7thoct05

Friday 07th October 2005

Which side are serious about promotion?

Stand-in Tunbridge Wells manager, Mike D'Arcy is hoping for good support for tomorrow's visit of second placed Tunbridge Wells, writes Stephen McCartney.

With the Wells in fifth place and only five points behind their visitors this is a crucial game for the Culverden Stadium outfit during this period of uncertainty following the shock resignations of coaches Martin Telford and Dave Rice seven days ago.

Speaking about the high-noon showdown against a side six points behind leaders Beckenham Town, D'Arcy told www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk : "This will be a good measure on how serious our promotion challenge is this season.

"Alan (Burns) and I will ensure we prepare the players well and send them out onto the field in a positive frame of mind, the rest is up to them!

"Hopefully, we will have a couple of players available who were not available midweek to add to the squad."

Ashford based midfielder Buster Beaney who missed their Kent Senior Trophy victory (4-2 on penalties after the game finished 1-1 after extra time) at Slade Green on Tuesday night, due to work commitments, is expected to be added to the squad.

D'Arcy, the former Tonbridge Angels reserve team manager, added: "I was pleased with the midweek performance and thought defensively we looked sound with (goalkeeper) John Whitehouse having a great game.

"It would be nice to see (manager) Kevin (Metcalf) return from holiday (on Sunday) with us in third place."

Meanwhile, Thamesmead Town are pleased to announce the re-signing of Aran Heyrittin from Slade Green.

He rejoins the Mead after one season, and manager Paul Blade told www.thamesmeadtownfc.co.uk : "It's great to have Aran back at the club.

"He is a quality player that can play in different positions. He left the club on good terms, so coming back wasn't a problem."

Although he missed their London Senior Cup victory (2-1 after extra time) over local rivals Greenwich Borough on Tuesday night, he is expected to play at Culverden Stadium tomorrow.

Speaking about their 2-1 win over Borough, Mead's assistant manager Keith McMahon added: "It's another good win for us, it keeps the momentum going.

"We had a lot of players out tonight and the ones that came in did an excellent job.

"I was very pleased with the three lads that made their debuts. Tommy Morgan was exceptional at right-back and Steve Diamond was a constant threat on the right hand side of midfield.

"I thought Alan Hughes, the giant 19-year-old goalkeeper, looked to have a real presence and his talking and kicking was superb.

"All in all it keeps our winning run together and the lads seem to be playing with a lot of confidence, which is good going into a tough trip to Tunbridge Wells, which will be my last game in charge as Paul (Blade) is back from suspension.

"I have really enjoyed running the side and Steve Wait and I can at least say that we are unbeaten at the moment with five wins and a draw, so Paul will find the team in a good position when he takes over the reigns again."

Tunbridge Wells v Thamesmead Town
Kentish Observer League
Saturday 8th October 2005
Kick Off 12 noon
at Culverden Stadium, Culverden Down, Tunbridge Wells