Cugley proud of away record

FOLKESTONE INVICTA completed an unprecedented run of seven consecutive away matches on Saturday afternoon by impressively defeating Metropolitan Police 1-0, courtesy of a debut goal from striker Brendon Cass who was snapped up by manager Neil Cugley from Chatham Town last Thursday, writes Tom Marchant.

 

Cugley, who was speaking to www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk said, “What an incredible run of away matches and to win five out the seven is outstanding especially when you look at some of the places we've had to go to.

“Saturday’s victory over Met Police was our best away win by a long way. The form they have showed since losing to Fleet at the back end of January has been very impressive and they were on a real run of form winning six out of their last seven. They are a big, strong side and we had to be at our very best to beat them.”

Victory came through Cass's goal on 40 minutes, described as a “great finish” by the gaffer.

“His first game for us obviously and I'm delighted for him and I'm delighted to have signed him.

“He was someone who I'd been interested in bringing to the Club back in the summer but he had just got married and living in Chatham, playing for them suited him.

“Things didn't quite work out for him there though and he's a player with a good goal scoring pedigree and when you talk about players who could get you 20 plus goals a season, he falls within that bracket.

“I'd been talking to various players and managers and you hear about player movements around the circuit and I'd heard Chatham were signing a forward and that meant one might've been available and it went from there really. Austo (Simon Austin) is suspended at the moment and yesterday Jacko (Jimmy Jackson) was doubtful and with the very small squad we run with, we needed to do something.”

Could it be a potential selection dilemma for the boss when Austin returns? “I suppose, but a very welcome one believe me! But a lot could happen between now and Austo returning as there a lot of games still to be played and I'm going to need everyone so I don't see it being a problem. We take it a game at a time; you can't look too far ahead trying to plan things as players can pick up injuries or illness and any plans you try and make are then scuppered.”

Cugley also confirmed that record goal scoring striker James Dryden has now reached a settlement with the Club over the remainder of his contract.

“Jimmy has been as good as gold and he knows the financial situation the Club is in and we've reached an agreement in what was an awkward situation,” explained Cugley.

“He is a good lad who I think received some unfair criticism from certain people who don't actually know the full story.

“We're waiting for the results from the specialist at the moment but it is likely he will require an operation on his ankle. After that I hope he can get back to full fitness as he is a quality player and one I would like to keep hold of for next season.”

Victory over Met Police followed another win away from home at Dulwich Hamlet last Tuesday night.

James Everitt popped up with the goal on half time and he proved to be Invicta's saviour as he has been on more than one occasion already this season.

“It was a difficult pitch which although had been rolled, it was basically rolled mud. Burchy (Josh Burchall) has made a great run down the left to get into the box laying it off for Ratty to slot home.

“He's (Everitt) playing well at the moment, full of confidence and he works so hard up there getting right in the faces of defenders never making it easy for them.”

The Seasiders now play twice at home this week welcoming Eastbourne Town to Cheriton Road tonight and Leatherhead on Saturday afternoon.

And Cugley said: “Being the home side for the next couple of games it is down to us to take the game to them. For those fans that don't come away with us, they wouldn't have seen us play much this year so we want to put on an attacking show for them.

“Eastbourne are battling for survival so we expect them to be set up with the intention of getting something out of the game so it could be tight whilst Leatherhead are the in form side at the moment and perhaps that will be a more open game.”

The gaffer has no fresh injury concerns heading into next week and will hope that knocks to Jimmy Jackson, Josh Vincent and Liam Dickson will heal in time for the visit of Eastbourne.

“We should be alright and as I keep saying we have been very lucky with injuries this season,” said Cugley. “Jacko picked up a knock against Met Police but Spillsy (Lee Spiller) came on and did well I thought showing he still has a lot to offer at this level.

Article courtesy of www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk

Folkestone Invicta v  Eastbourne Town
Ryman League Division One South
Tuesday 9^th March 2010
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Cheriton Road, Folkestone, Kent CT19 5JU