5thdec05

Monday 05th December 2005

Blade: We are preparing for a critical month

Both Thamesmead Town and Beckenham Town go into this Kentish Observer League Cup Group D clash looking to bounce back after suffering last minute heartbreak during their league games at the weekend, writes Stephen McCartney.

Andy Constable's last minute winner sealed Whitstable Town a dramatic winner in a thrilling 4-3 clash against Paul Blade's men at the Belmont.

And Beckenham Town were leading second placed Maidstone United by two goals to one going into the final minute, but two dramatic goals from Lyndon Rowland deep inside stoppage time helped the Stones go within three points of their rivals.

Reflecting on their defeat at Whitsable, the assistant manager of Thamesmead, Keith McMahon admitted: "We have got to learn to defend sensibly having conceded late goals in the midweek London (Senior) Cup defeat at Waltham Abbey. We still haven't learnt."

Manager Blade, meanwhile, has promised he will do what it needs to correct this minor blip in his side's form, after dropping to fourth place in the table after Erith & Belvedere saw off Lordswood 2-0 at Park View Road.

He said: "Today's defeat was not acceptable and neither side played well.

"We came here looking for a point at least and seeing the other results leaves us with a critical month ahead if we want to stay in the promotion chase."

Erith Town make the short trip to Bayliss Avenue in a Kent League game next Saturday, 10th December.

Thamesmead Town v Beckenham Town
Kentish Observer League Cup Group D
Tuesday 6th December 2005
Kick Off 7:45pm
at Bayliss Avenue, Thamesmead