Dockers have keeper concerns ahead of Vase clash

GOALKEEPER Paul Agu faces a race against time to be fit for Erith Town’s home FA Carlsberg Vase clash with Rye United on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

Agu wasn’t risked at training tonight, but manager Steve O’Boyle reckons his shot-stopper will be fit for the second qualifying round clash at Bayliss Avenue.

“He’s struggling with a foot injury,” O’Boyle told www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight.

If Agu fails his fitness test, O’Boyle is confident that he’ll be able to fill the breach against the Sussex County League side.

“I might call on a favour,” he said. “There’s a few people I know that I might call a favour in.

“Between you and me, Paul will be fine. He’s struggling kicking at the moment with his foot but he’s seeing a physio - we’ll give him the night off and hopefully he’ll be fit for Saturday.”

Tony Gallagher, who fractured his eye socket and cheek bone against Wick, and Ashley Douglas (back) are expected to be ruled out for the game.

“We’ll take nothing for granted in the FA Vase, it’s a big competition, they’ll be coming here to turn us over,” warned O’Boyle.

“We know a little bit about Rye - they’re a division two side in the Sussex County and they’re in the bottom half, but we’re taking nothing for granted. It is the FA Vase and we’ll give them the respect they need.

“Anything can happen in the FA Vase - but being at home is also an advantage.”

O’Boyle was pleased with left-back Lee Craig and central defender Dean Kearley, who made their Dockers’ debuts in their 3-1 win over Croydon last weekend.

The Trams are managed by former Dockers’ boss Mark Tompkins, who included three former Erith Town players in his side; Adam Heaslewood, Kris Hollidge and goalkeeper Joe Skillman.

Craig arrives from their Bulmers Cider Kent League rivals, Slade Green, whilst Kearley has been snapped up from landlords Thamesmead Town, who play in Ryman League Division One North.

Speaking about the pair’s debut, O’Boyle said: “They were solid as a rock, both of them.

“I think Lee Craig is an outstanding left-back. He is one of the best left-backs, he’s solid and he’s played at a higher level.

“Dean Kearley is arguably the best defender in the (Kent) League.

“To be fair, the squad I’ve got now, I’m really happy with and if the right people come along we will look to sign them.

“There’s a few positions I might look at but the way we’ve played over the last three games, we’ve played really well - let’s hope that continues.

“We’re starting to look more organised now, training’s really good, we’ve got two good coaches in Ray (Bagnell) and Anthony Potts.”

With his side currently tenth in the Bulmers Cider Kent League table, with a 50% record from four games, O’Boyle insists there is more to come from the Dockers.

He added: “We’re looking more organised each week and I think we can only get better.”

Visit Erith Town's website:  www.erithtownfc.co.uk

Erith Town v Rye United
FA Carlsberg Vase Second Qualifying Round
Saturday 20^th September 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Bayliss Avenue, Thamesmead, London SE28 8NJ