Everyone has a part to play in our promotion push, says Warrilow

“IT WAS the best we’ve played!” - That is how Tonbridge Angels boss Tommy Warrilow described his side’s 4-0 romp over his former side Horsham, writes Stephen McCartney.

A 24 minute first-half hat-trick from former Horsham striker Carl Rook - and a Jamie Cade header in the second half, ensured the Angels stretched their unbeaten run to five games at a wet and windy Longmead Stadium yesterday.

“It’s the best we’ve played and the positives are the lads have responded to the training sessions that we’ve set out prior to the game,” Warrilow told www.kentishfootball.co.uk this evening.

Warrilow gave special praise to Rook, who’s hat-trick yesterday, took his goalscoring to 26 goals from 30 starts, since his record move from Horsham last season.

“He’ll always get you goals. He’s always a problem for opposing teams,” said Warrilow.

“Sometimes it might not look like he’s not doing a lot but he distracts players out of the game and now he’s scored 26 goals in 30 appearances for Tonbridge.”

Warrilow insists there’s more to come from his side, despite sitting in the top seven in the Ryman Premier League table, with six wins and two draws from eleven games.

“We admit we’re not playing fluent football but at the same time I know the players I’ve got here are capable of doing what I want them to do to progress out of the league,” he said.

“I’ll never do a knee bolt reaction to a couple of performances, but what I’m prepared to do is swap the team around if people are having a bad time.

“The form's not been that good to be honest. It’s been staggered. We’ve not been brilliant or poor. It’s staggered but we’re getting results.

“Yesterday we looked a very good team. The most important thing now is to continue that.”

Warrilow revealed he’s put his side through three training sessions leading up to the Horsham game yesterday and will do the same again as their next game isn’t until Tuesday, 14^th October, away to AFC Hornchurch.

“I’d be honest with you it (the break) helped because things haven’t gone well on the pitch,” reflected Warrilow.

“We had three training sessions where we went back to basics. After yesterday’s performance it would be good to have a game (next) Saturday.

“But we haven’t, so we’ve got another three sessions, which isn’t all doom and gloom, but our main concern was after the Ramsgate game in the FA Trophy (which takes place at Longmead Stadium on 18^th October), there’s a possibility of going another long period without a competitive game so it’s something we’ll be addressing at the time.”

Warrilow says squad player, Luke Piscina, is still very much in his plans.

“He’s an integral part of the squad,” said Warrilow. “I’ve spoken to Luke and people get their feelings in the way of tactical positions. He’s a vital part of my squad and he will get his chance and when he does it’s up to him to take it.

“My job as manager is to make decisions and sometimes those decisions won’t please everyone. I know what I’m doing, it’s not a shut door with Luke. He’s a lovely lad, he’s a player that can change the game and he’s a vital part of the squad like everyone is.”

Warrilow, meanwhile, urges the Longmead faithful to get themselves to Stonebridge Road this Wednesday night (7:30pm) for the FA Youth Cup Second Qualifying Round showdown against rivals Ebbsfleet United.

The first team boss is supporting youth boss Colin Blewden as they bid to knock out full-time opposition.

“The lads go there as underdogs,” admitted Warrilow. “I’ll be there myself (and) I’ve spoken to Blewey and there’s no reason why we can’t go and get the result.

“It’ll give Colin a sign of how we’ve progressed. The main thing at youth level is to gage the progression at this age of the lads (as) we’re looking for them to step up. The FA Youth Cup is like our FA Cup, you always want to progress in it.

“As far as we get individual performances that’s the most important thing. The result maters but we’re pitting ourselves against a full-time team so we’ll see how far we are off that level.

“The fitness side will come into it. I’m sure Colin has done his homework. We’ll go there and pressure them. It’s a good experience for the young lads, as long as they learn from it.

Meanwhile, back to the first team, Ade Olorunda had his plaster removed last Tuesday.

Visit Tonbridge Angels’ website:  www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk