My players would play for me for nothing, says Thamesmead Town boss Keith McMahon

THAMESMEAD TOWN manager Keith McMahon has praised his players for showing unity and a willingness to play for the club despite the club’s off-the-field problems.



The Mead scooped a much-needed £1,750 in prize money after winning a hard-fought FA Cup Preliminary Round tie at Walton Casuals last night.

They were 1-0 up when referee Mark Englebretson abandoned Saturday’s game at half-time due to a waterlogged pitch – Sean Roberts’ first goal for the club will now be chalked off.

But last night, in a match refereed by Michael Hayden, they had the left-foot of 27-year-old left-back Ashley Probets to thank as his two inswinging corners set up the first through immense 20-year-old midfielder Lea Dawson to head home in the 22^nd minute and Probets scored the winner himself, scoring directly from a corner with fifteen minutes left.

Walton Casuals – who are at the foot of the Ryman League Division One South table – relied too heavily on Michael Corbett’s long throws and they equalised seven minutes into the second half.

Corbett launched a throw from close to the corner flag and Mead keeper Rob Budd came but failed to collect and the ball bounced off Hassan Nyang and the ball found the bottom far corner.

Thamesmead can now look forward to a home game against well-supported club Worthing in the First Qualifying Round against Worthing on 8 September.

McMahon said: “It will be a big game for us. They’re in the same league (as Walton Casuals) and they had a good result on Saturday, but we’re at home.  If we show the same desire and we have got quality, we’ll give them a game

“We’re not worried. We’re on a little run, a couple of wins now, starting still to gel.

“We’ve still got a couple of players away. We find out about Ross Lover’s injury today, his scan on his knee, so hopefully we can get one or two bodies back and push on from there.”

McMahon revealed that his players are all pulling in the same direction, despite revealing last week that the club are on the brink of going out of existence due to the two-year delay in moving into the new facilities at Bayliss Avenue.

It is refreshing that footballers are playing for the badge rather than bundles of cash.

McMahon said: “I try to not let them worry.  I know a lot’s come out but I think there could be a hell of a lot that’s coming out soon.

“Listen, it’s something I don’t want to put the pressure on the players. They know the situation.  A couple have come and spoken to me personally.  None of them are worried. A lot of them would play for me for nothing. 

“A couple of them have had a chat about it and have given back their expenses Saturday when we gave it to them.  I don’t want to name some of the players, most of them would do. As I’ve said before, these lads deserve their expenses and I’ll fight for them to get them.

“If things don’t turn out the way we plan over the next few months we’ll revise it.  Apart from that they’ve been great. They just want to get on with the job.

“They know the work that I put in and the committee put in. All of the committee were at the game last night.”

McMahon takes his great little side to Heybridge Swifts on Saturday.  The Essex side are still waiting for their first league win on home soil.

He said: “We always have a tough game at Heybridge.  We’ve done well the last couple of times but we just have to go back and put the same sort of performance in.

“The pitch will suit is, it’s lovely over there. It’s nice and big.  We’re just going to go and put in a performance and hopefully come away and get some points.”

Thamesmead welcome a representative squad from HMS Ocean to Bayliss Avenue next Wednesday, 5 September (7:45pm) in a charity game to raise money for Help The Heroes charity.

HMS Ocean, which has been moored at Greenwich for the duration of the London Olympics, have provided security for the Games along with the countless volunteers.

It would be great to see a good turn-out of well-wishers and thank the military personnel and volunteers for their heroics during the London Olympics, which saw Team GB collect 29 gold medals, 17 silver medals and 19 bronze medals, which brought the feel good factor back to the country.

September is a big month for the club – McMahon added: “It’s a big time for the club.  Hopefully you keep winning the games and the games will come quick and fast, but I think everyone prefers games anyway so if everyone can keep fit and avoid injuries we’ll look forward to it.”

If you can offer Thamesmead Town any financial assistance please call Keith McMahon on 07779290928.

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

Heybridge Swifts  v  Thamesmead Town
Ryman League Division One North
Saturday 1^st September 2012
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Scraley Road, Heybridge, Maldon, Essex CM9 8JA