20thoct05

Thursday 20th October 2005

We must keep focused, says Daish

Liam Daish could have no complaints following last Saturday's trip to Tamworth, reports www.gravesendreporter.co.uk

The Gravesend and Northfleet boss watched on as his Fleet failed to spark in the attacking third and felt they got their just desserts against the Lambs of Staffordshire - nothing.

"We did not perform," he said. "We left it to chance and didn't really go out and take the game by the scruff of the neck - we got what we deserved."

Daish added: "We have created chances in every game since the start of the season, but the Tamworth match was probably the first game where we didn't create anything of real significance and that's disappointing."

The Fleet boss also took a slight pop at his players for their 'pass the buck' mentality throughout the 90 minutes.

"Everyone was looking for someone else to inspire or ignite us, someone else to score the goal or make the cross," he said. "No-one took the responsibility upon themselves to go and do something."

It seems increasingly apparent that Fleet's chances of scoring are affected by the continued absence of topscorer Charlie MacDonald.

Daish had hoped that the inspirational striker would be back for last Saturday, but remains confident MacDonald will be available for this weekend's FA Cup trip to Rockingham Road.

He said: "I'd like to think Charlie has got a good chance of playing against Kettering.

"Saturday was a little bit too early so we are keeping our fingers crossed he will be available for this weekend."

Bobby Bowry was another absentee last Saturday and Daish admitted his side missed the experienced, influential midfielder in the centre of the park.

He said: "You need someone who is going to sit in there and be willing to receive the ball from anywhere - we did not have that on Saturday."

Daish is hopeful Bowry will return for the Fleet's first taste of FA Cup football this year.

Will he? Won't he? Has he? Has He not? Paul Gascoigne's takeover attempts at Kettering Town appear more cloak and danger than a game of Cluedo, reports

Gazza and his consortium, spearheaded by businessman Imraan Ladak, are looming large over the Conference North club at the time of going to press and the continual uncertainty regarding the club's future will only make Saturday's test even tougher for Gravesend and Northfleet.

If Gazza is not in place as player-manager come the 3pm kick-off, the Poppies' current players will be going for a cup scalp for current boss Kevin Wilson.

If he is, the home side will be looking to impress their new manager.

One man who is not too concerned regarding the Poppies' predicament is Daish.

He said: "One minute, Gazza's going, then he's not going. It's really nothing to do with me and I've just got to concentrate on what we are about and keep focused on what we need to do get through to the next round.

"I know we can but it's going to be a tough game. It's the FA Cup - I wouldn't expect anything different."

Kettering Town v Gravesend & Northfleet
FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round
Saturday 22nd October 2005
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Rockingham Road