Seager praises marathon man Parker

WHITSTABLE TOWN continued their gruelling pre-season programme, with a creditable goalless draw at Ryman Premier League side Canvey Island at the weekend, writes Stephen McCartney.

Both sides created chances throughout the match, which despite the goal-less scoreline, was played at a high tempo with some good football and testing challenges going in from both sides.

And Whitstable Town manager Marc Seager was upbeat about the performance from his young side, as he prepares for the Ryman League Division One South opener at Chipstead on 16^th August.

“You could say that I am much happier with today’s performance,” Seager told www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk.

“The lads did what we asked of them. We defended well against a very good Ryman Premier side, with quality all over the pitch.

“Defensively we were excellent today. I went with three at the back, James Campbell, Paul Ainsworth and Liam Quinn were immense in front of keeper Kevin Fewell and a player I have always felt would do well in centre midfield, young Tom Parker, had a great game.

“Parker needed to lose some weight, get a bit sharper and although he was fit last year, his training was to run a marathon and it cost him a yard or two of pace during games.

“Today he was quicker, more decisive and played some great balls out of defence. He did a great job, sat in front of the midfield.

“But the entire team did well so I could go on about all the players.”

Whitstable welcome neighbouring Kent League side Herne Bay to the Belmont on Tuesday night to contest the inaugural Bruce Smith Shield, before travelling to newly promoted side Thamesmead Town two days later and look forward to a home match against Andy Hessenthaler’s Dover Athletic on Saturday.

“There are still one or two things we need to work on, but overall we are on course for our first league game a week on Saturday,” said Seager.

“There has been some talk that the lads have had some very tough games but it’s been done constructively so that they are ready for the months ahead.

“Playing in the Ryman is not a walk in the park. Look, the way I see, if I am to get a good look at what the players already at the club, plus the new lads we have brought in can do, I need to see them pushed hard, how they will react under pressure.

“Believe me, playing Dartford, Maidstone, Margate and Canvey Island in the space of what ten days or so, that’s pressure.

“We have seen the lads are improving with each and every game.

“The sole focus is on being prepared for the first away game to Chipstead, then moving on from there. Mark my words we need to be ready for the first day of the season and we will!”

Article courtesy of www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk