21stjuly04

Metcalf pleased with his new assistant 

AFTER suffering from a poor campaign last time out, Go Travel Kent League side Tunbridge Wells should be looking forward to a much improved season if tonight's pre-season victory is anything to go by, writes Stephen McCartney.

The long-suffering Culverden Stadium outfit defeated Ryman League Division One newcomers Hastings United by two goals to one.

All three goals came in the final ten minutes of the game, and the home side, who were 2-1 up at the time, went on to miss a last minute spot kick.

New boy Leroy Parks gave the Kent side the lead from the spot in the 80th minute before the Sussex side quickly responded and equalised.  However, Steve Ward netted the winner in the final five minutes before Parks missed from his second penalty in the final exchanges.

Tunbridge Wells manager, Kevin Metcalf was delighted with his team's performance and that off his newly appointed assistant, Martin Telford.

The forty-three-year-old spent the last three years coaching at Ashford Town and he has brought in excellent coaching credentials to Culverden Stadium, and has already made a big impression on the players and on Metcalf.

Speaking after the game, Metcalf praised the hard work his new assistant has put into the training ground, which has come to fruition out on the pitch.

He said: "We have both made the difference to the team.  Martin and I have brought in a few new players and some have contacted us to play.  We have put in two different sides tonight, playing 22 players."

The former Tenterden Town boss revealed: "We have loads of new faces, too many to name.  However, we have kept the nucleus of the side from last season and a few players from Ashford Town, Erith Town, Sevenoaks Town and Bromley.

"I am pleased with the effort of the players and the hard work put in by Martin (Telford) in the pre-season and it's showing dividends on the pitch.

"It was our first game but there is a long way to go." expressed the manager.  He added: " The pre-season friendlies are just to look at fitness and players, which was also the case for Hastings tonight."

He added: "I kept the players I wanted to keep.  I am happy, Martin is a first class coach and I am happy with the work we are doing."

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Email:  stephen@mccartney2000.fsnet.co.uk
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