Docker has high hopes for two-goal hero West

EBBSFLEET UNITED PASE coach Ian Docker has high hopes for winger Michael West - but the teenager has to work even harder to make the grade, writes Stephen McCartney.

West impressed during last night’s FA Youth Cup third qualifying round win over arch-rivals Tonbridge Angels at Stonebridge Road.

He opened the scoring after 35 minutes with a drilled right-footed free-kick from 25-yards, which flashed into the bottom far corner, despite the despairing drive of visiting goalkeeper Oliver Stell.

The full-time Fleet totally outclassed Tonbridge during a one-sided first half but woeful finishing meant there was only one goal in it at the break.

Encouraging words from former Fleet favourites, Tommy Warrilow (first team boss) and Colin Blewden (under 18 boss), inspired the Angels and they upped their performance and deserved to equalise when striker Josh Biddlecombe cracked a stunning 30-yard angled screamer, which flew across Fleet goalkeeper Josh Wells and into the far corner, after 66 minutes.

But West sealed a deserved victory, just 29 seconds of the second half remaining, when his shot rolled past Stell after deflecting off Angels defender, Joe Adams.

Docker, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk afterwards, was pleased with West’s contribution.

“Well, first and foremost, I’ve coached on and off for seventeen years now and Westy’s attitude wise has got to be one of the nicest players and lads that I’ve met,” he said.

“He’s got a lovely demeanour about him, he knows his job, he’s fit. He’s not the strongest of players but watching in training he’s joined in with the first team on a couple of occasions.

“He’s feet are quick, he’s got great passing ability and he’s got good vision.

“There’s still some things he done wrong tonight and that’s why he’s still with me but if he carries on going the way he is and it’s a big if, but if he goes on the way he is then I think the lad could have a future.

“If it is lets hope it’s here in Liam Daish’s first team squad.”

When asked the players age, Docker wasn’t too sure about that, but one thing is for certain, Ebbsfleet United are definitely a club that are willing to throw in local, young talent into the fast and furious Blue Square Premier.

“I tell you what, I don’t actually know the exact age he is, but I know he’s a second year because he’s a year 13 at school but he’s in his second year apprenticeship so to speak. He’s driving so he’s seventeen, coming up to eighteen,” replied Docker.

“But the thing is, he could be fifteen, sixteen, it doesn’t make any difference what age he is. If he’s got ability, which he has, and he can carry on producing displays in a disciplined environment doing the right things at the right time, he’s got half a future.

“I do say it time and time again, I do get a bit of stick from the lads because I do mention Alan Kimble and Liam Daish but with those two guys in charge, I’ve worked at some clubs when the first team manager wouldn’t even consider youth.

“I’m saying to them come and watch them play. I know they make mistakes, I know in the Blue Square Premier they get no where near so much time on the ball and they’ve got to do things quicker, but going training, myself and Paul McCarthy were enthusiastic because we know if we can get the players to the good level that is required, the first team management will say come training. They’ll put them in and they’re not scared to use them.

“We’ve produced quite a few players here over the years and the scheme does works.

“I feel other players could have come through under previous management and they chose to go for a bit more experience but when you’ve got that environment and the lads know that they’ve got first team management that’ll play youth, me and Paul know that it’ll make our jobs easier because we know there’s going to be a progression at the end.”

The Fleet welcome fellow Blue Square Premier club Lewes to Stonebridge Road in the final qualifying round of the FA Youth Cup on Wednesday, 22 October (7:30pm).

Visit Ebbsfleet United’s website: www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk