Philbey confident of Thatcham progress

Thatcham Town manager Cameron Philbey feels that his side are making progress, despite a pair of recent losses.

Last week’s defeat at home to Guildford was followed by another setback away at Shaftesbury in the FA Cup preliminary round on Saturday.

Philbey, celebrating his birthday, handed games to some new faces.

Maciej Wieczoreck started in goal, while Junior Da Cruz donned the number seven shirt.

Shaftesbury took the lead inside 10 minutes, however, as a long ball over the top of the Thatcham back line put their striker clean through on goal.

He was brought down, before dispatching his penalty for 1-0 in the ninth minute.

Thatcham had chances though and remained in the game, as Da Cruz hit the side netting and Archie Goode saw a shot go wide.

Shaftesbury threatened after half-time however, hitting the post before forcing a save from the rebound.

On the hour mark they doubled their lead, winning it high up the pitch and Harry Baker slotted home to make it 2-0.

Thatcham never gave up, but failed to find a breakthrough as time ticked on.

The hosts made it 3-0 through Moss Jackson-Collis at the death before Toby Holmes added struck to seal a somewhat flattering 4-0 win.

“The Guildford game was disappointing,” said Philbey.

“We probably deserved to lose the game, but Saturday was much improved.

“I’m gutted for the lads, because it was a long hard slog against a really good side.

“They probably didn’t deserve four.

“Our first 80 minutes were really pleasing.

“If we can get that level of performance across the year then we’ll be a happy bunch.”

Thatcham’s young squad are slowly starting to get to know each other.

Assembled largely out of two open trials over the summer, the team have had to build relationships from scratch and understand what their teammates need from each other.

“The group seems like it’s coming together,” Philbey said. “One of the main things we speak about is that ‘it’s gotta hurt’.

“When things aren’t going right, it has to hurt, we can’t make excuses.

“We try to set high standards for everyone.

“Managing the expectations of the group is important. People have to want to be here.”

Thatcham face Odd Down at home in the FA Vase this Saturday.

The club is based in Bath and play their football in the Western League Division One.

Then attention turns back to the league for Bank Holiday Monday, as Thatcham travel to Tadley Calleva for a much-anticipated local derby.

“It’s about picking up that momentum,” he explained.

“Saturday is a good opportunity to do that. And Monday is big, not just for the players, but the fans as well.

“We want to get local bragging rights.

“It’s hunger now for the next game, the next session.

“We’re enjoying being around each other, continuing to learn.”