We've got the experience to handle the big match occasion, says Wells boss Martin Larkin

Thursday 03rd March 2011

TUNBRIDGE WELLS boss Martin Larkin says the team that can handle the big match occasion will progress through to the Kent Senior Trophy Final, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Wells are favourites to reach the showpiece final for the first time for five years when they welcome Holmesdale to Culverden Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Bromley based Holmesdale, meanwhile, are in good form, having lost only one of their last seven games and Gary Davies’ side have taken points off front runners Hythe Town, Herne Bay and VCD Athletic this season and will be keen to reach their first ever Cup Final in only their fourth season at this level.

Larkin feels he has the experience within his camp to make it through and play Beckenham Town or Erith Town in next month’s final.

Long-serving skipper Jason Bourne, Andy Boyle and Alex Rich are the only survivors of the team that lost to VCD Athletic on penalties five years ago.

“They were all involved in that final five years ago, so they’re keen to go back and make it right,” said Larkin.

“We’re keen to lay our foundations in the club’s history by winning things, but we can’t even think that far ahead before we play Holmesdale because they’re a very good side. They’re on a good run at the moment and we need to earn the right to play the game on Saturday.”

Larkin added: “It’s always going to be a tough game, it’s the semi-final.

“They’ve got a really strong management side there and some good players, dangerous players who can score goals, so we definitely need to be at our very best to compete and if we can do that and get on an equal footing in the game and we can get ourselves in a position to go and win it and that’s what we’re keen to do.”

Holmesdale leapfrogged over Fisher in the Kent League table with an impressive 2-1 win at Champion Hill last Monday.

Snood wearer, former Lincoln City and Bromley star Kevin George pulled the strings in the middle of the park against The Fish and Larkin knows the Dalers are more than capable of pulling off a Cup shock at the weekend.

“We’ve had them watched on Monday. They play a different shape to us so we have to counter that but both sides will be thinking they can win. We have to make sure we get ourselves right before the game,” said Larkin.

“If we need to be motivated on Saturday then we’ve got the wrong people in the changing room. It’s a semi-final so we shouldn’t really need to be pumping our chests and motivate people and that should come within the group.

“When we turn it on and we score goals teams find it hard against us. We’ve shown this year when we’re not at the races then we don’t win games so we have to make sure we’re 100% switched on for the match.

“Everyone knows what’s at stake. Semi-finals are great occasions and the players should enjoy playing in them. We’re here to showcase the players’ talents.

When asked how the tie can be won, Larkin replied, “The team that can relax under pressure. It’s about giving the players’ a day out as a reward for all their hard work throughout the season.

“It’s Holmesdale’s biggest game of the season and their biggest game ever. We’ve had some very big games in the FA Cup in the last couple of years - Holmesdale haven’t - so it’s more of a case how everyone reacts to the pressure of the occasion.

“We’ve got experienced players who have played at a higher level, Ryman South, Ryman Premier, so they’re used to the big game occasions.

“The team that reacts to that and the team that takes their chances we’ll win the game. We’ll definitely create chances and we’re going to cause Holmesdale problems.”

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

Visit Tunbridge Wells’ website: www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk

Tunbridge Wells v Holmesdale

Umbro Kent Senior Trophy Semi-Final

Saturday 5th March 2011

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Culverden Stadium, Culverden Down, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 9SG