Warrilow: I'm not giving up on finishing in play-off places

TOMMY WARRILOW says his Tonbridge Angels side must win their last five games to stand a chance of clinching a place in the promotion play-off’s, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Angels lost 1-0 at home to Ryman Premier League champions-elect Chelmsford City yesterday, courtesy of poor time keeping from Eltham referee, Mr Constantine Hatzidakis.

The Essex giants scored through substitute Mario Noto with 50:13 on the clock - there were six minutes and 57 seconds of “stoppage time” played, although the only stoppages were for the five substitutions that were made.

Warrilow knows his side must collect maximum points from their remaining five games to stand any chance of claiming fifth spot.

“We’ve got another three (games) at home and like I’ve said until we can’t reach the fifth spot, I don’t know what the results were today, but that’s a little set back and we’ll bounce back (next) Saturday,” Warrilow told www.kentishfootball.co.uk after yesterday’s disappointment.

Midfield duo Anthony Storey and Tommy Tyne were immense as the Angels’ frustrated the league leaders with their battling qualities.

“They’ve gone from strength to strength those two” said Warrilow. “They’ve got a good understanding now and again Tommy’s in there to get another man-of-the-match (award).

“We’re looking strong, John Beales and James Donovan were strong, those two were strong. We’re looking through the middle, the spine of the side, we are looking defensively a lot better.”

But Warrilow was satisfied with his side’s performance against a club that will be playing Blue Square South football in August.

And the former Horsham assistant manager knows what his club need to join them - strength in depth.

“At the end of the day they’ve done a job haven’t they.” said Warrilow. “”They’ve got such strength in depth and when you see that coming off the bench, I mean the guy Kezie Ibe, what a player he is - and he’s on the bench!

“That’s the difference but we’re turning things around here off the pitch as well as on it and we’ve got to walk before we can run and hopefully one day we’re in a position where we can have that strength in depth in our squad, which you’ve got to have to go all the way.

“Wimbledon have lost again but they’ve got the same sort of thing, they can just pull players. Wimbledon and Chelmsford can get whoever they want and that’s the difference and what we’ve got to do is just try and stay as close to them as possible and you know you’re going to be in the hunt.”

Fifteen points will see the Angels finish their campaign on 70 points, whether that’s enough to travel to AFC Wimbledon in the semi-finals of the play-off’s is another matter.

“We’ve always been looking up,” said Warrilow. “I haven’t done the maths but we should be safe (from relegation) I think!

“It’s ridiculous isn’t it, five games to go, we’re looking to see if we’re still safe sitting (in ninth place).

“But next game’s a big game because everyone wants to see what character we’ve got and I put that test to the boys so there’s no reason why we can’t get six points from (Harrow Borough and Hendon), bang, bang, we’re straight back up there again.”

Warrilow was quick to explain why the club’s record signing from Horsham, striker Carl Rook was sitting on the bench before replacing Kirk Watts (hamstring) after 65 minutes.

“The boys were so good on Monday (winning 3-0 at Horsham) that I kept the same two up front and it’s given Carl a little kick up, that don’t get booked, don’t get sent-off, don’t lose your place. That is the message we give to them all.”

TONBRIDGE ANGELS’ RUN-IN

Saturday 5^th April 2008 - HOME - HARROW BOROUGH

Tuesday 8^th April 2008 - HOME - HENDON

Saturday 12^th April 2008 - away - Billericay Town

Saturday 19^th April 2008 - HOME - AFC HORNCHURCH

Saturday 26^th April 2008 - away - Carshalton Athletic

Ryman Premier League Table (top nine)