The pressure's all on Welling and not on us, says Thamesmead Town boss Keith McMahon

THAMESMEAD TOWN manager Keith McMahon says Saturday’s home clash against neighbours Welling United in the FA Carlsberg Trophy is the club’s biggest game in their history, writes Stephen McCartney.


McMahon has led The Mead into the final qualifying round for the very first time in the club’s history and they welcome a Welling United side that are in second place in the Conference South table.

Thamesmead Town go into the game as rank outsiders as they sit in ninth-place in the Ryman League Division One North table with seven wins and four draws from fifteen league outings – just four points adrift of the play-offs.

McMahon said: “This is the furthest we’ve ever got – and in the FA Cup as well this year – so it’s probably must be the biggest game the club’s ever had so we’re looking forward to it.

“The Third Qualifying Round of The Trophy is going to be difficult.  Obviously added it’s a local derby, it’s Welling.  They’re doing really, really well.  I watched them last week at home to Salisbury and they were very impressive so it’s going to be very tough for us.  It was 4-3 but to be fair it could be something like eight or nine three.  Welling played really well first half and should have won by quite a bit more.

“It’s going to be difficult for us, but we’re going to give it a go.”

This game has all the ingredients of a typical Cup clash and McMahon said: “It’s a Cup game, it’s a one-off.  If we play well and they underestimate us we’ll have a chance.  We’ll make ourselves difficult to beat.  There won’t be a lack of effort from the lads.

“Welling have got to come down and play at our ground, which they’re not used to.  They’re going to bring a few supporters, which we’re not used to, especially in our own ground.  It’s going to be a good day.  We’re going to try and win, that’s definitely for sure.   We’re not going to make the numbers up for the ninety minutes.  We’re equal to them on the day so we’ll give it a good go.”

Welling United may want to consider one Ryman League Division One North side – Redbridge – have reached the Second Round of The FA Cup this season and teams at this level have quality about them to pull of giant-killing acts.

McMahon said: “There’s some good sides in the Ryman North and I know Jamie well and his got a good side at Welling and they won’t underestimate us.  I know they won’t.  We played them pre-season and I think they know some of the players we’ve got because we’re local.  It’s different if they didn’t know us too much.

“I think they’ll know they’ll have a game on their hands but all the pressure’s on them.  It’s a cup game. We’re the underdogs and we’ll see what happens on the day and if we do perform then we’ve got a chance.”

McMahon revealed former Welling United favourite, midfielder Dean Standen is likely to be forced out through a hamstring injury.

He said: “I don’t think Dean’s going to make it.  He pulled his hamstring on Tuesday night so we’re training tonight and hopefully we’ll see how bad it is.

“We’re in tonight and we’ll go through a few things.  If we get Dean fit it’s a bonus but he’s been out anyway with a metatarsal for ages.  That was only his first start.  A few people have got history with Welling so a lot of people are looking forward to the game.”

The Mead are the worst supported club in their division with average gates of just 46 at Bayliss Avenue and with the Wings averaging 649 over at Park View Road. McMahon expects a huge following from the Wings’ contingent.

He said: “I think we’re going to expect between 300-500.  Welling will bring a few.  We’re down the road to them. It’s been publicised all around Thamesmead.  The Trust have put banners up and have billed it as our biggest game and hopefully we can get interest from the locals.  If we can’t get any locals to turn up to watch this game then we might as well give up.  Let’s hope we can get a few cheering us on as well as Welling.

“It should be a great atmosphere at the game, especially with the development going on.  It’s going to be a tight affair.  There will be people all the way around the ground which will bode a very good atmosphere and we’re all looking forward to it.”

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

Thamesmead Town  v   Welling United
The FA Carlsberg Trophy Third Qualifying Round
Saturday 26^th November 2011
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Bayliss Avenue, Thamesmead, London SE28 8NJ