Chege incurs Walton’s wrath

Brentwood Town 1 Ilford 0

DISCIPLINARIAN boss Colin Walton has slammed the behaviour of stay-away winger Joseph Chege.

Ilford put in a disappointing performance on Saturday to lose 1-0 at fellow lower-mid table club Brentwood Town, when a 40th minute strike proved the difference between the two teams.

However, they were again without the services of the skilful wide player, who has not been seen at Cricklefields since the end of February and not returned any of Walton's calls.

Chege had looked impressive since arriving from Bethnal Green, but the Foxes chief has now given up attempting to contact him and says he is not sure if he will ever play for the club again.

"Joseph Chege has gone AWOL," said a bemused Walton.

"I've no idea as to whereabouts. He's not returned my calls and he has been fined. There's no excuse for it, unless he is dead, and I don't think he is, as a few of the players know him pretty well.

"When a player misses training more than once it's up to them to get in touch with me now and I won't be chasing through the other players."

Without Chege, and with leading goalscorer Victor Omogbehin on the bench, Ilford looked devoid of ideas at Brentwood on Saturday in a less-than-thrilling contest.

Their only chances of note came in the second half and Walton was disappointed with his striking duo on the day.

"To be honest they could have scored two or three by the time they did score, but Rob Budd made four fantastic saves," said the boss.

"Troy Hewitt didn't look particularly interested on Saturday and Junior Appiah, who has been good for us lately, was not at his best."

Ilford, who have dropped into the bottom four as a result of the defeat, now host fellow strugglers Leyton on Saturday.

"It's critical," said Walton.

"We're trying to avoid saying the phrase 'massive game' too often, but it is a big one and we need three points. Anything other than that would be extremely disappointing.

"I'm very wary of them as it could be a banana skin.