Just to have a good FA Cup run will give us a lift, says Thamesmead Town boss Keith McMahon

The Mead have never reached the Third Qualifying Round and standing in their way is a close friend in the shape of Nick Davis.

Sittingbourne arrive at Bayliss Avenue sitting in the bottom five in the Ryman League Division One South table, having collected three wins and a draw from their ten league games.

The Mead, however, are struggling in the league above and have collected four points from their first eleven games in the Ryman Premier League.

“It’s going to be a tough game,” said McMahon. “They’re a local side, I know their manager really well now because I coached him when he was thirteen all the way through to first team level.

“They’ve started picking some results up and it will be a tough game - FA Cup it should be - so we’re looking forward to it to be honest.”

Nick Davis was appointed player-caretaker joint-manager of Sittingbourne when Jim and Danny Ward resigned following the club’s 3-0 win at Chatham Town in the Kent Senior Cup First Round on 3 September.

“I’m over the moon for him,” said McMahon. 

“I’ve known Nick since he was a young kid. He’s a smashing lad and an exceptionally a good footballer as well and his input has given Sittingbourne a lift and they’ve picked some good results up.

“He’s got a lot of knowledge. He’s played at a good level and he’s had his time as well when he was at Fisher Athletic full-time and I’m sure he will do a great job over there.”

When asked what game he is expecting against The Brickies, McMahon said: “I’m expecting a close game. I had them watched in the week and last Saturday and they’ve come back with reports.

“They’re going to fancy the game because they think we’re struggling in the level above but Redhill thought the same, the step up is huge.

“I’m expecting a close game because it’s The FA Cup but if we play well then I’m expecting us to play well and we should win.”

The winners of Saturday’s game will bank a further £4,500 going with the prize money obtained from previous rounds.

Thamesmead Town banked £3,000 after beating Redhill 2-0 at home in the First Qualifying Round, whilst Sittingbourne have already collected £4,925 after beating Chessington & Hook United and Littlehampton Town.

“Sittingbourne need the money as much as we do at the moment,” admitted McMahon.

“The money is good and also it takes you to the third qualifying round, which the club has never got to before, so it’s a game that we are looking to win and the finances will be good.

“Just to get a good Cup run will give us a lift at the moment and that’s what we will be looking for more than anything, try and get a win at home, push us on and get some confidence.”
 
McMahon says he wants to tick another box by leading the club to another record.

The Mead finished a record best third in the Ryman League Division One North last season and were promoted with champions Grays Athletic after beating Witham Town and Maldon & Tiptree in the play-offs.

McMahon, who revealed their new facilities were officially opened last week by Sir Trevor Brooking, said: “It ticks another box.  It’s a little bit weird now we’re in the Ryman Premier, we come into the rounds later so you don’t have to win too many rounds to get there so you lose on the income.

“That’s why you want favourable draws, which we’ve had in the last round and this one.

“It will be massive for the club in this short period of time the club have been around at this level. All we keep doing is create history for the club and Saturday is another opportunity for us to do that and that’s what we’re looking to do.”

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

Thamesmead Town  v  Sittingbourne
The FA Cup with Budweiser Second Qualifying Round
Saturday 28^th September 2013
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Bayliss Avenue, Thamesmead, London SE28 8NJ