Lammas boss praises an unusual hero after cup victory

Nov 12 2008 By Jacob Murtagh, Staines News

SURREY COUNTY PREMIER CUP: Staines Town Reserves.............5 Potters Bar Town Reserves..........0

Nathan Wharf praised his Staines Lammas side after Saturday's victory over Sheerwater - then singled out groundsman Steve Honey!

While games at Egham Town and Englefield Green Rovers fell victim to the weather, the Laleham Rec pitch was in the near-perfect condition for the Surrey County Premier Cup clash.

And Wharf reckons that's the secret to their formidable home form, which has seen them beaten just once so far this season.

He said: "We're a team who likes to get the ball down and play, and Steve's got the pitch in great nick.

"No disrespect, but when you got to places like Coulsden, Frimley Green and Chobham, the conditions there make it difficult.

"Both the ref and Sheerwater players were complimenting us on how good the pitch was."

Lammas flew out of the blocks with Nick White, on dual registration from Staines Town, setting up Jay Coombs for the opener.

But Sheerwater capitalised on sloppy defending to go in level at the break.

Wharf read his side the riot act during the interval, but anything he said went out the window after they fell behind within 60 seconds of the restart.

The visitors were reduced to 10 men when they had a player dismissed for two bookings, and it wasn't long before Staines were back on level terms. Ashley Lodge, also from

Staines Town's Academy, popped up at the back post to make it 2-2.

And the lively youngster sealed their place in the next round with a fine solo effort. Lammas return to league action this week when they entertain Crescent Rovers. Goalkeeper Daniel Cox, on dual registration from Ashford Town, should replace the unavailable Mark Pisani if he recovers from a back injury.

Wharf added: "Crescent have been picking up a few results recently, so you never know what to expect. "They're a bit of an unknown quantity, but I'll make sure that the lads are fully prepared for it."