Tompkins adds four new Dockers to his squad

ERITH TOWN manager Mark Tompkins has tonight unveiled the signing of nippy striker Lewis Wood, 26, writes Stephen McCartney.

Wood parted company with Ryman League Division One South side Cray Wanderers following their 4-0 defeat to full-time Blue Square Premier side Ebbsfleet United in the Kent Senior Cup final on 26^th July.

Wood cited a lack of first-team football and not playing in his preferred position as striker as the reasons to leave Hayes Lane - and his uncle, Wands manager, Ian Jenkins.

Wood has sampled life at both the Dockers and Erith & Belvedere in the past week, and Tompkins is delighted that he’s managed to get the striker’s signature in time of their Kent League opener against Greenwich Borough in seven days time.

“He played for them (Erith & Belvedere) Saturday and played for us last week and we had another chat with him tonight and he’ll said he’ll come up with us,” Tompkins told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

"A good little forward Lewis, he will guarantee you goals, which we were a little short of last year.”

Tompkins’ side play one more friendly, against Metrogas tomorrow night, and have two more training sessions before their opening game against Greenwich Borough next Monday, 11^th August - at Thamesmead Town’s Bayliss Avenue ground.

“The only information I’ve had is that they’re a very young side and work hard, so we’ve got to match that and that our experience and ability comes through and hopefully (we’ll) pick up the three points,” said Tompkins.

The Dockers missed out on their first piece of silverware at the weekend, losing 3-1 to Thamesmead Town in the Kent League Challenge Shield.

The Mead, preparing for life in Ryman League Division One North, impressed Tompkins, who saw his side go 3-0 down at the break, courtesy of goals from Peter Smith, Pedro Knight and Scott Mulholland before Danny Twinn pulled a goal back for the Dockers during the second half.

“First half we didn’t get tight enough to them,” admitted Tompkins.

“Keith (McMahon) still has the side that won the Kent League and he’s added some good signings, some good experienced Kent League boys and I expect them to have a good season.

“I’m not going to judge too much on Saturday as we’re not going to be playing teams of that quality in our Kent League campaign.

“They’re well organised, got a bit of everything, pace, grit and determination and they’ve got people who can score goals.”

Tompkins has also added three other players to his squad, with Ted Hart (Holmesdale), Adam Young (Beckenham Town) and Ashley Douglas (Croydon) arriving from Dockers’ Kent League rivals.

And Tompkins said: “I’m more than happy with what I’ve got. If anyone becomes available, I’ll chat to them.

“I’ve signed eighteen (players). The two new boys I’ve singed, Ted Hart, did he end up at Holmesdale last year, I think he did? - he’s a central midfielder.

“He’s a box-to-box midfield player, nicks a goal and he’s played at a higher level with Tooting & Mitcham’s first team.

“Adam Young, full-back or midfield, ex Cray. I think he was there beginning of last season, he’s a good organiser, experienced player.

“Ashley Douglas was with me a season and a half ago and I’ve just got him back from Croydon. He’s, how can I put it? I’m playing a bit of a diamond formation this year and he’ll be sitting at the tip of it, just behind the front two, and I’m hoping to get ten to fifteen goals this season out of him.”

Visit Erith Town’s website: www.erithtownfc.co.uk