Let's ruin play-off chasing Godalming's night - O'Brien as Chats offer Mum and me for a fiver!

Sunday 14th March 2010

CHATHAM TOWN boss Alex O’Brien says he wants his side to upset play-off chasers Godalming Town and Fleet Town this week, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Medway side secured their first back-to-back wins since last October, when they came from behind to defeat Ramsgate 3-2 at Southwood Stadium at the weekend.

Sixth-placed Godalming Town (with four wins from their last six league games) and fourth-placed Fleet Town (who defeated title-chasing Croydon Athletic 1-0 at the weekend) are the next two visitors to Maidstone Road.

Although sitting in 12th place in the Ryman League Division One South table on 42 points, O’Brien insists his side will still give it their all during their last ten league games, despite having nothing but pride to play for.

“I’m not looking at tables, I haven’t done all year to be honest but I think it’s nice to get two wins on the bounce because it was something that we’ve struggled to do but we’ll see where it takes us,” O’Brien told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“We’ll set our stall out to upset parties now so if they’re looking for aspirations of play-off’s then we’ll step up and ruin their night.

“But they’re a good side, they’re a side that basically killed us on the opening day, smashed us 3-0. I don’t think any of my boys touched the ball so there will be points to prove.”

Looking further ahead, to the visit of Andy Sinton’s Fleet Town side, O’Brien says he is up for challenge.

“The pressure’s on them, isn’t it?” he said. “The pressure’s on them to come and get points and it’s up to us to finish strong and get as many points as we can but if teams are around the play-off’s why should we roll over?”

Chatham were tipped to be a surprise package this season with the calibre of players that O’Brien brought in at Maidstone Road - but being midtable is a massive disappointment for everyone at the club.

“You’re right, it has been a massive disappointment really,” admitted O’Brien. “The players we’ve got we should be doing much better. We should be getting a lot more points on the board but we haven’t done and it’s time to address and time to see where we are and it’s time to finish the season on a high.”

O’Brien has learnt a lot during his first season as a manager, following a playing career that saw him play for the likes of Dulwich Hamlet, Tonbridge Angels and Dartford.

“It’s been a massive eye opener,” admitted O’Brien. “In a sentence, I apologise to any manager I played under because it’s hard work. It’s trying to get the best out of the boys all the time. Obviously there’s frustrations but nicking a 3-2 win at Ramsgate makes it all worthwhile!”

O’Brien needs to sit down with chairman Jeff Talbot to discuss plans for next season, but knows money is tight.

“I haven’t been told anything yet but I hope we can move on and that this year as a learning curve and hopefully get right into it come July,” he said.

“There’s a couple of players that you’ve played against that’s stood out in the past. Obviously you could talk to players all day long but it all comes down to budgets and this, that and the other and there’s no money really in football anymore but players are still trying to nick the extra five quid here so I’m just going to see what happens.

“I’ll try and keep the spine of the side and players that have done really well and then we’ll go from there.”

PLEASE NOTE - As a belated "Mothers Day" present, Chatham would also like to invite all the Mum's in Medway, and indeed the whole county to come to the game, and as long as they bring their sons or daughters with them, we'll give you both admission for the combined entrance fee of JUST FIVE POUNDS which compares very favourably with the usual admission cost!

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

Chatham Town v Godalming Town

Ryman League Division One South

Tuesday 16th March 2010

Kick Off 7:45pm

At Maidstone Road Sports Ground, Bournville Avenue, Chatham, Kent ME4 6ES