Published: Tuesday, 2nd September, 2008 12:00
Ackling backing strikers to deliver
By Pete Phillips
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THATCHAM Town boss Gary Ackling is confident his side have the firepower to start turning draws into victories.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday night’s FA Cup replay at home to Witney United (which Thatcham won 3-1 after extra-time), Ackling remained confident that his side are on the right track despite seeing them draw five of their opening six games.
He said: “We’ve drawn four out of first five games in the league but we’re certainly not panicking.
“You can spin it either way by saying we’ve only had one defeat in five games or by saying we’ve only got four points out of a possible 15.
“It’s not like we’re negative and going out to play for draws but I’m sure it will turn around.
“We’re not the finished article but we’ve had some tough fixtures at the start of the season and, apart from the Totton defeat, I don’t think we’ve played that badly.
“The one thing we’ve done is we’ve failed to take our chances. We’ve played well in spasms but have lacked a killer instinct in front of goal.
“But there’s enough firepower in the team and I’m sure the goals will come.”
However, Ackling won’t be able to rely on Joe Harris to provide the ammunition for his strikers any more after the 20-year-old striker completed his move to Swindon Supermarine last week.
Ackling is already looking to line up a replacement, with a possible loan deal with a Premier Division club one option he is considering, although the Town boss would prefer a permanent arrangement.
Jemel Johnson, who missed the 2-2 draw at Witney last weekend with a thigh strain, and Adam Pilling, who was also unavailable, should both be fit for this weekend’s home game against Andover.
All the FA Cup action at Witney came in the final 24 minutes last weekend as the game finally exploded into life in the closing stages.
Thatcham wasted three good chances to open the scoring in the first 20 minutes but neither side really threatened after that until Town broke the deadlock with 24 minutes remaining.
Sam Rea powered home a header to give Thatcham a lead that lasted less than two minutes as Gary Wickens struck twice in quick succession to edge Witney in front.
Dave Asker tied the game up from the penalty spot with 12 minutes remaining as the scoring frenzy continued and Thatcham were unlucky not to grab all three points when Jamie Leacock’s powerful late header was harshly ruled out for a push.
“The game really sprung to life in the last 20 minutes,” admitted Ackling.
“A draw was probably a fair result, but we felt a bit harshly treated as the linesman was probably the only person in the ground who felt Jamie had pushed the defender for his disallowed goal.”
Thatcham will play Alresford Town in the first round of the Basingstoke Senior Open Cup. The tie must be played before October 25.
By Pete Phillips
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