We’re under no pressure. It’s been one of the most enjoyable seasons since I’ve been at the club, says VCD Athletic boss Keith McMahon

VCD ATHLETIC manager Keith McMahon says he’s expecting a hard home game against Ashford United on Saturday.

The Vickers rose to eighth-place in the Bostik South East Division table on 28 points from 18 games, courtesy of second half goals from Charlie MacDonald – who scored his 17^th goal of the season and super-sub Malachi Hudson, which beat their neighbours Phoenix Sports in front of 453 fans yesterday.

“We’re under no pressure. It’s been one of the most enjoyable seasons since I’ve been at the club,” said McMahon.

“We’ve had a settled side and people who want to be here and want to play and train and believe in what we’re trying to do.

“There’s been some criticism and rightly so because people think this club should do better but we have to appreciate the surroundings.   Just look what Phoenix have done in the space of those years, they’ve been fantastic.

“We have to keep going. That result isn’t going to hurt Phoenix either. There’s still going to get play-offs.  They’re a very workmanlike side, I think it’s good for both local clubs.”

Ashford United will climb into the play-off zone with a home win over Hastings United on New Years Day.

Tommy Warrilow has seen his side beat Phoenix Sports (2-1), were held to a goal-less draw at home to Whyteleafe, beat Ramsgate 3-1 at Southwood Stadium and came away from Faversham Town with a 4-0 win since he has been in charge of the club.

“They’ve signed some good players. Tom’s a decent manager, it’s going to be hard and we’ll play with no fear,” said McMahon.

“We haven’t got no pressure on these youngsters, just go out and do what you’re good at!

“Ashford have got some great players in the middle of the park and one of the best goalkeepers in non-league football (Sam Mott), whose a friend of mine as well.  A great manager, a great strike force, it’s going to be hard for us but we’re looking forward to it.”

Phoenix Sports manager Paul Bryon has said that the lack of games in the Bostik South Division this season has caused his players to lose their rhythm and that they were tired during the second half yesterday due to the lack of games.

McMahon said: “I agree with him. We’ve got a friendly agreed a week after the Ashford game against Gillingham. We did get asked to play at Aveley this week but it didn’t work out.

“We haven’t got a reserve side as well and that’s only one of the things. It is difficult. Its alright to get players back injury wise but we like playing and sometimes training’s always the same. You like games and that’s what we’ve got to do.  That’s why you like games. You can work on it and do other stuff and everyone enjoys them.

“Paul’s 100% right, the lack of games is a struggle.”

VCD Athletic  v  Ashford United
Bostik South East Division
Saturday 5 January 2019
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Oakwood, Old Road, Crayford, Kent DA1 4DN