8thsept05

Thursday 08th September 2005

Robbins has to make difficult decisions
EXCLUSIVE

Ashford Town's reserve side travel to Cray Wanderers this Saturday full of confidence that they can score goals after their opening day fixture with Whitstable, writes Stephen McCartney.

Striker Aiden Purseglove was called up for the first team fixture against Wembley in midweek, but is expected to be available and subsequently start against the Wanderers.

The young pairing of Mike Robbins and Martin Larkin, have a difficult choice ahead of them, with Luke Robinson and Richard Vidler both on holiday, but three regulars returning.

Terry Hawkey will be expected to make his nuts and bolts debut, as will Barry Crawford - the young Scot signed this week.

"Cray always give us a battle, even more so when our first teams are at opposite ends of the table", Robbins said in an EXCLUSIVE interview with www.kentishfootball.co.uk

"The honours were even last season, we lost at home but won up there, that pitch is a great leveller, and as a manager you have to get the lads motivated as soon as possible as its a far cry from the Homelands."

Martin Larkin agreed with Robbins in that their young steeds will score lots this season, "because every position has goals in them. Its getting the basics to stop the goals where we need to get settled as soon as possible. Tonight's training with the Soldiers at Maidstone should help whip them in to shape!"

Robbins also expects to name a strong bench for the fixture, including new Goalkeeper, Adam Haynes, who was released by Grays Athletic after suffering and recovering from a bad injury.

Ashford Town's first team, however, host Ryman Premier League side Windsor & Eton in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup at the Homelands.

Cray Wanderers v Ashford Town
Kentish Observer League Division One (RESERVES)
Saturday 10th September 2005
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Oxford Road, Sidcup