We won the World Cup last night, says giant killer O'Boyle

ERITH TOWN boss Steve O’Boyle is walking on air today - after his HEROIC players dumped a strong AFC Wimbledon side out of the London Senior Cup last night, writes Stephen McCartney.

A dramatic late hat-trick from highly-rated striker Marcus Cassius stunned the giants of the non-league game as the Dockers produced their biggest ever giant killing.

A crowd of 506 were left stunned at Kingsmeadow as the tenth placed Bulmers Cider Kent League side defeated a strong AFC Wimbledon side 3-0 in the remarkable first round clash.

Remember that AFC Wimbledon are a club with vast support and are currently in fourth place in the Blue Square South table - three divisions above the Dockers.

“It’s the biggest result the club’s ever had, isn’t it,” O’Boyle, pleased as punch, told www.kentishfootball.co.uk this lunchtime.

“We believe Wimbledon had out their first team squad. Before we went we took their team sheets and basically they had a strong side out last night.

“There were four players that started Saturday’s game playing and the rest have been on the bench and (have) played this season.

“I won’t just single out Marcus, the boys last night, were fantastic. To go 75 minutes into the game and not concede a goal, we defended brilliantly as a team.

“I would say the first half we were severely under the cosh, but they never really had a chance. We had two banks of four behind the ball and we were so hard to break down.

“What we done last night was quite remarkable. No-one gave us a prayer last night - we don’t mind being the underdogs.

“For me personally it’s the best night I’ve had as a manager, even winning league titles last year - there was not much sleep last night - I was still buzzing.”

O’Boyle takes his side to the Small Glen to play local rivals Slade Green on Saturday as they return to the bread and butter of the Kent League.

“We’ve gone to Wimbledon, got our result, if we don’t get three points at Slade Green, I won’t say we’ve had a good week - we want the three points on Saturday,” said the former Thamesmead Town reserve team boss.

“I’ve said to the boys in the dressing room enjoy the night, but tomorrow onwards we look forward to going to Slade Green.

“Last night they were up in the clouds and they need to be brought back down to earth. They’ve been given tonight off training as they are absolutely exhausted and it won’t benefit them training tonight.

“I will speak to everyone individually Thursday and Friday and make sure we’re back down to earth for Saturday’s game.

“That’s the Kent League, our bread and butter. I’ve played at Slade Green, not a bad club, a nice pitch and we’ll give them the respect they need.”

It’s very rare for a Kent League side to beat a Blue Square South side and O’Boyle believes this will push his side on in the league.

“Hopefully we have turned the corner and if we can go to AFC Wimbledon and get results there’s no reason why we can’t go to the top three to get results,” he said.

“We are looking to move on and progress and aim for a top five finish this season.

“I think we’re getting positive reactions from the players. They’ve been outstanding since the day I’ve walked in the front door.

“I’ve brought in a few of my players in and the team spirit was fantastic last night.

“When we scored, the whole of our squad was down in the corner flag. It was brilliant. You would have though we had won the World Cup!

“I will say it was a great night, a brilliant night for the club!”

Visit Erith Town’s website:  www.erithtownfc.co.uk

Slade Green v Erith Town
Bulmers Cider Kent League
Saturday 11^th October 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At The Small Glen, Moat Lane, Slade Green, Erith, Kent