Tillson backing striker Canham for goal feast

The tall striker hit a hat-trick in Team Bath’s 3-1 win over Merthyr Tydfil on Tuesday and will be gunning for more goals against Hitchin Town at Twerton Park on Saturday (25th August).

“I think Sean’s a 20 goals a season striker and I’m confident he’ll get 20 league goals this season,” said Tillson. “Every striker likes scoring hat-tricks and it was great to see him get one so early in the season on Tuesday night.

I don’t think we really created enough Sean Canham-type chances last season, so he didn’t quite get 20 in the league.

“But we’ve got some good wide men providing some good quality crosses,” he added. “I’ve told Sean we’ll create plenty of chances this season, it’s up to him to put them away.”

Sean Canham (right) hit 19 league goals and two in cup competitions in his first season with Team Bath in 2005/6 and plundered another 16 league goals and eight in cups last season.

Notwithstanding Sean Canham’s early form, Tillson believes his young side will be in for another tough game on Saturday. Hitchin have won one and lost one this season – but their only defeat came on Tuesday when they conceded a 90th minute goal at home to Hemel Hempstead.

“Hitchin are always a really tough team,” said Tillson. “They work hard, are well organised, and you’re never going to get an easy ride against them.

“I wouldn’t imagine we’ll change things around too much against them,” he added. “We know we’re going to have to work hard, but we’re looking forward to it.
“We’re pleased with the start we’ve made so far, now we need to build on it.”

Winger Mike Perrott (right) missed training today (Thursday) with a sore groin but is expected to be fit for Saturday. Dan Dillon could continue in midfield after coming on for Marc Canham on Saturday and starting on Tuesday night. Marc Canham, meanwhile, is training hard to get back to full fitness after an ankle injury disrupted his pre-season.

Matt Townley could also go into the squad this weekend. He missed Saturday’s game as he was still with the GB team at the World University Games in Thailand. He sat out Tuesday’s match as he had only just returned from the Far East.

On Bank Holiday Monday Team Bath take-on newly promoted Swindon Supermarine away in a 3pm kick-off in the British Gas Business Football League Premier Division, then host another promoted side, Bromsgrove Rovers, on Saturday 1st September. -University of Bath