Rival managers condemn Hillingdon over their amaterish antics

THAMESMEAD TOWN boss Keith McMahon has told his opposite number at East Thurrock United that his side WILL turn up at Rookery Hill to play in the preliminary round of the FA Carlsberg Trophy on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

East Thurrock United were left bemused by the attitude of their Ryman League Division One North opponents, strugglers Hillingdon Borough, on Tuesday.

A statement issued by East Thurrock manager John Coventry on his club’s website at www.eastthurrockunited.moonfruit.com explained the bizarre events ahead of their 4-0 win over the amateurish west London side.

“Sorry to all those who witnessed the game against Hillingdon. I would like to explain the series of events that took place that contributed to the so-called football match,” said a stunned Coventry.

“At 4:30pm, I received a phone call from the Hillingdon manager saying that they would not be coming to the game as they only had nine players and were prepared to take the £500 fine.

“His reason was he did not want his team to get smashed and ruin any confidence they had after winning their first game on Saturday.

“I told him he would be fined under Ryman League rules and would have to cover our costs.

“He phoned me back at 5:10pm to say they would be coming with ten players and would be late. They arrived at 8pm and kicked off at 8:15 - 30 minutes late.

“At half time we were 4-0 up. The (Hillingdon Borough) manager then told me if the score becomes silly, he has told his players to leave the pitch.

“After frantic phone calls to the Ryman League secretary and reporting the conversation to the referee, my first concern was, should the match be abandoned, the result would not stand and a re-match would have to take place.

“I had to make the bizarre decision to instruct my players not to score any more goals. The second half became a farce as we played out a training keep ball session, which was a shame as we could have done with adding goals to our goal difference.

“I am not trying to make the situation any worse for Hillingdon but feel our puzzled supporters deserved to know what was going on.”

McMahon, wanting to get some knowledge on Saturday’s opponents East Thurrock, admitted to www.kentishfootball.co.uk that making the effort to watch that farcical match was a complete waste of time.

“They played Hillingdon Borough and it was a waste of time for me going,” McMahon said.

“The game kicked off half-an-hour late, Hillingdon had ten men with their manager playing up front, and I got what I wanted to see. Four-nil up at half-time, I left at half-time.”

McMahon’s men will pose more of a threat than what Hillingdon Borough side - at least they’ll have a full squad to choose from and will WANT to play the game - their first ever FA Trophy tie.

“East Thurrock are a good passing side, great movement up front,” warned McMahon.

“Martin Touhy has scored 18 goals already this year, three hat-tricks, got a hat-trick against VCD in the FA Cup - he’s a good player.

“They’ll be a good challenge - but a challenge we could win as well.

“They’ve started well, scored the most goals in our league and conceded a lot. They’re an attacking team who could exploit gaps.

“We’re not going there scared but we’re the underdogs. We’ve got a good chance. On our day we can beat anyone.

“It’s a bit of history for the club, the first ever game in the FA Trophy.”

McMahon welcomes back striker Rikki Cable, who missed last night's FA Cup Second Qualifying Round 5-1 home defeat to Merstham as he was celebrating his daughters first birthday.  Midfielder Scot Mulholland is still a week away from returning from his knee ligament injury.

Visit Thamesmead Town’s website:  www.thamesmeadtownfc.co.uk

East Thurrock United v Thamesmead Town
FA Carlsberg Trophy Preliminary Round
Saturday 4^th October 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Rookery Hill, Corringham, Essex, SS17 9LB