Soccer Shorts: I had nothing when I first arrived at Holmesdale, reveals Davies

Friday 26th March 2010

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WELLING UNITED have romped up the Blue Square South table into fifth place - thanks to five straight wins.

Tomorrow, influential player-manager Jamie Day takes his side to Lewes, a side that are third-from-bottom and seven points from safety.

Confidence is high following their 7-1 demolition of basement side Weymouth at Park View Road on Tuesday night, and Day told www.kentishfootball.co.uk that he is keeping faith with the same squad at The Dripping Pan tomorrow.

But he warned: “It is a game that will not be easy and we will have to carry on with the performances we have shown away from home this season.

“If we can do that then we would be hoping to get three points.”

The Wings face Braintree Town (in third place), Dover Athletic (sixth), Eastleigh (tenth), Weston-super-Mare (21st) and Basingstoke Town (fourteenth) in what can turn out to be the club’s most exciting season for years.

Day added: “I think we need to win four of the last six, which is going to be tough, but we’ll have a go.”

DOVER ATHLETIC are another form side in Blue Square South, one place lower than the Wings, and boss Andy Hessenthaler takes his side to 12th placed side St Albans City tomorrow and sixth-from-bottom side Hampton & Richmond Borough next Tuesday.

The Whites, who have a larger budget than the Wings, have won their last three league games, conceding just one goal, but Hessenthaler expects a tough time at Clarence Park.

“It’s going to be another tough game at St Albans, who along with ourselves are one of the form teams at the moment,” the 44-year-old told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“But on our travels we are doing well, so I hope we can keep it going.”

The Whites’ Kent derby at Welling United on Easter Monday could be an important match for both sides, who are gunning for a place in the play-off’s.

With seven games remaining, Hessenthaler added: “If we can continue our form for the next month we will be in the play-off’s and it will be another fantastic season.”

Hessenthaler had guided the Kent club to back-to-back titles in his first couple of seasons at Crabble.

CHATHAM TOWN could lose Michael Scott to Coca-Cola League Two club Barnet, who have offered the eighteen-year-old a six-week trial.

The Medway club have confirmed that the midfielder has been offered a trial with the Underhill based club - and could lose the player for NOTHING if the north London club sign the teenager.

“When I was trailing for the England schoolboys, the Barnet scout picked me up after the first trial when I was playing in the middle of midfield,” Scott said in an interview published in Chatham Town’s match day programme last weekend.

“One of them talked to my Mum and Dad at that point and they’ve also been to see me play for Kent schools and for Chatham Town, before thy completed the formalities of a seven-day approach as they offered me the trial.

“They’ve signed me initially for a six-week period, which can be shortened or extended, and the idea is that I’m trialling for a pro contract at the end of it for next season.

“They’ve already got younger pro’s out on loan at Non-League clubs already - I think there are a couple at Dover and one maybe at Tilbury. So even if things do work out, you may see me back in a Chatham shirt again!”

Chris Smalling, who was playing for Ryman Premier League club Maidstone United, was snapped up by Fulham, before the London club sold the central defender to Maidstone United fee.

Because Smalling was an England Schoolboy International, the Stones were not allowed to put the player on a contract. Had the Football Association helped “grass roots football”, then the Stones would have had enough money from Smalling’s transfer from Craven Cottage to Old Trafford to build a new stadium and end their exile from the County Town.

“The England shirt is something that I hold very dear as it’s a dream of so many - it’s a little boys dream,” said Scott.

“But then again it’s also a little boys dream to do football everyday and whilst playing for my country is great that can’t help me fulfil the dream of playing every day. Barnet can, so if all goes well that’s another dream that I can do.”

MAIDSTONE UNITED have been boosted with the news that 31-year-old defender Peter Hawkins has turned down an official approach from arch-rivals Dartford.

Hawkins was subject to a seven-day approach from the Ryman Premier League champions-elect, and a club statement issued to www.maidstoneunited.co.uk said: “The club is pleased to announce that after having discussions with Dartford, Peter Hawkins will remain a Maidstone United player.

“Peter is a key player for us as we attempt to climb away from the relegation zone, so this news has given us a tremendous boost. We thank Peter for the loyalty and commitment he has shown.”

Hawkins felt he would be playing on a more regular basis at Maidstone United, but would have to fight off competition from the likes of Adam Flanagan and John Beales to start week-in-week-out.

The Stones were knocked out of the Kent Senior Cup last night, as they went down 2-1 away to Ryman League Division One South side Folkestone Invicta.

“We made six changes from the Tonbridge game as it was essential we rested players who are carrying injuries, whilst as the same time giving squad players some valuable playing time,” manager Peter Nott told www.maidstoneunited.co.uk.

“It was unfortunate that this game fell on a Thursday as we would have loved to have fielded a full strength team but this was just not possible with the importance of Saturday’s league game at home to Wealdstone.

“Again, our first half performance should have seen us through but we only went in 1-0 up courtesy of a superb strike from Ant Bodle.

