19thnov04

Ground progressing well, reveals VCD boss Ford

VCD ATHLETIC manager Martin Ford is fully aware of the rewards that success in the FA Vase can bring to clubs in the Go Travel Kent League this season, writes Stephen McCartney.

Two coach loads are making the trip down to Gosport Borough in tomorrow’s second round tie and with £1,000 and a place in the last 64 of this prestigious competition awaiting the winners, the Crayford club will be doing their utmost to win.

“It’s a great competition to be in,” Ford admitted.

He added: “It’s a competition where each club in the Kent League, the stronger clubs, have a right chance to go a long way in it.”

Ford has done his homework on his opponents that are standing in the way for a place in the third round.

“It’s got a bit of spice on it as it’s a FA Vase game,” Ford added.

“We know they are a good side, they are flying high in their division and got through to the last eight last year.”

Ford, however, admitted he would have liked to play Gosport later in the competition, but insisted you have to play the best to progress.

”To get anything down there we have to play well.

“Maybe this tie would have been nice in a couple rounds time.

“If you are going to go anywhere in these competitions you have to play the best eventually.

“We are meeting a good side, and we are looking forward to it,” Ford said.

Sitting in fourth place in the Go Travel Kent League table, VCD Athletic are probably the best placed side to mount a serious challenge for honours.

Ford’s side, who are below Whitstable Town, Ramsgate and Hythe Town, have two games in hand over the top three and Ford  is hoping those two victories can return them to the summit, as they are only three points off the leaders, Whitstable.

He said: “We are ticking away nicely, we’ve been top of the table already this season.

“We are now off the pack at the moment as we haven’t played as many games but we know if we win our two games in hand, we will be top again.

“There are some great sides in the league – Herne Bay, Whitstable Town and Ramsgate, and there are some sides up there you can put three or four wins together.

“I think we have another good title challenge this year.”

Ford revealed the initial stage of ground improvements at their Old Road ground in Crayford are going well.

Soil searches have taken place recently to make sure the soil underneath is ok for a new pitch to be re-laid and the club are waiting for the funding to come through.

Ford announced the funding should be made available to the club by the end of January at the latest.

He added: “Everything takes time but we are hopeful the pitch will be laid by next season.

“Whether it’s good enough to be played on, we’re not sure yet, but if we have to continue to groundshare with Lordswood for another half a season or a full season – they look after us very well – we are quite happy to do that.

“There is no rush to get back home.  We’ve been away from our own home for seven years, so one more year, if that’s the case, we’re not going to worry about.

“It’s generated a little bit of interest so everyone’s geared up to eventually to get back home.”

With Dartford, Maidstone United and Margate returning back to their home towns within the next two years, VCD Athletic will soon follow them and bring Kent League football back to Crayford.

Gosport Borough v VCD Athletic
Saturday 20^th November 2004
FA Vase Second Round
Kick off 3:00pm