Kentish Football 
We don't have a crisis at Thamesmead, insists McMahon - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Keith McMahon is relishing their Kent League Cup quarter-final clash at Erith & Belvedere on Sunday, writes Stephen McCartney.
The Thamesmead Town manager saw his side qualify for the last eight of the competition following their convincing 5-1 win at struggling Tunbridge Wells on Monday night.
Despite going a goal down inside the opening three minutes courtesy of a free-kick from Wayne Balmer, a hat-trick from Rikki Cable - two from the penalty spot - and a brace from Curtis Williams saw the Mead through as Group D runners-up to Beckenham Town.
Cable, the former Faversham Town front man, took his tally up to nineteen goals for the Mead this season, two more than his strike partner Williams.
McMahon has, however, turned his attention to Sunday’s quarter-final showdown at Park View Road, which will kick off at 1pm, weather permitting.
“It should be a good game,” he predicted in an EXCLUSIVE interview with www.kentishfootball.co.uk following their win at Culverden Stadium on Monday night.
“They’ve had a little bit of form (and) we know a lot about them, we’ve played them twice.
“They’ve changed their side so it will be the first time we’ve played them under their new management but we’re going over there at Welling so the pitch will suite us so if we play like we did at Tunbridge Wells we shouldn’t have any problems.”
McMahon’s side have dropped from second to fourth in the Kent League table following a run of four defeats in their last six league outings.
“We’ve got a good chance,” McMahon said. “Play the way we can, I think we’re the best side in the league but consistency is the big word and Saturday (losing 4-0 at Herne Bay) was very disappointing - no work-rate.
“Beckenham different. I thought first 35 minutes we were superb but tonight (at Tunbridge Wells) from start to finish we were brilliant and I had four youth team lads there, three of them came on and done really well and Scot Mulholland in midfield was brilliant, his work-rate was great.”
McMahon admitted having such a young squad makes his team inconsistent. Youngsters Bradley Killick, Lee Dawson and Danny Willis all came off the bench at Tunbridge Wells, whilst highlty-rated goalkeeper, Adam Woodward warmed the bench throughout.
He explained: “We’ve got so many young players, they’re good footballers. We sat down on Saturday and said we have to learn to play the pitch instead of going gung-ho and to be fair there only used to playing one way.
“But tonight we were a bit more solid at the back but we’re the league’s top scorers and we either thump someone or they thump us.
“I’ve read one-nil’s are great and whatever but when you see football like tonight and what we’ve played for the majority of the season it ain’t a crisis.
“Yes, we’ve had a couple of dodgy games but when we play like we do we’re a great side to watch.”
Meanwhile, Erith & Belvedere’s chairman Mr John McFadden has issued a statement after hearing about the sad loss of Graham Hobbins’ earlier in the week.
“The directors, management, players and staff of Erith & Belvedere Football Club were shocked and saddened to hear the news of Graham’s unfortunate death,” he told www.erithandbelvederefc.co.uk
“Our paths have crossed on many occasions over the years and although he always stood up to be counted for Welling United Football club, he always had time, and a smile, for everyone at our club.
“We were well looked after while sharing Welling United’s facilities and we were made to feel very welcome at Park View Road.
“Graham will be sadly missed and fondly remembered. Not only by us, but throughout he non-league football community.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Pam, Barry and Barrie at this sad time.”
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Erith & Belvedere v Thamesmead Town
Kent League Cup Quarter-Final
Sunday 11th February 2007
Kick Off 1:00pm
At Park View Road, Welling
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