We must not let our high standards slip, says Warrilow - EXCLUSIVE

TOMMY WARRILOW has challenged his Tonbridge Angels side to make it six wins out of six at fifth-from-bottom side East Thurrock United on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

The former Horsham assistant manager was shot down in flames by the Tonbridge faithful when about three weeks ago he mentioned about aiming for the play-off’s.

But wins over Maidstone United (2-1), Ramsgate (2-0), Wealdstone (3-1) and Leyton (3-0) was followed by a comfortable 3-0 home win over Heybridge Swifts last night.

The west Kent side have now climbed up to ninth place in the Ryman Premier League table on 49 points and are only two points adrift of Billericay Town who occupy the final play-off berth.

Tonbridge Angels dominated throughout last night’s game but had to wait until the 34^th minute to break the deadlock, striker Akwasi Edusei stabbing home his second goal of the season after good work from midfielder Tommy Tyne and winger Kirk Watts.

But two inspired substitutions by Warrilow inside the last nine minutes ensured the scoreline reflected his side’s total dominance.

Ray Powell, celebrating his fifth anniversary with the club, netted the second goal after 82 minutes - just twenty seconds after replacing Edusei.

Crayford based Powell, training to become an electrician, sparked up the night when he stabbed home a cushioned header from Carl Rook, who starts a two-match ban on Saturday, after John Westcott’s cross.

And midfield general Scott Kinch, who replaced Rook in the 86^th minute, found the top far corner with a deft lob from the left-hand side of the penalty area to seal the club’s first win over the Essex side at the sixth attempt.

The Angels recent form proves that they are more than capable of finishing this campaign in the play-off’s - Warrilow’s aim when he took over the reigns from Tony Dolby back in November.

“I said until it’s mathematically impossible (we’d be aiming for the play-off’s) but I was always fully aware that behind us there’s only a six point gap to get dragged into it,” Warrilow said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk last night.

“This league is so up and down all I concentrate on is Tonbridge Football Club and our players.

“I don’t care about other teams, I know about them and find out about some systems and bits and bobs but all I care about are my players and this club.

“We’re on a great run at the moment and I want to continue that. There’s no reason why we can’t continue that but we’ve got to maintain it.”

Positive Warrilow is pleased that he has competition for places as they go into their last eight league games of the season.

He said: “We’ve got competition for places all round now. With the transfer window coming to an end it’s good that the whole squad is up and fit.”

Warrilow tells his players’ to maintain their high standards, including Saturday’s trip to an East Thurrock side that’s just one place - and one point - above the drop zone.

“I’m aiming for as high as we can and the play-off’s especially after tonight is achievable but if we go Saturday and throw it away at East Thurrock then we could drop down a few places,” warned Warrilow.

“But yes, there’s good players here, it’s a good squad so we set them high standards and if they start dipping in those standards then we’ll address it.

“The last month or so they’ve given me nothing but 150% so the whole squad has pulled together and it’s looking good at the moment.”

On their next opponents, the Angels boss said: “They’ve had a couple of wins in their last two games, late goals, but if we play like we did tonight and the last few games and do our work-rate, there’s no reason why we can’t go there and add to it.”

Warrilow has until the end of this month to add to his squad and at this moment in time it appears that no-one will be released.

“At the moment we’re happy with the squad,“ he said. “We’re always looking to improve on it but obviously with time ticking away we’re going to run with this at the moment.

“If we can add a couple we will but if not we’ll go with this - it’s more than capable of holding it’s own.”

Writing in his programme notes Warrilow explained the situation with Jamie Cade, a striker, who has just been recalled from his loan spell by Blue Square South club Lewes.

“I am trying to negotiate with Lewes the possibility of taking Jamie on loan for a further two months to see us through until the end of April,” said Warrilow.

“His current deal expired Saturday and (Lewes manager) Steve King has asked for him to return to the club after he picked up a few injuries last Saturday.

“I would love to see Jamie back at the club to help us in the quest to push up the league and I remain positive that this will happen.

“He is a smashing lad and is a pleasure to have around the club.”

Visit Tonbridge Angels’ websites:  www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk & www.tonbridgeafc.co.uk/forum

East Thurrock United v Tonbridge Angels
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 15^th March 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Rookery Hill, Corringham, Essex SS17 9LB