Kingstonian boss eyes Rams raid (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Kingstonian boss eyes Rams raid

12:30pm Wednesday 8th September 2010 in

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Kingstonian boss Alan Dowson may raid crisis club Croydon Athletic to replace his under-performing stars, despite his side being third in the table.

Ks missed a hatful of chances as they lost 1-0 at Folkestone Invicta on Tuesday after winger Dean Lodge had given them a triumph over Margate by the same score at the weekend.

The Rams face going out of business within the next fortnight after owner Mazhar Majeed’s assets were frozen pending a criminal investigation into the betting scandal engulfing Pakistan cricket.

Dowson’s men are now three points adrift of Ryman League Premier Division leaders Sutton United and the Kingsmeadow chief is not afraid of making changes.

“I’m absolutely devastated for Croydon. The management did a terrific job there and didn’t get the credit they deserved,” he said.

“They didn’t have the money everyone thought they had. The reason they made such great signings is because of Tim O’Shea. I’m gutted for him.

“The players there don’t know what they are doing yet, so we’re looking at the situation.

“I’ve got three or four players not firing on all cylinders and if they keep doing that I’ll have to replace them providing there is something better out there.”

And one area Dowson is already thinking about is in front of goal.

“I can’t believe we lost the Folkestone game. We played brilliantly, but couldn’t get the ball in the back of the net,” he added.

“The forwards need to take a look a themselves. Bobby Traynor had a night to forget on Tuesday and someone else needs to step in when that happens.”

Despite the midweek defeat, midfielder Lodge reckons Kingstonian are already showing signs of title winning form.

The 24-year-old winger hit his second goal of the season at the weekend in the sort of encounter he says Ks must win if they are to gain automatic promotion.

“We didn’t deserve it, so I suppose you can call it a bit of a smash and grab effort,” he said.

“That is what you have to do to win the title. We’ve done it a couple of times already this season.

“If we are going to win the league we’ve got to win the ugly matches and keep the momentum going.”

Croydon Athletic’s withdrawal from the FA Cup means Kingstonian receive a bye into Monday’s draw for the next qualifying round.

Kingstonian’s next three games: Sept 18 Maidstone Utd (h), 21 Hendon (a), Oct 2 Canvey Island (a).