“We then conceded two goals in a minute as we took our foot of the pedal and lost control off the midfield, which allowed Folkestone to rifle home two 25-yarders that flew past Andy Walker.”

BECKENHAM TOWN chairman Chris McCarthy has heaped even more pressure on manager Jason Huntley.

Beckenham were within minutes of reaching the final of the Kent League Cup, before Sevenoaks Town striker Billy Shinners netted a last-gasp goal to send his side through on away goals.

Ahead of their trip to basement-side Lordswood, Mr McCarthy demands Huntley finishes the campaign in their current position in the Bulmers Cider Kent League table.

“After Tuesday’s disappointment, w have five games left to try and finish third,” he told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“If someone said at the start of the season you would finish third and have two great Cup runs, we would have taken it.”

Looking even further ahead, the chairman added: “Now we need to move on next year to win the league and get promotion.”

Meanwhile, reserve team manager, Adam Heaslewood, will be running the London Marathon on Sunday, 25th April, for a charity that is very close to his heart.

“I will be running in memory of the son that I and my family tragically lost on the 26th July 2000,” Heaslewood told www.beckenhamtownfc.co.uk.

“Kian was born with a rare heart disease and lost his battle to this condition after 14 hours. The majority of his short life was spent at the Guys & St. Thomas Hospital.

“I have chosen to run for the Evelina Children’s Charity that is linked to the hospital. Please can I ask you to dig deep into your pockets and donate, however big or small to raise money for this worthwhile charity.

You can view more information or make a donation at:www.justgiving.com/AdamHeaslewood

MATT LONGHURST got off to the worst possible start of his Erith & Belvedere managerial career as his side were thumped 4-1 at Holmesdale last weekend.

The Dalers fielded six former Erith & Belvedere players and Longhurst, who was speaking to www.erithandbelvederefc.co.uk, was embarrassed by the Deres’ performance at Oakley Road.

“After last week's poor performance, we have had to regroup and take a long hard look at ourselves,” he said.

“There have been so many changes at the club in recent months and this certainly needs to stop. I, however, have spent the week trying to strengthen the squad with players that have played at this level for a long period of time and played at this club previously.

“As you will see Saturday, I have managed to do this to a certain degree but I won't fool you that it's been easy, because it hasn't!

“As everyone knows, we don't have a budget anymore and trying to get players out of other clubs at this time of the season is proving difficult, but I still feel we've moved forward this week. It's all about performance levels now as well as results.

“I'll take responsibility for last week and the coming weeks that I'm in charge and we'll take it week by week, trying to improve.

“I'm confident in my own ability as a coach and manager at this level but I do question players commitment to the cause at times and it's now down to myself and Neil to make sure we bring in players that we can count on being here and having enough quality to win games.

“We have some really exciting young players here in with the likes of Harry Morgan, Sam Noller, Kery Kedze and Jack Moore as well as reserve team players such as Ben Cooper and Stephen Wetherly that are all coming through. We have to look after these lads. We don't want to ruin them by putting the pressure on them to get us results.

“What I want is a first team that these lads can look up to and want to be around. My job as the first team manager is to manage the football club and that's what I m trying to do.

“We've had all these promising young players at the club train with the first team over the last two weeks and we'll see them feature between now and the end of the season, as well as many reserve team players. All we ask is that supporters get behind these young lads when they do play.

“I can honestly say that this has been my hardest week in football so far. Yes, I read the websites where people comment on my ability and sometimes when you're doing a job for free its tough to take, but if you're in this arena you have to take it on the chin and I'll prove the doubters wrong. Spend a week with me and see how many hours go into running a club at this level.

“I've had success in terms of teams and individual players going on to play at a much higher level and I'll continue to do so. I know given time, myself and Neil will turn us into a good footballing team that wins games, with a settled team and squad. And with reserve and youth teams that play the right way that will allow us to bring the players through our own systems without having to go and get players from elsewhere. This will not happen over night but it's the way forward.”

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s home game against second-from-bottom Corinthian, Longhurst added: “On Saturday, I will put my neck on the line and say that the players that are representing the club are going to give their all for us and will play with a freedom and style that will be enjoyable for our supporters to watch, with a good end result. Let's hope I'm right.”

GREENWICH BOROUGH boss Steve Firkins says he has injury concerns ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Sevenoaks Town.

Both clubs have beaten-the-odds and can look forward to a Cup final, with Sevenoaks facing Herne Bay in the Kent League Cup Final at Folkestone Invicta in May, whilst Greenwich Borough face champions-elect Faversham Town in the Kent Senior Trophy Final at Park View Road, Welling next month.

““Well, the games have come thick and fast this last month and to be honest it’s been hard to get a fully fit side out at times,” Firkins told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“We are still missing seven players for tomorrow’s game against an in-form Sevenoaks team.

“We would like to congratulate Simon and his team on reaching the Kent League Cup final against Herne Bay.

“We said when we played them early on in the season that they would be around the top-six this year and tomorrow will be a tough game for my players.

