We are heading in the right direction, says Seager

WHITSTABLE TOWN boss Marc Seager is delighted that Saturday’s 2-1 win at Leatherhead has taken his side out of the relegation zone, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Oystermen are now fourth from bottom - three points above the Ryman One South relegation zone - following their win at Fetcham Grove.

Subject to pitch conditions, Whitstable host Corinthian-Casuals - a side that are two places above them - in what can be described as a must-win game - at the KRBS Belmont on Saturday.

And Seager, speaking to www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk, says it’s important to collect back-to-back wins as they bid to retain their current status.

“I am delighted with the three points,” he said. “But we have to treat the next game just the same as this one.

“There are sixteen games to go to the end of the season, so that’s lots of points up for grabs and we need to take this performance and build on it.”

Seager’s side showed their battling qualities as they went down to an early penalty, but goals from Ian Pulman and Tom Parker’s second senior goal, sealed the crucial three points.

“I thought we were in for a tough game but didn’t expect to be a goal down inside the first five minutes,” said Seager. “But the penalty did not kill us off as it easily could have.

“They gave us the run around for the first fifteen minutes and to be honest I just wanted to get in at half time and with the single goal down.

“But we started to get a grip on the game and the chances started to come and I then fancied us to get something from the match.

“We got back into it through Ian Pulman’s header, to be fair Ian will admit he’s not the best header of the ball. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was not the first with his head, but he was very brave and up against a six-foot plus keeper, he got to the ball first.”

Seager is delighted to have been able to bring striker Jon Neal back to the club.

“It’s good as a manager to have three good strikers to choose from,” he said. “When Dave (Cory) came on, Jon had run himself into the ground then as Ian tired Mark Munday came on and Dave was on his own. He was right in their faces from the first second.

“I don’t think people realise how much work the lad’s upfront do holding up the ball. It takes so much pressure off the midfield and the defence.”

Seager was pleased that goalkeeper Kevin Fewell redeemed himself following the mistake against Eastbourne Town that cost his side the points in a 3-2 home defeat - after being 2-1 up.

“Kevin did what he does best, that was a great save towards the end, but if you ask him he will say that it gives some way to making up for last week when we let the game slip away,” said Seager.

“That was so disappointing to let the two-one lead and more importantly three points slipped through our fingers.”

Subject to pitch conditions, Kent Senior Cup holders Ebbsfleet United visit the KRBS Belmont on Wednesday night, in the quarter-finals.

Seager is relishing the opportunity of pitting his wits against Wembley winner, Fleet boss Liam Daish and his full-time team.

“It will be a real chance to play for fun as the league is our priority and it gives me the chance to perhaps try a few things,” said Seager.

“Don’t get me wrong, I want to win the game, we’ll every game, but in all honesty if Liam brings a half decent side we will be up against it.

“The win against Leatherhead, the win against Croydon Athletic the week before and even the Eastbourne Town game, except the last five minutes, these performances show we are heading in the right direction.

“To put this (Leatherhead) game into context, last week Leatherhead drew 3-3 against Met Police at half time, they were 3-0 up so knew they were up for it.”

Quotes courtesy of www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk

Whitstable Town v Ebbsfleet United
Kent Senior Cup Quarter-Final
Wednesday 4^th February 2009
Kick Off 7:45pm
At KRBS Belmont, Belmont Road, Whitstable, Kent CT5 1QP