Dalers boss dismisses title talk

HOLMESDALE are still defying the odds and remain top of the Bulmers Cider Kent League table after 13 games, writes Stephen McCartney.

It has been a mixed week for the Dalers against two sides that are gunning for the title - Tunbridge Wells and Hythe Town.

They suffered only their third league defeat off the season last Tuesday night, going down 1-0 at Culverden Stadium, but what pleased joint-manager Tony Beckingham was most was they bounced back to seal a 3-1 home victory over Hythe Town yesterday.

“Tuesday was probably our worst performance of the season and yesterday was probably the best,” Beckingham told www.kentishfootball.co.uk today.

Reflecting on their defeat to a Tunbridge Wells side that are presently in second place - two points below the Dalers with a game in hand - Beckingham admitted: “We just didn’t turn up on the night. They played well and deserved to win, I’ve got no complaints.

“It didn’t help us with the three (players) who dropped out on the day. We didn’t compete on the day. Simple as that.

Beckingham demanded a reaction from his players, and they didn’t disappoint against Hythe Town - a side that he tips to clinch the Kent League crown this season.

“All I said to them was I was looking for a performance,” he said. “If we put in the right performance, the result would come and it did.

“They didn’t need any motivation as Hythe are the hardest team to beat. They’re the favourites to go on and win it.”

Beckingham paid tribute to his entire team for keeping their title dream alive.

“It was a good game, we got the ball down and moved it, played some good football and got at them with a high tempo and didn’t let them settle,” he said.

“We moved the ball quickly, closed them down. It was one of those days (when) you’re struggling to find an individual because the whole team performed, so from that point of view it was a real team effort. I can’t single anyone out for praise - it was a great team effort.

“We were very, very pleased with the result particularly when you consider the quality of the opposition. I reminded them (my players) that yesterday’s result is a waste of time if we don’t put in a similar performance at Slade Green.”

With Holmesdale, Tunbridge Wells, Hythe Town and Erith & Belvedere in the top four, Beckingham says there will be six sides challenging for the title.

He said: “I think there could be as many as six teams in it come the end of the season. At the moment there’s four pulling away slightly. I think Faversham Town will be up there and I think Herne Bay.”

And he says not having any “big time Charlies” at Oakley Road is the story behind the club’s present success.

“I don’t think there is a secret, all we’ve tried to do is pick players who give everything,” explained Beckingham.

“We don’t have any big time Charlies at our club. Our dressing room is fantastic and players work and give everything that they’ve got. There’s no secret. If you have a team that’s prepared to do that it’s amazing what you can achieve.

“I think what it does do, it gives hope to all clubs like ours. We are struggling with regards to money, we put our time and effort in to get us through. It gives hope to everyone that we can compete (at the top of the league).

Beckingham continues to play-down his side’s chances of walking away with the Kent League title in only their second ever campaign at this level.

“We have won a couple of league’s quite recently and 13 games gone we’re not halfway through,” he said.

“Talking about winning leagues, for me, is quite ridiculous.

“To be honest we’re realistic and if we’re still there with six or ten games to go and we’re still in with a shout, we’ll have a look at it.

“We’re one point ahead what we achieved last season so you keep setting yourself goals and when you achieve that you look at the next goal.

“There’s a long way to go to start talking about winning the league.”

Holmesdale have recently bolstered their table-topping squad with the additions of Steve White and Mark Tompkins from neighbouring rivals Croydon.

The two strikers have a wealth of experience at this level and above.

“We signed Steve White just before the Deal game because he played really well for Croydon against us,” explained Beckingham.

“Obviously Joel Greaves at the time was at Croydon Athletic, we needed another striker, went in for him and luckily enough for us, he agreed to sign.”

“What he gives us more than anything, me and Ken (Thurgood) think we’re so young but he gives us experience and a little bit of know how. Without a doubt that’s what we need.

“Mark Tompkins was on the bench for us yesterday. He’s looking for another manager’s job (so he’s) just to keep his hand in, decided to come to us and play a bit of a cameo role.

“They won’t be speaking to any players in the dressing room, but whispering in players ears and if our boys can’t gain from their experience, there’s got to be something wrong.”

Beckingham, meanwhile, is looking forward to next Saturday’s trip to Slade Green - a side that are presently in the bottom five with three wins and two draws from eleven league outings.

“We’ve played them at home, drew 2-2 and on the day I thought they were the best footballing side we’ve played all season,” recalled Beckingham.

“They kept the ball on the floor, passed and moved it quickly and I’m shocked their in the position that they are.

“After we played them (in August) I thought they’d be one of the team’s challenging.”

Visit Holmesdale’s websites: www.holmesdalefc.co.uk