Playing Welling and Dartford will be a good test for us, says Mead boss Keith McMahon

THAMESMEAD TOWN boss Keith McMahon wants to see how his players fare against Blue Square Bet South neighbours Welling United and Dartford this week, writes Stephen McCartney.



The Mead lost 2-1 at home to Maidstone United in their opening pre-season outing last Tuesday, and trialist David Noel, a 23-year-old striker who has been plucked out of the Woolwich & Eltham Sunday League, looks to be a find for the Ryman League Division One North club.

Welling United visit Bayliss Avenue tomorrow, whilst Tony Burman brings his Dartford side next Tuesday – and McMahon is looking forward to playing against two clubs that play two league’s higher.

“It’s going to be tough, you want sides who are above you to see how you are defensively and your shape and also it’s great for fitness because they have a lot of the ball,” said McMahon.

“They will be a little bit more direct than Maidstone because sides at that level are as their passing hurts you a bit more, so it will be a good work out when you haven’t got the ball.

“You can see what players can keep the ball at that level and the ones who are comfortable on the ball. 

“It will be good to see how David Noel gets on against them.  He was excellent against Maidstone United, but if he does it at that level you can see they can mix it for the whole year.

“It’s games you want to play against, the difference isn’t that huge but it’s consistency.  These (Welling and Dartford) players are more experienced, they will like the pitch.  I expect most sides will want to keep the ball and it will be a good run out for us, a good test for us.” 

Then it’s a test against Dartford, who have lost their opening games to Football League sides, Southend United (0-3), Gillingham (2-5) and Millwall (0-5).

“Again, another tough one, I’d say,” admitted McMahon.  “Tony Burman is a friend of mine.  He’s done me a favour to bring a side over.  We’ve got his boy Jake playing here.  Hopefully we can get a few through the gate and put an entertaining game on.”

The Darts finished in tenth place in their first season in the Conference South and also beat Bromley 4-1 to clinch the Kent Senior Cup for the tenth time in their proud history.

McMahon added: “Dartford are going to be very strong this year, hopefully they’ll get into the play-offs or above. 

“They are a club going places and everyone over there has worked really hard over the years and I’m pleased for them so it’s great to have a side like that down here and we’ll give them a good game.”

Burman’s side welcome Crawley Town to Princes Park tomorrow – a side that dumped out of the FA Trophy last season.

The Darts boss said he will be looking to come away from Thamesmead Town with victory.

“That’s going to when we’re expected to win games,” said Burman.

“From our point of view, we can help the teams we’re playing in the lower divisions to help their fitness. 

“There all tough games, they will be more to a level to us if you like, to get our little bits and pieces going and we’ll have a little bit more joy with the ball like the pro teams are have with us.”

Visit Thamesmead Town’s website: www.thamesmeadtownfc.co.uk  

Thamesmead Town  v  Welling United
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 23^rd July 2011
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Bayliss Avenue, Thamesmead, London SE28 8NJ