Warrilow wants more fluency from his side

TONBRIDGE ANGELS boss Tommy Warrilow says today’s smash-and-grab raid at fierce-rivals Maidstone United has “stopped the rot”, writes Stephen McCartney.

The under-performing Angels went to a windy Bourne Park at the back of two defeats, but Jamie Cade’s last-gasp winner - from their only shot on target - ensured they came away with a 1-0 victory.

But Warrilow was a delighted man afterwards as his side bounced back following defeats to Tooting & Mitcham United and Canvey Island in the past seven days.

“We always knew it was a hard battle here, tricky conditions and we’ve nicked one right at the end,” Warrilow told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“We knew we’d be right under the cosh and to be fair we didn’t really get going in the second half.

“The first half, I felt we had chances with some set-pieces (but during) the second half we had to defend strongly, which I thought we did and we’ve come out with our just rewards because Tuesday night (at Canvey Island), that happened to us so I’m delighted to get three points on the table.”

Warrilow, who said he was going for promotion out of the Ryman Premier League this season, admits performances from his side have been disappointing so far this season.

“We’ve not really started,” he said. “Again today, we were scrappy in places but all we ask from the boys was to dig in and give us 100% and today we done that.

“We defended well and at the end of the day we got that little bit of lady luck with the free-kick.

“But overall we’ve started (the season) in stop and starts so all I wanted to do today was come here and get three points.”

Tonbridge were 2-0 up against Canvey Island, who fought back to win the game, courtesy of a last-gasp winner.

Warrilow knows his side must perform better in their next two games, against Billericay Town on Tuesday night before the mouth-watering FA Cup First Qualifying Round showdown against high-flying rivals Dover Athletic next Saturday - a game being screened by ITV.com.

“The most important thing was (to) stop the rot (after) two successive defeats,” said Warrilow.

“We were poor against Tooting but at Canvey we definitely deserved to come away with something and the win (today) was an added bonus and we want to win at home Tuesday and take it into the Dover game.

“But I’d like to see us play with a little bit more fluency still.”

Warrilow admitted he was disappointed with debutant, big striker Chamel Fenelon, who joined the club yesterday on a month’s loan from Blue Square Premier neighbours Lewes.

“He didn’t really do himself much justice today, but he’s a good asset,” Warrilow said of Fenelon, who turns 24 next week.

“He’s a big, strong lad, he just didn’t seem to get going today, but he’ll help us out.

“We’ve lost Ade Olorunda (with a toe injury) so it’s important we brought in another centre forward and I had a chance to bring in Cham.

“He’s been playing in the Conference this year and I know he’ll be an asset once he finds his feet.”

Warrilow was quick to praise Leon Legge and Tim Olorunda for their performance at the heart of his defence - and goalkeeper Lee Worgan, who made four good saves.

“I’ve been signing Legge’s praises already,” said Warrilow. “I’d be surprised if we keep him all the way through the season.

“He’s just got back into the side funnily enough, because he’s had a dead leg so he’s played through that a little bit today.

“But he’s 23-years-old and he was immense, so was Tim (Olorunda).

“I mean, Tim’s come here from Hastings and took a bit of stick because he’s come here with his brother, but he’s a very, very good player.

“We put him in (defence) and he’s adapted well.

“We’ve been leaking a few goals lately so that was a massive plus today, coming away with a clean-sheet.

“I’ve got to mention my goalie as well because he’s pulled off some great saves today, especially the one in the first half (from Meshach Nugent), when he was going the wrong way, he’s got a very good strong wrist down and I believe he’s the best in the league anyway.”

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Matt Reed, who spent one season at Longmead Stadium last term, made his debut for Ryman League Division One South side Sittingbourne today, in their 3-2 win at Godalming Town.

Visit Tonbridge Angels’ website:  www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk

Tonbridge Angels v Billericay Town
Ryman Premier League
Tuesday 9^th September 2008
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Betterview Longmead Stadium, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN10 3JF