, defeating Tunbridge Wells 3-0 at the Culverden Stadium.

Malin said: "It's been a difficult few weeks as results have not gone our way. The disruption of injuries to key players and the departure of Dean Bowey have really knocked our confidence. The forwards have struggled to score goals and defensively we have given away some soft goals all a recipe for losing matches."

The Small Glen club were knocked out of the FA Cup at the Preliminary Round stage, losing 2-1 at home to Hartley Wintney. Their interest in the FA Vase also ended at the first hurdle, in the First Qualifying Round, going out by two goals to nil at Ditcot Town.

Malin said: "To go out of both FA competitions was bitterly disappointing as I felt we played well enough to win both games, but our lack of a good finish in both games let us down badly and defensively we made individual mistakes that cost us dearly.

But Malin has turned things around and praised his players for putting in the effort in training before their trip to Tunbridge Wells. The Culverden Stadium outfit were under a new management team consisting of Kevin Metcalf, Phil Harris and Gary Valli, but the Green despatched them by three goals to nil on Saturday.

"Credit to the players they have worked really hard in training in trying to turn things round, and got their just rewards with three points at Tunbridge Wells on Saturday." praised Malin.

Malin has been boosted with key players returning to the side following injury as the Small Glen side look to rise up the Kent League table.

Malin said: "Over the last couple of weeks we have started to get key players back from injury and that has made a huge difference.

"It was nice to welcome back Tony Gallagher to the side and field our strongest midfield for the first time this season. Sam Prett's goals will boost his confidence no end and hopefully he will go from strength to strength as will the rest of the side.

"We have got some very important league matches coming up, we must put a good run of results together and start to move up the table."

*Additional reporting from Robert Smith

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15thsept03