Wharf: we need some experience

Sep 3 2008 Staines News

COMBINED COUNTIES, DIVISION ONE Mole Valley SCR.........................3 Staines Lammas.........................1

Staines Lammas boss Nathan Wharf issued a rallying cry ahead of Saturday's game with Farnham Town after defeat at Mole Valley left them six points off the pace.

Wharf was without centre-back pairing Lawrence Munns and Steve Willmore, and could be without the experienced defensive duo for another week.

And he has called for his young side to stand up and be counted as they bid to get their season back on track in the Premier Challenge Cup clash.

He said: "We're lacking natural leaders out there with Lawrence and Steve out.

"We've got a young side - the average age of the boys was just 21 on Saturday.

"Everyone's telling us we're a good footballing side, but we're not scoring enough goals and conceding too many at the back."

Richard Smith fired the hosts in front, and Jay Holden doubled Valley's lead from the penalty spot after Lammas keeper Mark Pisani gave away a second penalty in as many weeks.

Nduka Azagba brought the visitors back in contention with a fine individual effort, but Staines shot themselves in the foot when another defensive blunder gifted the hosts a third.

The defeat leaves Lammas languishing down in 11th spot. But Wharf believes his troops are still in the hunt to defend their Combined Counties Division One title despite this latest setback.

He added: "The good thing is that everyone is beating everyone."