There will be trouble if we don't show passion, insists Langton

Wednesday 04th November 2009

ASHFORD TOWN assistant manager Hugo Langton demands passion when his side take to the field at Chatham Town on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Nuts & Bolts were woeful during their 3-0 defeat at Walton & Hersham last night - as home keeper Delroy Preddie did not have to make a save during the entire game at Stompond Lane.

Langton had an inquest out on the pitch following the game, before telling www.kentishfootball.co.uk that he wants passion when the beleaguered side take to the Maidstone Road pitch.

“I’ve told the boys exactly what they’ve got to expect from Chatham on Saturday and we’ll talk about it again before Saturday,” said Langton.

“They’ve got to up it because if they don’t Chatham will take three points, simple as that!

“It’s a local derby and we’ve got to match Chatham’s physical side of the game and their work-rate.”

When asked if he wants passion at Chatham, Langton honestly replied, “Without a doubt! It goes without saying. Football’s a passionate game and you’ve got to show your passion and I’m expecting it on Saturday.

“If they don’t, then there will be a bit of trouble!”

Chatham Town boss, Alex O’Brien, has passion bursting out of his veins, even when he’s speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk about the Kent derby over the telephone during lunch today.

Chatham came away from Walton & Hersham with a 2-1 win last weekend, despite having Ray Powell red-carded - and O’Brien was asked to leave the technical area too.

“I expect a dog-fight to be honest,” O’Brien said of Saturday’s derby clash. “We’ve done well in the last few games but there’s a fear that we might get drawn into a bit of a battle and a bit of a dog-fight where any decent football goes out of the window.

“I think if we can set our stall out nice and early there’s no reason why we can go on and win the game.

“Like going into any game there’s no fear. The things that I’m worried about is our grit and determination from the off to get three points.”

Chatham go into the game sitting in the top six, with seven wins and two draws from 13 games and O’Brien admitted he was left speechless during the half-time interval at Walton & Hersham.

“It was probably the first sort of time I was a little bit lost for words at half-time because the boys done exceptionally well from the off,” said the boss.

“They knuckled down, they worked hard and passed the ball, created and took the chances and it was a very, very good pleasing first half.

“And then second half was a little bit up in the air with Ray Powell getting sent off but again they showed the grit and determination to carry on and fight through and earn three points and that’s exactly what they did.”

Chatham, who have scored 13 goals in six home league games, and O’Brien added, “Most of our games at our place are entertaining and not dull and if we work hard I’m sure we’ll get something out of it.

“We’ve been around for long enough, it’s definitely going to be on the day. They want as many points as they can and we want to still be chasing the pack.

“There’s bundles to play for, it’s what players bring to the game how they prepare for the game and are ready for the big battle.”

Ben Payne (calf) and Lee Barnett (ankle) are struggling to pull on the Chatham shirt on Saturday, whilst Ashford assess the form of leading goalscorer Joe Fuller, who hobbled off after only twenty minutes last night.

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering this game with Mike Green reporting.

Visit Chatham Town’s website: www.chathamtownfc.net

Visit Ashford Town’s website: www.ashfordtownfc.co.uk

Chatham Town v Ashford Town

Ryman League Division One South

Saturday 7th November 2009

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Maidstone Road Sports Ground, Bournville Avenue, Chatham, Kent ME4 6LR