Dover's Week of Destiny: We won't lie down and die against Terrors, says Chats boss - EXCLUSIVE

CHATHAM TOWN have a major say in the Ryman League Division One South promotion race, says manager Steve Binks, writes Stephen McCartney.

Cray Wanderers, in second, can no longer win the title, following their 1-1 draw with Kingstonian at Hayes Lane this afternoon, so it’s back to a two horse showdown with leaders Dover Athletic and Tooting & Mitcham United.

Chatham Town will secure their Ryman League status with a victory at Tooting & Mitcham United on Tuesday night, and Binks has vowed to help their Kentish rivals and will be pulling out all the stops to ensure his side win at Imperial Fields.

Chatham were the only side to defeat Andy Hessenthaler’s men in the league this season, with a double, before Worthing emulated their feat with a 1-0 win at Woodside Road yesterday, courtesy of Ben Andrews’ last-gasp winner.

But Tooting & Mitcham United play twice this week before the Whites meet Burgess Hill Town at Crabble next Saturday.

Anything less than maximum points for the Terrors, at home to Chatham Town on Tuesday and at Walton Casuals on Friday night, then Hessenthaler should guide Dover Athletic to the Ryman Premier League in his first season in charge.

Binks, speaking EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk today, said his youngsters will do all they can to beat the Terrors.

“We had a decent 2-2 draw with them after coming back from 2-0 down at home,” he recalled.

“We’ve got players that can win us the game. We’ve been defending quite well and Miroslav Oravec has played well (in goal) in a couple of games and has his confidence back and (winger) Steve Hafner is back from injury, so we’re going up there to try to get something out of the game.

“If nothing else, we’ll have a big say in the play-off positions, we’ve got Tooting away; Sittingbourne away; Kingstonian at home and Burgess Hill away.

“I think we’ll have an impact on who gets into the play-off’s!”

Back at the bottom, fourth-bottom Chatham, need only two more points to maintain their Ryman League status.

Doomed Horsham YMCA and Molesey must win all of their remaining games to condemn Chatham to the Kent League, an unlikely prospect.

“We’re trying to pick up as many points between now and the end of the season, with Molesey and Horsham YMCA still to play,” said Binks.

“Teams at the bottom will be fighting for their lives. I think Horsham YMCA will have a hard job on their hands (to avoid relegation) now.

“But I’m not thinking like that, I’m looking to improve the side.

“We’ve been playing some decent football, defending quite well as a team. When we get our noses in front we’re a hard side to break down.

“We’ve got players with the ability to beat anyone on our day.”

Binks tells Dover Athletic fans that his side will not roll over and die at Imperial Fields on Tuesday night.

He said: “We’re going to go up there and give as good as we’ve got.

“We’ve got a decent 2-2 draw (against them) earlier in the season and we’ve taken points off a number of top six sides.

Binks - and supporters - were left fuming after yesterday’s game at Molesey was postponed just thirty minutes before kick-off - despite passing a 10:30am pitch inspection.

“I thought it was a disgraceful decision!” raged Binks. “The pitch was wet, there was a couple of bare patches on it. The referee deemed it unplayable and dangerous to players - at 2:30pm.

The home side rubbed salt into Binks’ side’s wounds by training on the “waterlogged” pitch.

One fan, who travelled from Rochester, was also upset over the decision made by referee Mr Matthew Downey to prevent the game starting.

“Utter disgrace!” he fumed. “Both teams and both managers wanted to play, the crowd had assembled but the referee Mr Matthew Downey decided half an hour before kick-off that the pitch was “dangerous.”

“Nonsense! The pitch was a bit wet, yes. People might have got a bit muddy. In what way is his is “dangerous”, I don’t know!"

He added: “Anyway, apologies to the Chatham officials with whom I got a little short - I know it wasn’t their fault. But after two late call-off’s (the other was on Good Friday at Tooting & Mitcham), I shan’t be going to any more away games.”

Binks, meanwhile, is set to hand Michael Scott, 16, his first insight in Ryman League football at some point this week.

Binks said: “We’ve got some real promising youngsters that have signed from the reserves.

“Michael Scott, Kent under 16’s skipper, is up at Aston Villa on Saturday on trial, is a very promising prospect.

“He is versatile, a defender who can play in midfield. He started as a centre back but in the reserves he’s been playing right-back and right midfield. He’s just turned sixteen.”

Binks spoke about his background, adding: “He’s been quite committed to Chatham Town. He turned down an offer to return to Gillingham after they released him.

“He wants experience at Ryman level, he’s a local boy, he’s got a lot of enthusiasm for the club. He’s played quite a few games for the reserves and under 18s this season.

“He’s quite a big, strong lad for his age, very athletic and mobile. I think sometimes you’re not sure how these players do (playing in the first team) until you give them a chance.”

Striker Dominic Elmes, meanwhile, completed 90 minutes for the reserves against Thamesmead Town yesterday. Another striker, Nathan Ballin returns to training this week, whilst central defender Chris Tedder could miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury.

Mark Brooks (first match of two) and Shane Suter (second and last) are both suspended.

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering this match and subject to internet connection will be providing live score updates.

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

Tooting & Mitcham United v Chatham Town
Ryman League Division One South
Tuesday 1^st April 2008
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Imperial Fields, Bishopsford Road, Morden, Surrey SM4 6BF