We just need to keep progressing, says Thamesmead boss Keith McMahon

Friday 29th October 2010

THAMESMEAD TOWN boss Keith McMahon says he is looking forward to pitting his wits against higher league opposition in the FA Carlsberg Trophy tomorrow, writes Stephen McCartney.

McMahon has worked wonders with limited resources at Bayliss Avenue and his side travel to Ryman Premier Leaguers Folkestone Invicta sitting in second place in the Ryman League Division One North table - just one point behind Harlow Town.

Looking forward to the Second Qualifying Round clash at Cheriton Road, McMahon told www.kentishfootball.co.uk: “I think it’s winnable for both sides. To pit your wits against a Ryman Premier side is good and the draw’s been fairly favourable to us. We could have gone to a side we don’t know nothing about and had a bit of a long journey and it’s a game we’re looking forward to.

“I went to watch them Tuesday night against Tooting & Mitcham and to be fair to them it was absolutely dreadful conditions. It was blowing a gale and the wind was blowing in your face and it was tough for them to be fair.

“Folkestone are very similar to us. Neil Cugley’s got a strong side there, he’s been there a while and he likes to play football and they’ve got some good players, Simon Austin and I know Frankie Chappell well and they’ve got some good pedigree players.

“I know they were disappointed with the result (a 3-1 defeat) and how they played on Tuesday, but they’re a difficult side to beat so I’m expecting a tough game.”

McMahon was pleased with his side’s resolve after coming away from bleak Ilford with a 2-1 win over Waltham Forest on Wednesday night.

McMahon said: “It’s awful over there, it’s going to be the worst pitch in the Ryman League, the floodlights are absolutely awful! It’s not down to Waltham Forest. We done well just to get a result. The performance is out the window.

“We had enough chances through set-plays in the first 20 minutes to win the game comfortably - but we didn’t. We went a goal down. We played a different goalkeeper, Alex Hyde, who was exceptional on the night and he done really well for me.

“Micky Collins kindly lent us him and he was absolutely outstanding and we thank Erith & Belvedere for that and in the end we were a little bit too strong for them. It was a good three points. Not many clubs go over to Ilford or Waltham Forest and win because of that so I was pleased with the result.”

Reflecting on his side’s lofty position, McMahon said: “Listen, we’ve spoken before, we’re a club that keeps saying we’re punching above our weight. We’ve got a good side. I’m over the moon where we are. It’s early days with the league tables and we just need to keep progressing really and have another month we’ve just had and see where we are at Christmas.”

Goalkeeper Sam Mott has recovered from his bout of illness and will return in goal, and striker Andy Constable returns from suspension.

But midfielder Robbie Tarrant (ankle) has been ruled out and McMahon will need to check the fitness of the Momodu brothers (right-back Raphael and striker Gabriele) before naming his side.

“Hopefully the conditions will be better than what was over there Tuesday night weather wise and it should be an entertaining for the crowd as both sides do like to play football,” added McMahon.

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering this game

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

Folkestone Invicta v Thamesmead Town

FA Carlsberg Trophy Second Qualifying Round

Saturday 30th October 2010

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Buzzlines Stadium, Cheriton Road, Folkestone, Kent CT19 5JU