18thsept05

Sunday 18th September 2005

We need to get fitter, admits Wakeling
EXCLUSIVE

Bromley manager George Wakeling was full of praise for his side for coming back from a goal down to stretch their unbeaten run to three games, writes Stephen McCartney.

Joe Vines' own-goal within two minutes of yesterday's game gifted visitors Maldon Town the lead at The Courage Stadium, but Bromley secured the points thanks to strikes from in-form Fraser Logan and Henry Darko.

In an EXCLUSIVE interview with www.kentishfootball.co.uk Wakeling admitted he was pleased with the victory.

"I was pleased with the way we came back from being a goal down and pleased to get three points in the bag," he said.

The Essex visitors, however, rallied late in the game, but couldn't snatch a late equaliser, but the one thing that is worrying the man at the helm is the lack of fitness from players coming back from injury.

"It helps having the players back but you have to bear in mind if you look at the game yesterday, we were far the better side, but for the last fifteen minutes players, not having much football behind them, struggled with their fitness.

"That's worrying but we have to keep playing them and get their fitness levels back as quickly as we can."

Tiny striker Henry Darko seized his opportunity to impress, but Wakeling feels there is a lot more to come from the player the Ravens' signed from Austrian side Graz.

"He done ok, worked hard, ran around but I think he's got to learn to hold the ball up better," admitted Wakeling.

"But he didn't let himself down, he's a good lad and I am pleased for him."

Chris Kinnear brings his Margate side to the Courage Stadium on Tuesday night - the first Ryman League meeting between the two clubs.

Wakeling, however, will be without Sam Wood (calf) but is expecting a tough game as 12th placed Bromley - with 9 points from 7 games - entertain 13th placed Margate - who have one point less and have drawn five of their seven league games.

"All the games are tough, they're not easy games this year, but we have got to be up for it and disciplined," he said.

"We are going in the right direction - we are expecting a tough game."

Chipstead - second from bottom in the Combined Counties League - visit The Courage Stadium for Saturday's FA Cup second qualifying round tie, and Wakeling is confident his side will progress.

He said: "It's a banana skin, all those games are when you draw a team in the lower divisions, but we are expected to win.

"But if you asked me if I'd be happy to draw Chipstead at home? It's a very good draw and we have to make sure we take full advantage of it."

Bromley v Margate
Ryman Premier League
Tuesday 20th September 2005
Kick Off 7:45pm
at The Courage Stadium, Hayes Lane, Bromley