Beckingham hails Trams chairman after cup joy (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Beckingham hails Trams chairman after cup joy

7:00am Wednesday 6th May 2009 in

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Croydon FC manager Tony Beckingham has dedicated Sunday's Kent League Cup penalty shoot out victory over Erith Town to chairman Dickson Gill.

The Trams prevailed 3-1 on spot kicks after Tony Atkins' extra time header was cancelled out by Marcus Cassius with two minutes left.

"The way we won it in the end was pure elation," said Beckingham.

"I'm delighted for everyone involved but particularly the chairman who has had a difficult year with illness.

"I don't think the squad needs massive changes but we are hoping to strengthen and bring in a few players but it's more to supplement what we have got already."

Tony Beckenham

"The first 20 minutes we were looking like a side coming to terms with the occasion but after that we were easily the best team, the only thing we didn't do right was score."

Stefan Payne missed the Trams first kick but keeper Tim Roberts kept the scores level with a superb stop from Cassis.

Dave Waters and Calvin Headley scored the next two kicks but Dean Kearley hit the post with Erith's third after Kevin Spriggs scored their second.

Justin Hemmings then saw his kick saved but Roberts again came to the Trams rescue, saving from Matthews.

That left Tim Murdoch with the chance to wrap up the trophy and he made no mistake in smashing his kick home.

"We were going to practice penalties on Thursday at the Arena," said Beckingham "But just as we went to do it the lights went off so we hadn't done any.

"But when it came to asking for volunteers plenty of people stuck their hands up, including Stefan and Calvin who are from the youth team.

"The first save Tim made was from the top draw. If Cassius had scored that after we missed our first one it might have changed things psychologically."

Beckingham will now turn his attention to next season but doesn't plan a big influx of players.

"I'm hoping we will be challenging for some sort of league glory next year," said the former Holmesdale manager.

"I don't think the squad needs massive changes but we are hoping to strengthen and bring in a few players but it's more to supplement what we have got already."