It's going to be a free-scoring thriller, predicts McMahon - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Wednesday 10th January 2007

The biggest game of the Kent League season takes place at The Belmont when the top two sides go head-to-head, writes Stephen McCartney.
Whitstable Town leapfrogged over Thamesmead Town at the summit following their 2-2 draw at impressive Greenwich Borough on Tuesday night.

Watching that game was Mead’s manager Keith McMahon, and he is relishing Saturday’s showdown.

“League positions I suppose, I would say, Whitstable hold the advantage with a one point lead, with two games in hand,” he said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“But if we win or get a draw that opens it up. Also they have home advantage in the game.

“If you were a neutral you would say they hold the advantage but we are pretty confident.”

McMahon was at The Belmont on Saturday when Marc Seager’s side defeated Tunbridge Wells by three goals to nil to reach the last four of the Kent Senior Trophy, and will be clued up ahead of Saturday’s game.

“I’ve watched them Saturday and on Tuesday night and saw them earlier in the season,” said McMahon.

“Marc has a good side there, they’re unbeaten and I think their beatable.

But McMahon has enticed football fans to get themselves down to The Belmont on Saturday to watch two attack minded teams lock horns.

A crowd of at least 400 is expected and if both sides maintain their form even more will flock to Thamesmead’s Bayliss Avenue ground when the two sides meet on the last day of the Kent League season on the 28^th April.

“If our recent performances are anything to go by, it could be four all,” McMahon predicted.

“If you read reports about us, our defence have been leaky. We have got some decent defenders and they have gone on a blip.

“We’re both very similar sides, both good going forward so I won’t back a 0-0 draw on Saturday.”

McMahon, however, believes Whitstable’s tough run in will help his side overtake them at the top at the end of the season, although we cannot rule out Croydon and VCD Athletic.

“We’re top two at the moment but Croydon have gone on a good run, like Whitstable, they’ve played the teams in the lower end of the table recently.

“Saturday’s result won’t mean whoever wins will win the league.

“I’ve looked at the table the other day and Whitstable have got a tough run in. They’ve played fifteen games and have played ten of them at home.

“They’ve got a tough run in, us last game, VCD twice and if I’m correct they have to go to Croydon, which won’t be easy.

“Croydon have to play us and Whitstable and VCD have to play us and Whitstable twice so it’s all to play for.”

“We have Whitstable, Tooting & Mitcham United at home in the London Senior Cup on Tuesday night and Croydon at home next Saturday but if we can come away with two league wins it puts us in a great position.”

With Whitstable Town boss Marc Seager criticising his “shocking” and “woeful” defensive second half display at Harrow Meadow, McMahon feels his free-scoring side will find the net.

“We’ve got goals galore,” he said. “Our strengths are going forward and Whitstable know that as well.

“In midfield, we’ve got a lot of players who have scored goals, similar to Whitstable.

“It’s going to be who can defend and keep your shape and that’s what I’m looking for.

“We’re away from home and the conditions will play a major part. Whitstable have a good playing surface, I’m sure it will be a fantastic game – two good sides that like to attack.

“I’ve got lots of respect for Marc and Simon (Halsey). We think about football being played in the right way.

“They’re expecting a big crowd, a top of the table clash. We both entertain and I’m looking forward to it. I’ll be surprised if it’s going to be nil-nil.

“Our record shows we have scored in every game that we’ve played. I’m pretty sure Whitstable have as well.”

McMahon has a goalkeeper selection headache – he has three to choose from.

Sam Mills, Danny Kemp and seventeen-year-old youth team stopper, Adam Woodward are all vying for the goalkeeper’s jersey.

Scott Saunders is also available for selection but Tony Gallagher (knee ligaments) is a long-term injury.

With his former club, VCD Athletic, flying the flag in the FA Vase, McMahon wished Martin Ford and his side all the best of luck against West Auckland Town

He added: “I would like to wish VCD well in the Vase. It’s a tremendous achievement to reach this stage and I hope they get through.

“You have to get behind your Kent League teams and Martin has done a great job there in the Vase.”

Visit club websites:

www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk

www.thamesmeadtownfc.co.uk

Whitstable Town v Thamesmead Town
Kent League Premier Division
Saturday 13^th January 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At The Belmont, Belmont Road, Whitstable