Elmes boost as striker returns from lengthy lay-off - EXCLUSIVE

STEVE BINKS takes Chatham Town to relegated basement side Molesey on Tuesday night, knowing that the pressure is off them after securing their Ryman League status in style at the weekend, writes Stephen McCartney.

Their 3-1 home win over Kingstonian, after going so close to holding Tooting & Mitcham to a goal-less draw in midweek, continued their impressive results against the big clubs.

“That’s six points we’ve taken off them as well as Dover,” a proud Binks said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk on the eve off their trip to Walton Road.

“I think it’s something like half of our points have come from the top six sides, which just shows on our day, we’ve proved we can beat anybody.”

Chats will be without Rob Denness (knee) and Ross Finn (hamstring) once again.

But Binks will recall Steve Best, who warmed the bench on Saturday, and winger Mark Brooks, who returns following suspension but there’s good news at last for former Dartford striker Dominic Elmes.

“I’ll use the last few games of the season to give a few youngsters a little taste, like sixteen-year-old Michael Scott,” said Binks.

“I’m really pleased that Dominic Elmes has come through a couple of reserve team run outs and I’m going to put Dominic on the bench tomorrow night, which he’s delighted about, getting back playing after his broken ankle.”

Binks, meanwhile, was pleased with his tactical masterstroke, partnering Steve Hafner and Daren Smith up front together against the K’s.

He said: “We played them up front on Saturday and it worked like a dream with the passing and movement.

Binks is willing to give his current crop of kids a chance to shine at this level next season.

“I think you can improve any side and I’m looking to improve it but there’s a lot more to come from this squad,” he vowed.

“Compared to most teams in the Ryman League, we always play with five or six youngsters who are fairly inexperienced and there’s more to come from these youngsters when they gain more experience.”

Molesey and Horsham YMCA both lost their Ryman League status at the weekend but Binks warns that the Surrey side are going to be playing for pride tomorrow night.

“I should imagine they’ll play with no pressure, a bit more freedom perhaps,” he said.

“I’m not counting any chickens. We were 3-0 up at home and they came back strong.

“When you go onto a football pitch no-one wants to lose and I’m sure they’ll play for pride.”

But he added: “We’ll be looking to finish on a high.”

Looking forward to Saturday’s trip to arch-rivals Sittingbourne, Binks is desperate to take three points off Gary Abbott’s men.

“I’m looking forward to the Sittingbourne game because they’ve had an Indian sign over us for a couple of seasons but it’s about our turn to beat them I think,” said Binks.

“We’ll be doing our best to beat them as it’s our biggest derby.”

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

Molesey v Chatham Town
Ryman League Division One South
Tuesday 8^th April 2008
Kick Off 7:30pm
The Herds Renault Stadium, 412 Walton Road, West Molesey, Surrey KT8 2JG