From the bexley times

 

We could be top of the table: Pennock

01 September 2005
ADRIAN Pennock believes his Wings side would be storming it at the top of the Conference South if they could reproduce their second-half performance at Eastbourne Borough consistently over a full 90 minutes.

The Welling boss had to endure a 1-0 home defeat against Yeading on Saturday and another drab display in the opening 45 minutes at Borough two days later.

However, after a few harsh words of wisdom from Pennock and his assistant Phil Handford at half-time, the side came out flying to earn a 1-1 draw and the Wings boss wants more of the same.

"If we had played like we did in the second half consistently, we would be top of the league," he said. "We did exceptionally well, but I can't accept the first-half performance. Things were said at half-time and the players responded."

The defeat to Yeading undoubtedly burst the early-season optimism bubble around Park View Road as the Wings' unbeaten record went up in smoke.

Pennock had no complaints after the game though and felt his side were just second-best on the day. He said: "I was disappointed to lose at home to Yeading, but I thought they deserved it overall on the balance of play."

Three new players will be available for selection for Saturday's home game against Dorchester Town, with Gillingham's Leon Solomon and Hastings' Terry Penfold signing on non-contract terms to boost Pennock's small squad.

It is also hoped summer signing Lee Shearer will receive his international clearance in time for the game after playing in Holland. The centre-half comes back into the fold with no guarantee of a starting place, according to Pennock.

He said: "He's not an automatic choice as the boys have done well, so he'll have to fight for his place like everybody else at the club."

The Dorchester game sees Pennock in a battle of managerial minds against long-time friend, Magpies boss Mark Morris.

As friendship gets put aside for 90 minutes, Pennock is plotting sweet revenge for last season's loss down at the Avenue Stadium.

He said: "I owe Mark one after we lost 3-2 at Dorchester last season. It will be a tough game though as they are very strong and physical and Mark will have them up for it. But it would be nice to get one over on him.