Binks wants maxiumum points before Trophy trip to Harrow

CHATHAM TOWN boss Steve Binks is confident last night’s surprise 2-0 win over Folkestone Invicta in the FA Carlsberg Trophy will improve their fortunes in the league, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Medway side booked a trip to Ryman Premier League side Harrow Borough in the first qualifying round on Saturday week, courtesy of smash-and-grab goals from nineteen-year-old striker, Justin Ascheri and a stunning curling effort from substitute Simon Austin.

Before their trip to Earlsmead, however, Chatham travel to Witham Town on Saturday before welcoming Aveley to Maidstone Road next Tuesday.

But the Chatham boss insists his side are good enough to start climbing the Ryman League Division One North table, despite picking up seven points from their first ten games, leaving them in the bottom five.

Saturday will be a good start as they travel to basement boys Witham Town, who have picked up only four points so far.

Fourth placed Aveley, on the other hand, are unbeaten in ten games, with five wins and five draws.

“Witham are really struggling so it’s a winnable game and Aveley are undefeated but someone’s got to beat them this season,” said Binks, when speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk last night.

“We beat Dover twice last season, someone’s got to beat them so lets hope it’s our turn to beat them this time.

“I think we’ve been playing well early part of this season. In fact I think we’ve played better football than we have in the last two games against Folkestone at them away from home in the league without getting our rewards. We just haven’t been taking our chances.

“Tonight we defended really well. We were well organised and we took our chances and that’s the only difference.”

Binks praised the more experienced players within his squad for their performances that left Kent rivals Folkestone Invicta stunned and out of the FA Carlsberg Trophy at the first hurdle.

“Simon Austin came on with his experience, a cracking goal for the second goal,” said Binks.

“Richard Avery was absolutely magnificent. Richard Avery and Steve Best, first half, I thought were excellent, really organised in defence. Richard won every header there was to win tonight.”

When asked who stood out for Chatham last night, Binks ran through his entire team - it was a heroic display from every one of the fourteen players utilised.

“Justin Ascheri was a thorn in their side up front, Dave Botterill had one of his best games for the club and he’s now on a really good run.

“I thought Lee Maskell had his best game for the club, that’s his third, fourth start and he’s getting better and better, once he knows us a bit more. Mark Brooks done a fantastic job going back at right-back second half. Michael Scott came on looked so lively, he’s got to be a fantastic player once he’s got some more experience under his belt.”

Visit Chatham Town’s website:  www.chathamtownfc.net

Witham Town v Chatham Town
Ryman League Division One North
Saturday 11^th October 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Spicer McColl Stadium, Spa Road, Witham, Essex CM8 1UN