7thmar05

Ford looking for positive reaction

VCD ATHLETIC manager Martin Ford was a very dejected man after his side were dumped out of the Kent Senior Trophy semi-finals on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

A strike from Danny Penny, nine minutes from time, wasn't enough as Beckenham Town's prolific striker Lewis Wood netted after only 70 seconds and in the last minute to book their place in their first final since 1993, when they lost 1-0 to Ramsgate in the Kent League Cup.

Beckenham, however, will meet local rivals Thamesmead Town in the April 16th showpiece. The Bayliss Avenue side were leading treble chasing Ramsgate 4-1 at one stage.  The Rams, however, pulled the game back to 4-4 but a dramatic last minute winner from Jason Clews saw them through.

Although in fourth place in the Go Travel Kent League table, VCD Athletic are 12 points behind leaders Ramsgate and Herne Bay - something that is concerning their long serving boss.

"It's a hard one for us to be quiet honest with you," said Ford, whose been with the club since 1993.

"We are too far behind Herne Bay and Ramsgate to have a realistic chance of winning it (the league)."

Ford spoke to his players after the game about what is expected off them in their remaining eight league games.

He added: "I've said to the boys that we have to pick ourselves up now and just try and get as high in the league.

"It's going to be a long, hard run-in.  We face three tough games against Herne Bay, Ramsgate and Hythe.

"If the boys can stay focused, and we can keep them fit and interested because when you get into a cup final, that's 5-6 weeks away, it keeps the season going.

"Now we've got to play for league points and get as high as we can.

"What reaction I get off the players I'll know next week.  We are playing Herne Bay, who are (joint) top of the league.  We shouldn't need more incentive.

VCD Athletic v Herne Bay
Go Travel Kent League Premier Division
Saturday 1212th March 2005
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Lordswood FC, North Dane Way, Walderslade