Daryl McMahon was unhappy with the red-card decision that saw Mark Phillips dismissed before Maidenhead’s late winner, but the Fleet boss was equally disappointed with his side’s defending.
“I think he was looking to even it up and it wasn’t a red card from what I could see,” McMahon told BBC Radio Kent’s Charles Webster. “And when it evened up, 10 v 10, it got a little bit scrappy and the third goal was poor to concede. The three goals were poor to concede and they’re not something I recognise from the team we’ve had over the previous weeks. We were nowhere near good enough defending our box today which is something we’re normally really good at. But [Sean] Marks played really well and there were some good crosses into him.
“But if Phillips doesn’t get sent off, we’d probably win the match. Maidenhead were camped in their own box, they couldn’t get out and it’s a big game-changer. I don’t mind if Tarpey beats one or two and sticks it in the top corner but to concede from a long throw is just poor from our point of view.”
McMahon praise Bradley Bubb’s contribution and hinted the striker could start Tuesday’s match against Hampton & Richmond Borough. “The second half we took the game to them,” McMahon said. “I thought we were the better side. When they were down to 10 men we were free-flowing and creating chances.
“Bradley’s goal was terrific, he has been good coming off the bench. He deserved a chance and probably deserves a go. He was excellent at Welling last week too and he staked a claim for Tuesday night.”
And of the Fleet’s title chances now that Maidenhead have extended their lead, McMahon was realistic. “It’s a big lead and it’s theirs to lose really. Even at this stage of the season I’ll say that but we’ll keep plugging away and chasing behind them, I’m sure St Albans and Chelmsford will as well. There is a long way to go, there’s plenty of games but they’re in a fantastic position and we’ll see what they do.”
The manager now looks to Tuesday to recharge his side’s batteries and says he may revisit options to add to Fleet’s defence after Phillips is suspended. “We’ve been on a great run. When one comes to an end, good sides bounce back and start again. We’ve got Louis John, Marvin and Clarkey still. We’re OK for the next week, Phillips is here for Tuesday, then we’ll assess it after that.”
Listen to full interview below.
https://soundcloud.com/eufcofficial/daryl-after-maidenhead
