21stoct04

 
Wells search for a striker

A STRIKER is the top priority for Tunbridge Wells manager Kevin Metcalf at present after his side drew their sixth Go Travel Kent League game of the season on Tuesday, writes Stephen McCartney.

A mazy run from seventeen-year-old right sided midfielder Steven Ward set up Bradley Mortimer who gave Wells a 31st minute lead.

Slade Green's 40-year-old goalkeeper Paul Vines denied Mortimer five minutes after the interval after he was once again set up by Ward who cut into the penalty area from the touchline.

Slade Green manager Phil Miles introduced former Erith & Belvedere midfielder Stuart Abbott after 57 minutes, which inspired the home side.

Slade Green drew level twelve minutes from time through Chris Tuley's header beating goalkeeper Matt Bromby for a deserved point.

Wells, who are now sixth from bottom in the table, with only win and six draws to their name, are concerning their manager with the amount of times they have dropped points.

"The draws have concerned me in the last four games," Metcalf admitted.

"A draw is still the same as losing as we are dropping points.

"Basically we definitely need a forward."

Tunbridge Wells, however, leave the league programme with a trip to Sussex County League side Pagham in the first round of the FA Vase on Saturday.

After beating them in the FA Cup earlier in the season, Metcalf is still approaching the game in the same professional manner.

"It will be a tough game, obviously Pagham will be out for revenge," he said.

"I think our players will have to realise the importance of the game, having beaten them.

"Martin (Telford) and myself are preparing for a tough game.  If we have a professional attitude then I think we will be ok."

Metcalf, however, revealed he is going to stick to the same squad but he is hoping they can turn pretty football into goals - and if they do that, then one side will be on the receiving end of a thrashing.

Pagham v Tunbridge Wells
FA Vase First Round
Saturday 23 October 2004
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Nyetimber Lane, Pagham