10thdec04

Thamesmead confident of knocking Vase holders out

An all-for-one and one-for-all spirit will see Thamesmead Town through against FA Vase holders Winchester City at Bayliss Avenue on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

That is according to assistant manager Keith McMahon, who alongside Steve Wait, will take charge of the side as manager Paul Blade is away for a few days.

The game, however, was put in doubt after mindless vandals got into their ground in the week, vandalising one of the goals, but the heroics of club physio Alan Martin, an unsung hero, means the game goes ahead.

Now it's up to the full-strength squad, boosted by the return of striker Dean Burns and Fireman John Mayall - who missed the last game due to work commitments - to reward Martin for all his hard work, to send Winchester crashing out.

31-year-old McMahon admitted it's going to be a tough game - but looks back on their wins over fancied Brockenhurst and their Go Travel Kent League rivals Maidstone United in the competition and their FA Cup home win over Ryman Premier Division side Worthing as inspiration.

"We expect it to be a tough game," he said.

"We've had them watched and they look a good side."

McMahon insisted: "But we are not fearing them.

"We know if we play well we can get a good result.

"We've had hard draws so far, against Brockenhurst and Maidstone United, but we've come through both of them and we know if we knock the holders out we can go far in the competition."

Will Winchester fancy the battle of their lives at Bayliss Avenue?

McMahon added: "Basically it's on the day.

"We beat Worthing in the FA Cup and it's a lot of hard work, a lot of pressure and try to knock them out of their stride.

"If we play well, and to our strength's - we will have a good chance."

McMahon, however, feels the players will still perform even without their manager.

"We've got a good team spirit, everyone respects me and Steve Wait.

"I think it will be business as usual!

Thamesmead will need a big team performance to steal all the FA Vase headlines by knocking out the holders.

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be there - let's get all Kent football followers to Bayliss Avenue and let's make it happen!

Thamesmead Town v Winchester City
Saturday 11th December 2004
FA Vase Third Round
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Bayliss Avenue, Thamesmead