Carshalton will be a tough nut to crack, admits Munday

Wednesday 09th September 2009

WHITSTABLE TOWN boss Mark Munday has strengthened his squad today by bringing Ben Brown in on a month’s loan from rivals Ramsgate, writes Stephen McCartney.

The 19-year-old has been described as a goalscoring midfielder, and played for Whitstable’s reserve side aged 15 before playing in the youth ranks at Gillingham before making his Kent League debut for Herne Bay at the age of just sixteen.

Brown went on to become Herne Bay’s second top goalscorer during season 2007-08 and was top scorer for the club’s under 18s, winning the supporters’ player of the year award too.

Brown joined Ramsgate last season and following a brief loan spell back at Herne Bay, he earned a regular first team start at Southwood Stadium under Rams boss Jim Ward.

Munday, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk this evening, says Brown will go straight into the team for Saturday’s FA Cup tie against Carshalton Athletic, and Munday is confident that his side can cause an upset and knock out the Ryman Premier League side at Belmont Road.

“Ben Brown has come over to us on loan from Ramsgate for a month and he’s available to play on Saturday,” said Munday.

“To be honest, we’ve put a side together with some players with little experience.

“We’ve had some injuries and suspensions and I feel that we needed to maybe shake it up a little bit for temporary cover but someone who is used to playing at this level or slightly higher who could do us well over the next four or five games.”

Munday’s side scraped through Kent League basement boys Lordswood in the preliminary round of the world’s greatest cup competition - and Carshalton Athletic will pose his men more problems on Saturday.

“It’s a game we’re looking forward to without a doubt,” said Munday, who has some very memorable FA Cup highlights of his own as a player for both Gravesend & Northfleet and Margate in the past.

“As we’re the underdogs we can play freely without the tension and the worry. We have to be mindful that Carshalton are a very good side but their not having the best of times as they’ve changed their manager.

“It’s still going to be a tough nut to crack but we’ll do all in our power to do that and get a strong side out there.

“We’ve got to be on our mettle and hopefully they’ll come down a little complacent. I’m confident that if we perform to our ability and take our chances, we’ve got as good as a chance as anyone, especially as we’re at home.”

Munday, meanwhile, has been forced into making at least one change as Sam Denly is unavailable due to a pre-booked family wedding.

Visit Whitstable Town’s website: www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk

Whitstable Town v Carshalton Athletic

FA Cup (Sponsored by E.ON) First Qualifying Round

Saturday 12th September 2009

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Belmont Road, Whitstable, Kent CT5 1QJ