Cugley: Seven more points will keep us up - EXCLUSIVE

FOLKESTONE INVICTA boss Neil Cugley believes seven more points from their last five games will keep the club in the Ryman Premier League next season, writes Stephen McCartney.

And the long-serving Cugley has issued a rallying cry to the Cheriton Road faithful to get behind his side 100%, as four of their last five games are on home soil.

Saturday’s visit of East Thurrock can be described as a six-pointer as both sides go into the Cheriton Road clash in the relegation zone.

Then third-placed side Staines Town visit Cheriton Road next Monday, 14^th April, before Cugley takes his men to local rivals Margate on 19^th April.

Folkestone’s penultimate home game is against fourth-placed side AFC Hornchurch on Monday, 21^st April, and Cugley would like to go into their home showdown against Maidstone United on the final day of the season safe in the knowledge that the club will be playing Dover Athletic - in the Ryman Premier League - next Boxing Day.

“We’ve got five games, four at home, it’s all up to us,” Cugley said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight.

Cugley wants to put another nail in the Essex side’s relegation coffin with victory on Saturday.

“At the end of the day you’ve got to get 51 points to (stay up),” he said. “East Thurock will be good because it will put them lot down (with a victory over them).

“Looking at everybody’s fixtures it’s all panning out. 51 points is a horrendous high number but I think that’s what we need.

“I went to watch East Thurrock last Tuesday against Staines. They’ve improved their side like every club has.

“They’ve brought in a few players, Steve West is a good player up front and we’ve got to look after him.”

Folkestone Invicta’s second half display in their 2-0 defeat at Staines Town last weekend, however, keeps Cugley upbeat in his bid to beat the drop.

And he tells his players: “To continue from the second half against Staines, where we looked not a bad side.

“We worked very hard and created chances and looked very confident. It’s important as a young side they’ve got to believe in themselves.”

And on Staines, Cugley knows the Middlesex side are a quality outfit, adding: “I’ve watched them, we played them, they’re a good footballing side, a lot of pace about them - a good side.”

It’s important at this vital stage of the season that fans get behind their side to assist them maintaining their current status.

“We still need seven points and we want to get them as soon as possible,” says Cugley, who reveals the only injury victim is the long-term injured, goalkeeper Charlie Mitten.

Wing-back, Kevin Watson, meanwhile, returns, having recovered from his stomach bug.

“Supporters can make a big difference if they can get behind the players, especially as they’re quite a young side,” urged Cugley.

Listen to Matt Gerrard on BBC Radio Kent - 96.7FM and 104.1 - for updates on this game.

Meanwhile, www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering next Monday’s home clash against Staines Town.

Visit Folkestone Invicta’s website: www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk  

Folkestone Invicta v East Thurrock United
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 12^th April 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Buzzlines Stadium, Cheriton Road, Folkestone, Kent CT19 5JU