FOOTBALL: We need to be more ruthless (From Oxford Mail)

FOOTBALL: We need to be more ruthless

11:00am Friday 14th September 2012 in Non League

Didcot Town caretaker manager Gary Elkins says his side have to be more clinical in front of goal, starting with tomorrow’s FA Trophy preliminary-round tie with Paulton Rovers.

While he was pleased to triumph at Windsor in the FA Cup , he felt there should have been a more emphatic scoreline than 1-0.

“We probably had 80 per cent of the possession,” said Elkins, who hopes to learn on Monday whether he has been given the manager’s job on a permanent basis.

“But we didn’t take our chances which is worrying.

“When it’s 1-0 for such a long time, against a side who are good at set-pieces, it gets a bit tricky.

“I don’t think 5-0 would have flattered us.”

He added: “I’m not under pressure to win it to get the job, but I’m looking for another good performance and a win for the club, which would help me.” Richard Peirson is added to the squad, though Jon Beames is left out as he is in talks about a move to Division 1 South & West rivals Thatcham Town.

North Leigh manager Mark Gee has warned his players not to get complacent when they visit Godalming Town.

Last weekend, they beat Wantage Town 6-1 in the FA Cup, but Gee believes they face a sterner test.

“I have spoken to managers who have faced them and they say what a good side Godalming are,” said Gee.

“They just missed out on the play-offs last season and top of Division 1 Central.

“We are fourth in our league, so it should be a good contest.”

North Leigh are without Toby Clark and Owen Collins (both unavailable).

Gee added: “I don’t think the Trophy is a distraction from the league.

“The players train to play Saturday and Tuesday – they just love playing football – I don’t think they mind what competition it’s in.”

Abingdon United entertain Bridgwater Town.

Tomorrow’s squads

Didcot Tn (v Paulton Rovers, home): from Belloli, Heapy, Stanley, Elkins, Henderson, Thomas, Osborne-Ricketts, L Williams, Clark, Bowles, M Williams, Tappin, Hay-sham, Peirson.

North Leigh (v Godalming Tn, away): from Warrell, Hole, Franklin, Caton, Organ, Hopkins, Else, Turk, Alexis, Sanders, Mills, Walcott, Westlake, Coyle, Deabill.