We must maintain our high standards, insists O'Brien

Wednesday 26th August 2009

COCKY big-spenders Croydon Athletic were brought down to earth by Chatham Town last night, who fought back from
3-1 down to grab the points in an amazing 4-3 away victory, writes Stephen McCartney.

When Croydon Athletic travelled to Whitstable Town last Tuesday, they splashed out £600 to hire the England team bus and portrayed that style by coming away from Belmont Road with a convincing 5-0 win.

Some Croydon Athletic fans even described Chatham as a “nothing side” on their fans’ forum, but Alex O’Brien’s heroic side stunned them to silence as goals from Brendon Cass (a penalty and a last minute winner), Matt Solly and Lee Barnett ended the Rams unbeaten start to the season.

“There was no pressure on us going there as people were talking about them, their squad and whatever’s happening to their club, so it was quite nice to go there with no pressure on our boys,” said Chats boss O’Brien, when speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk this afternoon.

“We got the job done if you like. We worked extremely hard, passed the ball well, kept it at times and scored four goals, which hasn’t been done to them.

“To be honest, their management said they were very, very impressed on what we done. They liked the way we were organised, said we were fit and probably the best side they’ve played so far.

“But it’s easy for us to go there and play a top-of-the-league side and roll our sleeves up. It’s how we do against the other sides that concerns me.

“I’ve said well done, this is just the start. We’ve set ourselves a massive standard and we expect these standards week in, week out.”

However, the boot is now on the other foot as Sussex County Leaguers Eastbourne United visit Maidstone Road in the preliminary round of the FA Cup on Saturday.

Eastbourne United play one division lower than Chatham and go into the game sitting in the bottom six of the top flight of Sussex County League football.

O’Brien insists his side must win the game to book a home tie in the first qualifying round two weeks later.

“Well, that’s the thing,” said O’Brien. “At full-time I reminded them that we’re in the FA Cup against a team that we should be looking to beat.

“They’ll come to us and give it a massive go, I’m sure. Now we must be big and strong enough to take it on the chin and say you’ve had a little go, and it’s down to us now.

“It’s going to be a fantastic day I’m sure. The FA Cup holds surprises and I hope on Monday that we’re in the hat.”

O’Brien’s side got into their FA Cup tie sitting in seventh place in the Ryman League Division One South table - level on points with Croydon Athletic.

When asked if he was happy with the start to his season, which has seen 7 points collected from their first four games, O’Brien replied, “I am now! I wasn’t this time last week because I think the way we finished last year and the pre-season that we done every game was work rate and we don’t really well beating the Margate’s and Maidstone’s.

“First day (losing 3-0 at home to surprise early leaders Godalming Town) shocked us a little bit, but we’re getting over that now.

“I’m happy with the way things are plodding along. I want to see a bit more from the boys. Can they start and finish the game well?

“Last Saturday we were good for 45 minutes and bad for 45 minutes, which has caused me a bit of concern.”

Defender Richard Avery (hamstring) is between 2-3 weeks away from full fitness, whilst injury-plagued winger, Mark Green (ankle) has also been ruled out for Saturday’s FA Cup tie.

Visit Chatham Town’s website: www.chathamtownfc.net

Chatham Town v Eastbourne United

FA Cup (Sponsored by E.ON) Preliminary Round

Saturday 29th August 2009

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Maidstone Road Sports Ground, Bourneville Avenue, Chatham, Kent ME4 6LR