Miles pleased with opening day point - EXCLUSIVE

Sunday 19th August 2007

Chatham Town manager, Phil Miles is looking for maximum points when their Kentish rivals, Ashford Town, visit Maidstone Road on Tuesday night, writes Stephen McCartney.

Chats opened their Ryman League Division One South campaign with a goal-less draw at Corinthian Casuals yesterday.

Chatham created the better chances during the first half and should have been in front by half-time.

Dominic Elmes, their summer signing from Dartford, had the best chance with a first time work after good work by Mark Murison.

The latter than created another opportunity for himself with a strong run into the box, but saw his deflected shot cleared by Pierre Lisbie as it rolled towards the goal.

Chatham Town goalkeeper, John Whitehouse was called into action to make a good one-on-one stop at the feet of Simon Mitchell when the Casuals striker broke clear.

And the former Tunbridge Wells stopper was in action again soon after the interval, to tip over a 25-yarder from Scott Hassell as the home side had the better of the second half.

Both teams had chances to claim the points in the closing minutes.

James Carr hit the post from a tight angle for Casuals, whilst Bradley King’s header was inches over the bar after Rob Goodger had headed Darren Smith’s free-kick back across goal.

But Miles, speaking EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk , was pleased with his side’s performance in Tolworth.

“I was really pleased with the first half,” he said. “We started the stronger, played some good football, got loads of balls into the box and created two or three good chances.

“Unfortunately we couldn’t be clinical enough with our chances and that’s what let us down for not winning the game.”

Speaking about the second half, Faversham-born Miles, said: “It was pretty even but then again we still had the better chances.

“We had two good chances in the second half to finish it, to wrap it up, to win the game, and although they hit the post with five minutes to go, they could have nicked it to be fair, we were the dominant side with the chances.

“So overall I was disappointed we didn’t win, pleased with the performance and obviously a point away from home.

“I know people will say it’s only Corinthian Casuals, but they will take points from other teams.

“We’re looking to get what we can at home, if we can win our home games, I will be happy with that.”

Ashford Town, who crashed to a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of much-fancied side, Kingstonian, visit Maidstone Road on Tuesday.

“It’s going to be another tough game,” said Miles. “Obviously Ashford have got high expectations this year.

“I’m expecting them to be a good side and I’m just hoping we can carry on the way we have been playing and play to our best of ability.

“And I’m sure if we can do that, then we’ll get something out of the game.”

Miles will once again be without Sam Groombridge, whose enjoying a last minute family holiday in America, and is expected to return on Saturday, and former Herne Bay defender, Rob Goodger has work commitments and will miss the derby.

Gavin Schulz, signed from Ramsgate, has been ruled out for another two to three weeks, after twisting his ankle during their final pre-season friendly against Tonbridge Angels.

Miles has, however, signed Shane Suter from Ramsgate, after the left-sided player impressed him whilst on loan last season.

He explained: “I had to play Shane up front on Saturday because Gavin Schulz twisted his ankle against Tonbridge Angels and he could be out for two to three weeks, which is disappointing.

“Gavin and Dominic (Elmes) have struck up a good relationship and a good understanding during pre-season and looking good up front together.

“But it’s a bonus to get Shane back again as Shane and Gavin were a big part in our turnaround last year.”

Visit club websites:

www.chathamtownfc.net

www.ashfordtownfc.co.uk

Match report courtesy of Neil Sanders

Chatham Town v Ashford Town
Ryman League Division One South
Tuesday 21^st August 2007
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Maidstone Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 6ES

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