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Search forYouth is key to Witham Town's survival
Thursday, August 28, 2008, 08:00
That was the stark reality message from manager Tony Last yesterday (Wednesday) who was heartened by the performances of five teenagers in Monday's narrow 3-2 home defeat to Concord Rangers.
"The 17-year-olds, Tyrone White and Ricky Lefly, plus 16-year-old Rory Bone all did exceptionally well and they and one or two other youngsters will play regularly in our first team this season," he said.
"That's the way forward for a club like ours because they have already shown their potential and they are prepared to take on responsibility at this level.
"They've the right attitude and commitment and with the help of the more experienced players around them the future will look bright."
Last, who claims that currently the club has 15 players unable to play because of injury, remains upbeat despite his side having lost their first four league games and conceded 16 goals.
"Our physios have been working overtime to try and get players fit. I've never seen a treatment room like it," he explained. "The latest to join the list is Danny Cornwell (foot injury) while Will Morris is still recovering from a car accident sustained on the morning of the Concord game."
Last felt his players responded magnificently in the Concord game after the 5-1 hammering at league leaders Wingate & Finchley on Saturday.
"The scoreline in that game was not a true reflection of the overall match – we were only 2-1 down with 12 minutes to go and then lost the influential Nathan Fletcher from the heart of the defence before conceding three late goals," he explained.
"Fletcher is now out with a hamstring injury to add to our list but I always say that out of every adversity comes triumph and we will do that."
Although Town take a break from league action this Saturday when they entertain local rivals Maldon Town in the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup, Last says his reassessment of the season is survival in the Ryman.
"We obviously don't have the resources of many other clubs in this division but I think we can retain our status with a combination of these exciting youngsters coming through the ranks playing alongside the more experience players.''
One player who will be missed at the club is midfielder Grant O'Donnell who has had to step down from his football commitments to concentrate on his work with a City-based accountancy firm and study to pass his exams.
"Grant owes us nothing and has served the club exceptionally well coming through from the youth ranks," said Last.. "His move is understandable because his career must come first and we wish him well and he knows he's welcome back at any time."
On the FA Cup clash against the side managed by his former assistant at Spa Road, Russell Tanner, Last said they would both be looking forward to the tie.
"The cup is always different and we shall be up for it so forget our league form," he warned. "Some of our old players are now at Maldon so it has all the ingredients of a good local derby tie and we'll have a special plan up our sleeves."
Last also celebrates his 39th wedding anniversary on match day so he will be hoping for a double celebration on Saturday.
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HIGH-KICK: Witham Town's Craig Emery (right) and Concord Rangers' Shane Oakley compete for the ball in Monday's game.
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