“But I expect them to go out and perform to the best of their ability, no matter who we are playing.”

With his side sitting in sixth-place in the Bulmers Cider Kent League table, Firkins wants his side to climb the table during the final month of the season.

“I said before that I’ve not been happy with some of our performances recently and told the players,” he said.

“We want to finish as high as possible and there’s five or six other clubs looking to do the same.”

HERNE BAY face a mountain to climb if they are to overhaul Faversham Town at the top of the Bulmers Cider Kent League table.

Bay slumped to a 2-1 home defeat to Hythe Town a couple of nights ago and are now 13 points adrift of the Lillywhites with only nine games left to play.

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s home game against Sporting Bengal United, Halsey told www.kentishfootball.co.uk that he wants his side to bounce back from their sixth league defeat.

“We want to get back to winning ways, as we still have 27 points to play for and we must gain as many as possible as nothing is over yet,” he said.

“Byron Walker (an arrival from Erith & Belvedere) scored on his debut on Wednesday and will be a great addition to our squad for the final push.”

HOLMESDALE manager Gary Davies has broken his silence and says his side are “going in the right direction.”

www.kentishfootball.co.uk finally caught up with Davies and asked him how things have gone since arriving at Oakley Road last December.

“When myself, Tony Fanning (assistant), Keith Najdowski (coach) joined, along with Ross Mitchell (goalkeeper coach), in early December, we had no team, no furniture, no floodlights and no money," he reflected.

“But behind-the-scenes people were working tirelessly to put things right, which has secured funding for a new generator to get the floodlights working again and that has now been installed, while the Kent League has been playing their part with their understanding support of our current predicament.

“When we look at our first training session in December on that Tuesday night, we had two first team players, the goalkeeper and the captain, who was suspended.

“We literally phoned around for three days and called in some favours, keeping Doug Francis, the Kent League registration secretary, busy until late Friday night.

“We pulled a team together and then somehow won 3-0 at Sporting Bengal. This was followed up with a victory over Beckenham on penalties in the Kent Senior Trophy the following week.

“It was a happy outcome to a testing situation.

“We managed to build on that start to get a few more players in and just tried to stabilise the club and build from there and then after the bad weather spell, getting a run of games in.”

Holmesdale, who welcome fifth-placed Hythe Town to Oakley Road tomorrow, are presently eleventh in the Bulmers Cider Kent League table.

“Having seen quite a few of the teams now it is good to see Simon Halsey at Herne Bay get his chance - doing a great job by playing some attractive football,” added media-shy Davies.

“Also clubs that I’ve been associated with in the past, Beckenham, Sevenoaks and Greenwich are all having good seasons.

“As per tomorrow’s game, it will be a tough game as it’s always against them.

“They’ve got some great players and they’ve got a good result against Herne Bay in the week.

“For us, we’re probably over achieving in the last few weeks but we’ve got a great team spirit and work ethic so it should hopefully be competitive match.”

LORDSWOOD assistant manager John Guest was gutted that his side’s chances of climbing off the foot of the Bulmers Cider Kent League table were hampered by two other shock results.

Lordswood’s two victories this season have been against Sporting Bengal United, but the Medway club remain bottom as both Corinthian and Fisher both also produced shock wins, beating Herne Bay and Faversham Town respectively.

“We beat Sporting Bengal 4-1 at their place and seeing that the next two sides above us were playing top-of-the-table teams it would be fair to expect us to be off the bottom of the table as we were only three points below and with a better goal difference,” Guest told www.lordswoodfc.co.uk.

“Well, you guessed it, and I couldn’t believe it, they both won, which leaves us still bottom but since the arrival of Jason Lillis and I we have played fifteen league games with seven draws and two wins.

“On the positive side it keeps us in touch still, but it took the shine off a good win.

“Still being positive we have been getting better defensively and the goals against column is looking better every week but we needed a forward, a big forward who can hold the ball up so we can go and join in knowing it is not coming back to quickly.

“That is not saying the boys we have did badly they have done very well but they are runners off rather than the main striker. Hence the arrival of Dimmo (Richard Dimmock) and to be fair he has not played at this level for a while due to work commitments but you could see straight away that that he had an impact for us and the partnership between Dimmo and Dom (Dominic Elmes) improved throughout the game with both scoring two and Dom having the assists for one and the other for Dimmo a penalty.

“The shape of the side is improving week after week and as other clubs are looking to release players at this time of the season we are looking to sign the right player or two as we want to hit the ground running in pre season.”

“Talking of pre-season we are looking to have some very good sides here.”

Meanwhile, the draw for the semi-finals of the Kent Senior Cup has been made:

Cray Wanderers v Tonbridge Angels or Sittingbourne

Folkestone Invicta v Welling United or Margate

The outstanding quarter-final round games between Welling United-Margate will be played at Park View Road next Tuesday, 30th March, while Tonbridge Angels meet Sittingbourne at Longmead Stadium on Thursday, 8th April.