We've underachieved this season, admits Seager

WHITSTABLE TOWN manager Marc Seager wants his players to have no regrets after his club’s first ever Kent Senior Cup Final on Thursday night, writes Stephen McCartney.

Seager takes his side to Park View Road for the showpiece final against Blue Square South side Welling United in a bid to produce their fourth giant killing.

The Oystermen have already dumped Tonbridge Angels (Ryman Premier), holders Ebbsfleet United (Blue Square Premier) and Blue Square South side Bromley out of this season’s competition and Seager, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk is relishing having yet another underdog tag.

“If Welling show us any lack of respect and their players are complacent, that’s when shocks can happen,” warned Seager, who guided the club to Kent Senior Trophy glory three years ago.

“They’re a good Conference (Blue Square) South side and they should beat us.

“We’re really looking forward to it, we’re playing one of the better sides in Kent football and it’s a lovely achievement by my players and for the football club in general and we’re going to make sure we’re going to enjoy every minute of it.”

Following their exploits en-route to the final, Seager, however, remains cautious ahead of the showpiece final.

“I’m confident that we’ll go up there and give it our best shot,” he said.

“On paper Welling should beat us, they’re Conference (Blue Square) South and we’re Ryman One South, they’re a quality side with quality players but they should come out victorious.

“Football’s a funny old game, and on our day we can beat anybody. My aim is to go up there and put in a good performance, give Welling a good game, hopefully give them a run for their money and if we have a little bit of luck on the night, who knows? It could be a fourth giant killing.”

Seager is pleased that his side go into the final without the added burden of fighting relegation as an away win at Fleet Town on Easter Saturday - and a 1-1 draw at Sittingbourne two days later - has secured the club’s Ryman League Division One South status for a third season.

They go into the final in fifteenth place in the table, with 46 points with just two games remaining - ten points clear of the drop.

“I’m so proud of my players for what they’ve achieved since Christmas,” beamed Seager.

“I’m not going to hide the fact this squad of players have underachieved this season.

“Ability wise we’re easily a top ten side. We’ve underachieved through a lack of consistency.

“After being in the bottom two at Christmas we’ve turned it around, put in a lot of effort and produced some good performances and their hard work and the ability that they’ve got has been rewarded - they’ve got a final to look forward to.”

With survival secured, Whitstable Town can go to Park View Road in buoyant mood and are well capable of pulling off their fourth shock in the competition.

“The lads are at a final on merit, not through luck. They’ve earned the right to be there,” said Seager.

“We’ve beaten a full strength Tonbridge Angels side, beat a very strong Ebbsfleet side and they were the holders and were expected to beat us and we’ve beaten a full strength Bromley, who are Conference South.

“So that just shows the players are there on merit and I just hope the players can produce one more performance, which should be easier as there’s no pressure on us.

“Everyone expects Welling to beat us, the players will go there - I want them to enjoy the occasion.

“My only message to my players is don’t come back into the changing room with any regrets.”

Meanwhile, admission prices for the final have been confirmed as being £9 (adults), £5 (concessions) and £3 (under 16s).

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

Visit Welling United’s website: www.wellingunited.com

Visit Whitstable Town’s website: www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk

Welling United v Whitstable Town
Kent Senior Cup Final
Thursday 16^th April 2009
Kick Off 7:30pm
At Park View Road, Welling, Kent DA16 1SY