Cugley searches for attack minded players

FOLKESTONE Invicta boss Neil Cugley is preparing to start making changes to his squad this week as he seeks to improve his side's goal return, writes Tom Marchant.

 

Folkestone Invicta lead the Ryman League Division One South table after seven games but have scored only 8 goals and conceded just one so far and are getting a reputation of being a dull side to watch at present.

“We didn't play well against Sittingbourne and there's no hiding behind that and with the importance of the game it was that bit more difficult to accept,” Cugley told www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk.

“Saturday against Chipstead we certainly showed an improvement, getting the ball down and playing some really good football. But again, we didn't take our chances when we could've put the game to bed and it's a worry and something I'm trying to put right at the moment.

“We've worked hard enough on the training ground and we've tried various things now and if I'm going to be cynical, we're not getting the rewards we want from players. Defensively wise and midfield we've been excellent I think and it's not as if we're a defensive side as we do try and get at teams and play the right sort of football.”

The first change could come as early as the weekend in time for the visit of second placed Godalming Town to Cheriton Road.

Cugley is currently talking to a forward with Ryman Premier League experience and any new arrival is likely to be offset by player departure.

The Folkestone boss hopes his attacking options could be further bolstered by the return of record goalscorer James Dryden this weekend, despite the striker going off on the half hour against Chipstead last week. The striker will be assessed in training this week.

“When he was on Saturday for half hour things seem to happen around him and we need him fit and playing regularly,” said Cugley.

”The hard grounds aren't helping at the moment and as he's gone up with the keeper, he's come down putting a lot of weight on the knee. It was worrying at the time but I think he's feeling a bit more positive about it now so we'll wait and see this week.”

The combative James Everitt (broken foot) is still sidelined although midfield maestro Jimmy Jackson could make a return to action this weekend after injuring his foot with a chainsaw in his job as a farmer – fortunately the injury isn't as nasty as it might sound.

Dean Grant should continue to press for another start after impressing in recent matches.
“I thought he did well against Chipstead and looked lively. He gave us a bit more width as we try to get down the flanks to get more service into the front players. He's only a young lad who has been training with Dover and he was recommended to be by Darren Hare (Dover Athletic assistant manager) so we're going to have a look at him.

Promising young goalkeeper Luke Stonebridge has returned from America after cancelling his scholarship and he played for the reserves on Saturday keeping a clean sheet. Kieran Mann has now joined Hythe Town on a permanent basis.

“We're pleased to have him back and along with Paul Egan he's another one to push Jack Delo who to be fair has been excellent so far this season,” said Cugley.

“Luke coming back gives us three keepers and he just needs to get fitter and sharper but he's already made a good start by doing well for the reserves on Saturday.”

This weekend is set to be a stern test for the Seasiders with Godalming only a point behind the League leaders.

So far in their League campaign this weekend's visitors have only won once away from home (3-2 at Croydon Athletic) and their only League defeat came away (3-1) at Dulwich Hamlet in the second match of the season although such statistics might be considered meaningless with less than 10 matches played.

And Cugley said: “You couldn't ask for a bigger game at this stage of the season, first versus second. We've obviously got to punch our weight up front and if we don't we'll struggle. I still think we're a way off playing to our capabilities but one pleasing thing you might say is that although we're top of the table, I'm still a bit disappointed!

“I think we'll keep improving as the season goes on and I don't think we expected to be where we are in the League.”

Article courtesy of www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk  there you want to stay re."

Folkestone Invicta  v  Godalming Town
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 26^th September 2009
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Cheriton Road, Folkestone, Kent CT19 5JU