6thdec04

Dimmock at the double

THE leadership of the Go Travel Kent League has become a hot potato with three club's occupying top spot in the past seven days, writes Stephen McCartney.

Matt Toms' Whitstable Town side started the week in the lead but they were overtaken by rivals Herne Bay after winning 2-1 at Sporting Bengal United last Wednesday.

Herne Bay, however, were removed by VCD Athletic, who went top after winning 2-1 at Winch's Field on Saturday but Vickers boss Martin Ford is looking to stay there.

Speaking about their victory over Jason Lillis' side, Ford said: "Very comfortable - we played very well actually.

"Herne Bay are a good side this year and will improve.  

"To go there at this stage of the season and get a result is welcome."

Burly striker Richard Dimmock sealed the victory by scoring two goals and he will be looking to continue to bang in the goals whilst on loan from Ryman League Division One side Cray Wanderers.

Speaking about the former VCD Athletic striker, Ford explained: "Richard wasn't getting a regular game at Cray so he has come over to us in a view to get him a little match fit.

"We've got him for the foreseeable future at least anyway.

"He is initially on loan.  They have an abundance of centre forwards at the moment so we've got him until Christmas.

"After Christmas I will talk to Ian Jenkins (Cray manager) and hopefully keep him for the rest of the season."

Tunbridge Wells are the visitors to North Dane Way on Tuesday night before Ford's side make the trip to improving Greenwich Borough on Saturday before hosting another impressive side, Beckenham Town three days later.

Wells, however, will be keeping one eye on Saturday's FA Vase third round tie at Bury Town, and you will be thinking they will be resting their key players ahead of the money spinning cup tie.

Ford admitted he will be looking for nine points in these three games to keep the pressure on the top sides - and reckons six sides are in with a shout for the title this season.

"We are looking to stay at the top of the table," he said.

"We've got a home game against Tunbridge Wells on our ground (Lordswood FC) and we are looking to collect all three points. 

"A local derby on Saturday against improving Greenwich and another home game against Beckenham -  if we can take maximum points from three games we will be looking to maintain our push."

Wells' - who have lost only once in the league this season - lost their unbeaten record when they were defeated 4-1 by VCD Athletic at Culverden Stadium in November.  They are in eighth place and are in with a realistic chance of league honours, six points off top spot.

"We played them a few weeks ago and beat them 4-1," Ford recalls.

"We had a good ten minute spell - there are some good sides in the league this year.

"The team that will win the league will lose more than five games this year," he predicted.

"It's not going to a sprint, six sides have a realistic chance of being up there at the end of the season."

Ford will be without midfield duo Paul Dimmock (knee) and Paul McCarthy (attending family funeral) for the visit of Kevin Metcalf's side and he added: "We may need to change it around but we've got plenty of bodies - we'll be allright."

Go Travel Kent League Premier Division - Top Four

VCD Athletic v Tunbridge Wells
Go Travel Kent League Premier Division
Tuesday 7th December 2004
Kick Off 7:30pm
at Lordswood FC, North Dane Way, Walderslade, Chatham