We must do better, says Perona - EXCLUSIVE

With a point in the bag, Whitstable Town are looking forward to their trip to Metropolitan Police on Tuesday night, writes Stephen McCartney.

Debutant, Sam Denly, 23, scored with a last-gasp header to earn them a point in their first ever game in the Ryman League.

The Oystermen scored their first ever goal after just 481 seconds through skipper Marcos Perona, against fellow promoted side, Eastbourne Town, who had won the Sussex County League title last term.

And Eastbourne deservedly drew level on the stroke of half-time through Luke Denton, before going on and scoring from a dubious penalty nine minutes from time when Liam Baitup sent goalkeeper Kevin Fewell the wrong way.

But Whitstable resident Denly, signed from arch-rivals Herne Bay, popped up to loop a header into the bottom left-hand corner, following Perona’s corner, to get the north Kent side off to a good start at The Belmont.

But Perona, 26, felt Whitstable Town, who completed a domestic Kent League double last season, should have won.

“Disappointed really,” he said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.  “You’ve got to pick up three points at home really but the game was going away from us at the end there, so really a point we’re happy with, but ideally we wanted three points today.

“We gave the ball away too much (during the) first half, everyone, all over, and we weren’t keeping it well enough and it cost us - but we showed good spirit to get a point.”

Perona demands improvement when Whitstable travel to Imber Court to take on a Metropolitan Police side that opened their campaign with a 1-0 defeat at Leatherhead.

“They’re going to be a good side, so we’ve got to be on it from the start - and hopefully go for a win,” said Perona.

However, a crowd of 277 was at the Belmont on Saturday, pleased Perona.

He said: “Pre-season friendlies, we haven’t had too many turn up really but today they showed great spirit behind the goal, the Oysterboys, getting right behind us.”

And on the team’s aspirations, Perona added: “Ideally we want to be pushing for the play-off’s and anything around that would be a great season.”

Denly is expecting another tough encounter on Tuesday night, on the lush playing surface at Imber Court.

“They’re a good, strong, physical side so it will be another tough game,” he said.

“I think all the games this year, home and away, are going to be tough so hopefully we can dig in and get something up there.”

Whitstable are also on their travels next Saturday, travelling to Walton & Hersham before welcoming Dover Athletic to The Belmont on Bank Holiday Monday, 27th August (3pm).

Visit Whitstable Town’s website: www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk

Metropolitan Police v Whitstable Town
Ryman League Division One South
Tuesday 21st August 2007
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Metropolitan Police (Imber Court) Sports Club, Ember Lane, East Molesey, Surrey,KT8 0BT