I've got no doubts of us surviving - McMahon

THAMESMEAD TOWN boss Keith McMahon wants his side to find their shooting boots in time for their trip to Cheshunt tomorrow night, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Mead squandered numerous chances during Saturday’s home game against strugglers Hillingdon Borough before taking the lead just before the break through Scott Mullholland’s long-range free-kick, before being pegged back early in the second half.

But two late goals from striker Rikki Cable sealed a vital 3-1 victory against a side that are second from bottom in the Ryman League Division One North table.

Thamemsead have climbed up to 15^th place in the table and travel to play a Cheshunt side that are just four places higher than them.

Victory over the Ambers will put The Mead on 20 points after 17 games and McMahon, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight, see’s that as the halfway point towards maintaining the club’s status at this level.

“We should have been easily 4-0 up,” reflected McMahon on Saturday’s game.

“We had five or six great chances and Scott Mulholland scored a free-kick from thirty-yards straight into the top corner.

“We were disappointed with our poor finishing. We never looked threatened, we dominated the second half. Tony Kessell pulled off one world class save. We should have got four or five to be fair.”

With ten points separating his side from the relegation places, McMahon says he’s side are finally getting to grips with the club’s first ever Ryman League campaign.

“We keep getting punished by our mistakes,” admitted McMahon. “We beat Maldon 2-0 a fortnight ago and then we had two away defeats against East Thurrock and Leyton, when we should have got something from both games.

“We’re getting the squad back. Scott Mulholland made his first start for eight games. I’ve got Sam Thomas, he’s had a bad back and he’s been struggling to shrug it off.”

But the capture off goalkeeper Tony Kessell, following his release from neighbouring Dartford, has enabled Thamesmead to plug gaps at the back.

“It’s a huge coup for me. I was looking for a goalkeeper (as) Chris Conneally has been struggling a bit of (lost) confidence and some injuries and we needed some competition,” explained McMahon.

“Adam Woodward came in and played two games and got injured against East Thurrock.

“Tony’s played two games and he’s been superb. To be fair to him, he made a mistake in the first two minutes against Leyton but he’s put it behind him. His kicking and his shot stopping and his experience has helped us.”

McMahon has told his side to claim back-to-back victories at Theobalds Lane tomorrow night to move another step towards safety.

“Forty points is our target, I’ve got no doubts of us surviving,” said McMahon, who guided the club to the Kent League title last term.

“When you’re used to winning it’s frustrating when you win one and lose one.

“We can’t compete financially with most sides. We’re confident, hard work has paid off. If we keep winning at home and keep picking up points on our travels I’m sure we’ll be fine.

“We’re starting to get players back now. Our work rate is a lot better and our quality is good. Things are looking up for us.”

McMahon has a fully fit squad for the game against Cheshunt, a side that are “a good, young and solid side.”

And he added: “It’s going to be a tough game (as) they drew Concord Rangers on Saturday. It’s going to be tought but we’ve got a chance if we play well.”

Meanwhile, Cheshunt released Darren Williams, Liam Farrell, Shayne Mangodza, Duane Jackman and Daniel Francis last week.

Please contact the home club before travelling - 01992 633500

Visit Thamesmead Town’s website: www.thamesmeadtownfc.co.uk

Cheshunt v Thamesmead Town
Ryman League Division One North
Tuesday 11^th November 2008
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Cheshunt Stadium, Theobalds Lane, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire EN8 8RU