NEWS
Shearer's back in Town
Ray Turner surprised a few people with his team selection against East Thurrock in the FA Carlsberg Trophy when posed with a personel problem. With James Peacock suspended and Ashley Brown still suffering with a knee problem, Turner had to choose between youthful inexperience or a more mature head to slot into that central defensive area of the pitch. The mature head was chosen and up stepped Lee Shearer to reprise the role he made his own during the sucessful Kent League campaign of two seasons ago.
Shearer, who left the club to join Hythe at the beginning of last season, made the decision due to the fact he had started a young family and did not want the travelling the Ryman League demands so stayed in the Kent League. Ironically, Hythe made great in-roads into the FA Cup so there was an increased amout of travelling but Shearer thought he would end his career there.
Then came the call from Ray Turner to persuade Shearer to return to his old stomping groung to 'help out' when experience was at a premium. Shearer was only too pleased to re-join what he called "a family club" and to hook up with some old friends.
Shearer said after his weekends efforts "I feel good physically - I surprised myself how good I feel. It was a good test for me and the lads but at these levels you get punished more for mistakes."
Lee Shearer wins a first half header. (Photo: Iron Maiden)
It was as if he had never left, just fitting into the side. And for the first twenty five minutes everything was going to plan.
"We tried to get the ball out wide to Quain to use his pace and it worked well initially. However, they [East Thurrock] realised this and cut off the supply meaning Quain remained quiet for the rest of the game.
"At these higher levels, teams have to be more adaptable in their style" said Shearer and had nothing but praise for manager Turner and his footballing philosophy. "Ray Turner has so much to work with at this club.
"He [Turner] has had to get all the players to change the way they play and adapt to his style and way of thinking how the game should be played and I am happy to help, being a calming influence, to slow things down when needed and to try and pass on my experience to the youngsters in the squad.
Shearer receives a yellow card. (Photo: Iron Maiden)
"There is a good combination of young, energetic players here along with some experience - PK [James Peacock] is a good player and will tackle brick walls for the cause!"
Ray Turner said "I doubt [he] Shearer will feature too many times throughout the season but it is great to have him here. With PK suspended and Ash struggling with a knee problem for the game I did not want to put inexperienced players in for such an important game.
"We should have been two or three up early on but they came out strong for the second half.
"We are not killing teams off at present and our lack of pace at the back has meant we have been left exposed."
Turner and Shearer both praised the crowd for their very vocal support on Saturday.
The last word should go to Lee - when asked about his last minute penalty miss he said "I was hoping you were not going to mention that! I have only ever missed one before but can assure you it will not happen again."
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