Damian not Able to commit himself to Folkestone

STRIKER Damian Abel has left Folkestone Invicta to re-sign for local neighbours Hythe Town, who are challenging for the Kent League title, writes Andy Bown & Tom Marchant.

Abel signed for Folkestone Invicta back in November 2006 from Hythe Town, along with Roy Guiver who is now plying his trade at Kent League side Faversham Town via Herne Bay.

During his time with the Seasiders Abel made 57 appearances, including 14 starts this season in the Ryman Premier League although the young striker hasn’t scored in the League during this campaign.

Invicta boss Neil Cugley, speaking to www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk explained Abel’s decision to drop down two divisions.

“With commitments with work it was getting difficult for him to get time off on a Saturday, especially when we have to set out early going to away games and he wants to be playing regularly,” he said.

“Having to take time off work and then only sit on the bench and not play regularly isn’t ideal and therefore him wanting to leave the club is fair enough.

“I think the Kent League will suit him more in that respect as he won’t have to take as much time off work for travelling and he does need to play regularly.

“It’s something we both discussed before he went out on loan to Ramsgate and travelling was always going to be an issue for him.

“He’s got great pace and his work rate is good and when we signed him two years or so ago it was always going to be a bit of a gamble and to be fair to him he has given it a good go but he hasn’t scored enough goals at Ryman Premier level. I think the move will suit him and we wish him well.”

The departure of Abel leaves the Seasiders increasingly thin on numbers, a fact the Folkestone boss is all too aware of.

Reserve forward John Ovard will be in the squad this weekend for the trip to Hendon. Ovard missed the Billericay match through work commitments.

“It wasn’t until Tuesday afternoon when I found out I wouldn’t have Jimmy (Corbett) because he was suffering from his migraine problem and so I spoke to John (Ovard) straight away as he would’ve been the ideal replacement but unfortunately he had to work,” explained Cugley.

“We had to set out at half four on Tuesday and I couldn’t guarantee him a game and by not working he loses money which is obviously not an ideal situation for him”.

Promising reserve player Josh Burchell is suspended this weekend and therefore will not travel to Hendon with the Folkestone squad.

Article courtesy of www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk

Hendon v Folkestone Invicta
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 15^th March 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Claremont Road, Brent Cross, London NW2 1AW