Kentish Football 
Cup is not our priority, says table-topping Hume - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Tonbridge Angels are favourites to reach the final of the Kent Senior Cup when they play Maidstone United at Bourne Park tonight, writes Stephen McCartney.
Stones player-manager Lloyd Hume has revealed that he will be playing in a central midfield role against a full-strength Angels side.And the only first team star playing is former Tonbridge Angels defender Ryan Royston, as he is away when the Stones travel to Metropolitan Police in a must-win Ryman League Division One South fixture on Saturday.
Hume explained why he’s playing a weakened side in tonight’s semi-final.
“We’re pushing for the title at the moment and that’s where our priority lies,” he said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.
“No disrespect to the Kent Cup but our priorities lie with the league and we can’t risk injuries or suspensions.”
The Stones were held to a 2-2 draw by landlords Sittingbourne on Easter Monday lunchtime – but four hours later the gloom was lifted when news filtered through that Kentish rivals Dover Athletic had beaten Hastings United 2-1 at Crabble.
With just four games remaining the Stones are one point clear of Hastings United at the top of the table – with a game in hand.
“To be honest at one o’clock I was disappointed with the point but at five I was over the moon with it,” said Hume.
“On Monday we didn’t perform to our maximum potential up front – we are missing the spark up front but I know that will turn.”
But former Tonbridge Angel Hume believes his side will win their second successive league title, having won the Kent League last term.
“I have to be confident at this stage, we’re in the driving seat - it’s ours to lose,” he said.
With only one first teamer in action tonight, Stones fans will once again see highly-rated youngster Sam Morrison given another chance to shine.
“Sam Morrison’s playing again,” said Hume. “I thought he done very well against Welling.
“Tonbridge are playing their full first team and we are playing a very weakened side – we have let them know out of courtesy.”
And Hume has told his side tonight to: “Just to enjoy it and to perform well and show me they can make the step up into senior football.
He added: “Everyone involved with Maidstone know the side we will play. It would have made a better final as we would have played our full team.”
Meanwhile, to add the glamour back into the dying competition, the Kent County Football Association must reward the finalists by playing the showpiece final at a neutral venue.
Sunday’s Kent Senior Trophy Final between Whitstable Town and minnows Bearsted is expected to attract a big crowd as it’s being played at Dartford’s Princes Park Stadium – surely the same venue can be hired out for the Senior Cup final?
Tonbridge Angels will, however, be without cup-tied trio Adam O’Neil, Nick Barnes and Jack Roberts.
Visit club websites:
Maidstone United v Tonbridge Angels
Kent Senior Cup Semi-Final
Wednesday 11th April 2007
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Bourne Park, Central Park, Eurolink, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 3SB
Red Dragon I.T. Ltd