14thfeb05

Lordswood don't want wooden spoon

PAUL PIGGOTT has seen his Lordswood side collect four points from the two games he has played in goal, writes Stephen McCartney.

The 33-year-old manager took over between the sticks for their 2-0 win at Erith Town two weeks ago and he performed heroics in Saturday's 2-2 Go Travel Kent League draw at home to Whitstable Town - who fielded striker Andy Constable, who made a scoring return having joined from Sevenoaks Town two days prior to the game, having had his contract terminated by the Greatness Park outfit by "mutual consent".

Piggott explained the reasons why he played in goal for their last two games.

He said: "We felt we lacked a little bit of experience and because of the young side we have, we lack a bit of talking and a bit of know how and it has worked for us."

Speaking about Saturday's game against the Oystermen, Piggott added: "They kept me busy.  Whitstable had a twenty minute spell when they should have killed the game off but they didn't and that gave us a chance to get back into the game at the end.

"The draw was probably a fair result, on reflection."

Piggott is definitely pleased with his side starting to pick up points.  Still bottom of the table they have closed the gap on Erith Town and Deal Town to six points, with 30 points still to play for.

Piggott revealed his plans for the remainder of the season.  They are aiming to finish off the foot of the table but their next two games are very tough.

On Wednesday night league leaders Herne Bay visit North Dane Way and they travel to seventh placed Tunbridge Wells on Saturday.

"That will be a tough game," Piggott said.

"Herne Bay are a good side.  We know one or two of their players and their manager, Jason Lillis is a former Lordswood player.

"It will be a tough game because they are sitting at the top of the league.  They are on a bit of a run.

"We feel we have turned the corner.  We need to get results badly as they do, because we are determined not to finish bottom of the league."

And looking ahead to their trip to Culverden Stadium, Piggott added: "That's going to be another tough game as they are a good footballing side.

"We are really determined (to get off bottom).  It's not a situation we want to be in or finish the season in.

"We are going to be going to the very last game of the season trying to get every point we can."

Meanwhile, Herne Bay, 1-0 winners over Maidstone United at Winch's Field on Saturday, will be looking to collect another three points at North Dane Way.  If they do, they will be six points clear of second placed Ramsgate ,although Jim Ward's side will have three games in hand.

Lordswood v Herne Bay
Go Travel Kent League Premier Division
Wednesday 16th February 2005
Kick Off 7:30pm
at North Dane Way, Walderslade, Lordswood, Chatham