We'll be prepared for East Preston, says Thamesmead Town boss Tommy Warrilow

THAMESMEAD TOWN boss Tommy Warrilow says his side must play better to avoid being on the end of a FA Cup upset on Saturday.

Unbeaten Thamesmead Town climbed up to seventh-place in the Bostik South after their 2-1 win over Hythe Town last night, after coming away from Bromley with an opening day point in a 2-2 draw against Cray Wanderers.

The Mead made their debut at Princes Park Stadium in Dartford and a crowd of 114 saw Laurent Mendy head in the opening goal, before the Cannons levelled early in the second half through substitute Kenny Pogue.

Striker Paul Vines, 33, came off the bench to score the winner at the death to open his goalscoring account after being out through injury since March.

The Mead enjoyed their best ever run in The FA Cup last season, reaching the Third qualifying Round and Warrilow takes his side down to East Preston in the Preliminary Round on Saturday.

“We’re just looking forward to the trip down there,” he said.

“I’ve played a lot of football in Sussex and started cutting my teeth after Leatherhead with Horsham down there so I’ve got a lot of contacts down that way.

“I’m expecting a tough battle. A few of their lads hare been around the block a bit and I’m getting a report on them from a couple of sources so we’ll be prepared for them.

“But we’ve got to play better than what we did last night.”

The winners of FA Cup Preliminary Round ties will each scoop £1,925 in prize money, which would be a welcome boost for the club.

“That’s key for us,” said the former Tonbridge Angels and Cray Wanderers boss. 

“We need some sponsorship down here. It’s a fresh start for us. We’re in a different league and we’re looking to reboot the club into a higher level.”

Visit Thamesmead Town’s website: www.ttfcofficial.org

East Preston  v  Thamesmead Town
The Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round
Saturday 19^th August 2017
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Roundstone Recreation Ground, Lashmar Road, East Preston, West Sussex BN16 1ES