Cugley wants six points over festive period - EXCLUSIVE

Sunday 23rd December 2007

Folkestone Invicta boss Neil Cugley goes into the Boxing Day home clash against Hastings United looking for a win to climb out of the drop zone, writes Stephen McCartney.

With his side in the bottom three in the Ryman Premier League table with 22 points from 20 games, Cugley knows his side are only ten points behind THIRD placed Staines Town.

So wins over Hastings United, a side that only two places above them on 23 points, and against fourth placed local rivals Ramsgate at fortress Southwood Stadium, should see Invicta climb the tight table.

“What we want to do is get back-to-back wins and that will push you up no end,” Cugley said when speaking EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“We have done a lot of the (tough) away games, we’ve gone to Chelmsford and AFC Wimbledon, so hopefully we can start winning at home and we’ll be on a roll then.”

Whilst many Kent sides can look forward to playing familiar local faces, Folkestone Invicta welcome east Sussex opposition instead.

“It’s not quite as local and we haven’t played Hastings for a few years,” recalled Cugley.

“I think they’re a bit like us – we don’t know much about their players and visa versa.

“It will be more open because of that, it’s not so local.”

And he added: “We have to win our home games and that will get us out of trouble.”

However, his side have beaten only Billericay Town (3-2) and FA Cup heroes Horsham (4-1) on home soil this season, although the Hornets victory was their last home game.

Goalkeeper Charlie Mitten (thigh), midfielder James Corbett (hamstring), striker Richard Shittu (hamstring) and wing-back Roland Edge (knee) are expected to miss the festive fixtures.

And Cugley revealed his wish-list for the new year, adding: “More consistency in our performances and results and not to pick up so many injuries. If we can get everybody fit we’re a mid-table team.”

However, Folkestone Invicta were defeated 3-1 at Wealdstone yesterday, and Cugley rued missed chances from Mark Saunders, Leigh Bremner and Shittu.

“Before they scored we had three or four really good chances,” he said. “The result would so much be different had we taken the chances.”

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

Folkestone Invicta v Hastings United
Ryman Premier League
Boxing Day, Wednesday 26^th December 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Buzzlines Stadium, Cheriton Road, Folkestone, Kent CT19 5JU