Cup dream ends in injury time

Tuesday 10 November 2009

Championship Manager League Cup
Thamesmead Town 0 Sittingbourne 1
By Mead reporter Kevin White

Thamesmead are now out of all all cup competitions this season as they were defeated by an injury time goal in the Leauge Cup at home to Sittingbourne.

In a scrappy, evenly contested 1st half, Thamesmead began to dominate after the half hour mark, but failed to convert chances.

Midfielder James Brown was forced to take over in goal at half time, due to an injury sustained by regular keeper Steve Northwood.

The stand in keeper was commanding and comfortable in the Mead goal, but rarely tested. It is hoped that Northwood, who sustained a back injury, will be fit to return for the trip to Maldon on Saturday.

A bigger injury worry occoured on 75 minutes as defender Rob Carter sustained a torn hamstring, which could keep the talented yongster our for as long as six weeks.

The Mead got stronger throughout the second half, with Scott Mulholland ripping through the Sittingbourne midfield time and again and significantly gaining the upper hand in the last 20 minutes were unlucky not to go ahead. Lea Dawson, again menacing on the edge of the area, saw a ferocious shot crash against the bar before Andy Constable tested the keeper on a couple of occassions, linking well with Rikki Cable.

However, the sucker punch was delievered with Sittingbournes only shot on goal in the second half. Countering a quick Mead attack, Hitchim Akhazzan poked the ball home on the 90 minutes to send the visitors throughto the next round.

"I thought we were the better side," said a regretful Keith McMahon. "I didn't think we started that well but came strong and dominated the second half and should have scored a few times."

Talking about the injuries McMahon added, "Rob's looks serious and I don't expect him back for at least six weeks, which is a shame as he's been doing so well. Northy will test his back in the morning and we'll see how that goes."

Thamesmead line up: Northwood (Brown 45), Smith, Moore, Baker, Carter (Bourchescu 75), Tozer, Mulholland, Dawson, Constable (Greaves 85), Cable, Perona. Subs not used - G Momodu, R Momodu.