26thjuly04

Thamesmead have strength in depth, insists Blade

THAMESMEAD Town striker Michael Power returned from injury to score twice as Paul Blade's side warmed up to the new Go Travel Kent League season, with  a comfortable 4-1 victory over Witham Town at Bayliss Avenue on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

Power, who has missed all of pre-season training with a knee problem, had been the talk of the local media regarding a move to Southern League Division One outfit Erith & Belvedere.

However, Thamesmead have confirmed Power will not be moving to the Park VIew Road club, managed by Barry Lakin, after rejecting their offer.

Power's strike partner Curtis Williams scored the home side's two other goals.

Speaking to the club's website, Blade said: "It was a good run out for the lads.  We had eight first team players missing and it was a good chance to see some of the other squad players, and also some of the reserve team players play, and I thought they all coped superbly."

The manager, whose side will be gunning for the championship, added: "It just goes to show the strength in depth we have at the club."