Farnie aiming for place in last 32 of FA Vase - EXCLUSIVE

Tunbridge Wells boss Martin Farnie wants his side to perform better during Saturday’s FA Carlsberg Vase first round showdown against Kent League leaders Thamesmead Town, writes Stephen McCartney.

The two sides met at Bayliss Avenue four weeks ago, with Thamesmead winning a Kent League game by two goals to one, but Farnie, whose side were knocked out at fellow Kent League rivals VCD Athletic in the second round last season, doesn’t want to meet his rivals’ in this competition.

“I’m disappointed we’ve drawn another Kent League side,” he said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“I don’t know why at this stage you can’t get drawn against teams from other Leagues, but there you go, that’s the way they work it.”

He added: “Four weeks ago, when we played them, we’ve (now) improved as a side. I expect to have a real good go at them, but it’s going to be tough.”

Thamesmead Town striker, Richard Dimmock, on eleven goals, is the joint leading goalscorer for Kent League clubs in all competitions this season, but Farnie believes his defence will keep the big striker quiet.

He said: “We dealt with him last time. He didn’t score against us and didn’t cause us any problems at all.”

But the former Dartford coach warned: “I don’t see Richard Dimmock as the big problem. I see the whole side a problem, they’re all good players. The whole side is good.

“I think they’ll win the Kent League,” Farnie predicted. “They’re the best side I’ve seen in the League this year.”

But Farnie has faith in his players’ that they can get emulate last season's progress.

“Yes of course we can beat them,” he said. “I don’t see them as a bogey side, just a good footballing side that’s got the edge over us for a year or so. I think we can give them a right good game, that’s what I’m hoping to do.”

Farnie would like an extended run in this competition, adding: “We’re looking to get through this next round, I’m looking to progress in it. It would be nice to get past this one. I would like to get to the last 32 and see where it takes us.”

Keith McMahon, meanwhile, the Thamesmead Town manager, believes he’s free-scoring side - one of the best in Kent - will progress into the next round.

McMahon’s men have romped to the top of the Kent League table, having netted 26 goals during their first eight League games, but the boss warned it’s not going to be easy at Culverden Stadium.

He said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk : “Beckenham went down there and got a draw in the League. They have improved, but it’s going to be a very tough game.”

McMahon is pleased that former Cray Wanderers and Herne Bay striker Dimmock is proving the doubters wrong.

“He’s been excellent!” McMahon said of Dimmock, who like Hythe Town striker, Michael Smissen has netted eleven goals this season.

“I signed him because of the way we played and in pre-season a few people were doubting me. But to be fair he didn’t have a good pre-season, but he’s been excellent in the League.

“He’s lost a bit of weight and when he plays well, he’s unstoppable,” he warned.

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering this game.

Visit club websites: 

www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk

www.thamesmeadtownfc.co.uk

Tunbridge Wells v Thamesmead Town
FA Carlsberg Vase First Round
Saturday 6^th October 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Culverden Stadium, Culverden Down, Tunbridge Wells, Kent