Walker hails Stones excellent result at FA Cup heroes Horsham - EXCLUSIVE

Sunday 23rd December 2007

Alan Walker will be able to enjoy his Christmas turkey as his Maidstone United side sealed an impressive 2-1 win at Horsham yesterday, writes Stephen McCartney.

A second half brace from Mo Takaloo sealed the Queen Street win, as the Hornets suffered their second successive defeat to a Kent side since losing 6-2 at Swansea City in the second round of the FA Cup.

The Hornets, who travel to Tonbridge Angels on Boxing Day, were brought down to earth following their cup exploits, losing 4-1 at Folkestone Invicta seven days ago.

“Excellent result to be fair,” joint Stones boss Walker said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“Horsham can feel themselves a bit hard done by,” he admitted. “They played ever so well and we rode our luck in the first half but the boys responded second half to the half-time team talk.

“Horsham had a couple of chances to equalise late on but Steve Northwood pulled off a good save and we had a few chances.

“Always a tough place to go to – they’re a good side.”

Maidstone United don’t play any Kentish opposition over the festive period, welcoming Essex side East Thurrock to Bourne Park on Boxing Day before travelling to Surrey outfit Carshalton Athletic next Saturday.

Eleventh placed, injury-hit Stones, welcome the Essex boys, a side that’s just two places – and one point – below them in a very tight table.

But Walker is expecting another tough game against East Thurrock.

“It’s always tough whoever you’re playing in this league – but Kent derbies are always very difficult for us,” he said.

“We haven’t played them this year but we’ve had them watched, had a report on them.

“It’s going to be tough and difficult for us. We’ve got confidence, we’ve got people coming back from injury now and looking a bit stronger.

“It’s been the worst run of injuries in 12 years as a manager and very difficult but the lads have equipped themselves well, considering the senior players we’ve lost.

“We’ve done well and kept us in with a shout of our main priority of staying in this league.”

And remaining in the Ryman Premier League is the club's main aim whilst they continue to groundshare at Bourne Park.

“After the start we’ve had, we’ve made a massive stride. We have to stay in this league and then push on when the new ground is built,” said Walker.

Defender Lee Shearer (groin), wing-back Nathan Paul (shin), midfielder Sam Tydeman (calf), striker Lynden Rowland (knee) are struggling at present.

But the Stones are boosted with the return of winger Nick Hegley, who missed yesterday’s win as he was attending a family wedding.

Maidstone United travel to second from bottom side Carshalton Athletic on Saturday, and Walker warned: “It’s going to be tough!” And he added: “We just have to go there and show the same resilience we showed yesterday and hopefully we’ll get that result.”

Visit Maidstone United’s website: www.maidstoneunited.co.uk

Maidstone United v East Thurrock United
Ryman Premier League
Boxing Day, Wednesday 26^th December 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Bourne Park, Central Park, Eurolink, Church Road, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 3SB