We have to make sure we get something at the Market, says Thamesmead boss Keith McMahon

THAMESMEAD TOWN boss Keith McMahon says the world hasn’t come crashing down following their surprise home defeat to Maldon & Tiptree in midweek, writes Stephen McCartney.


Glen Knight’s side came away from Bayliss Avenue with a 2-1 win on Tuesday night as Thamesmead’s run of five straight wins came to an end.

The Mead grabbed the lead against the run of play through former Romford striker Chuck Duru’s second goal for the club, scoring with a fine strike after Lea Dawson’s excellent through ball on a devastating counter-attack in the nineteenth minute, before the Essex side levelled through former Professional Kevin McLeod.

Thamesmead striker Danny Penny saw his 33^rd minute penalty saved, before Maldon & Tiptree twice hit the woodwork before the break and they sealed a deserved victory in the final six minutes through striker Leon Antoine’s close range finish.

McMahon, who takes his side to league leaders Needham Market on Saturday said, “It’s just how you respond.  Good sides will be able to bounce back.  We’ve put ourselves in a brilliant position, our run was exceptional.  The world ain’t crashing down because we’ve lost one game.  We’re a lot better side than that!”

Looking forward to their trip to Suffolk on Saturday, McMahon expects a tough game against the new league leaders.

“It’s going to be a really tough game,” he said.  “Needham Market and Grays are the top two sides, they finished runners-up last year, they’re a very strong outfit, but we can go there and get a result.

“We just have to go and be nice and solid, organised.  If we don’t we could be in for a hiding because they score goals for fun, especially at home so we need to be really solid.

“I know for a fact that the lads’ will rise to the task.  Every top side we’ve played recently we have and we’ve got positive results.  We just have to go out there and look to start again and work hard and make sure we get something.”

Thamesmead were handed a lucrative home tie against neighbours Welling United in the FA Carlsberg Trophy on 26 November.

Thamesmead have never reached the third (and final) qualifying round of The FA Trophy before and McMahon is relishing the game against Jamie Day’s Blue Square Bet (Conference) South side.

“It’s a huge game for the club and that’s what I wanted,” said McMahon.

“We’ve played Arlesey, who knocked Forest Green Rovers out of The FA Cup and no-one’s came to watch us and we put in a brilliant performance.

“I said the club deserve a big game.  We’ve played Welling in the London Senior Cup and friendlies but this is our first proper competitive game and there will be a big crowd here.

“I’m sure some of the locals will come out and we’ll give them a game.  I’m sure they know that.

“They’re having an excellent season.  Jamie Day’s done brilliant there but I think they know we will give them a game.

“It’s a one-off, hopefully we can make a bit more history for the club.  It’s the furthest we’ve got and you never know, get into the last 32.

“Over the years’ since I’ve been here the club’s never had a big Cup game.  The club deserve it.  Let’s hope we can do the club proud and put in a good performance, but its a few weeks’ away yet.”

Visit Thamesmead Town’s website: www.thamesmeadtownfc.co.uk  

Needham Market  v  Thamesmead Town
Ryman League Division One North
Saturday 12^th November 2011
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Bloomfields, Quinton Road, Needham Market, Ipswich, Suffolk IP6 8DA