Docker relishing Cup showdown with rivals Tonbridge

IAN DOCKER says he has players in the PASE set-up at Blue Square Premier outfit Ebbsfleet United that can emulate the achievements of striker John Akinde, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Fleet’s young guns lock horns with arch-rivals Tonbridge Angels in the second qualifying round of the FA Youth Cup in what will be an intriguing clash at Stonebridge Road on Wednesday night.

The Angels have a very strong Fleet connection. First team boss is Tommy Warrilow, who is expected to attend the game, and the man in charge of Wednesday’s Cup clash is Colin Blewden.

Ebbsfleet United, who at first team level are two divisions higher than the Angels, have romped to comfortable victories over Redhill (14-0) and East Grinstead (3-1) to get to this stage.

The Angels, however, have eased past Mile Oak (5-1) and Rye United (6-0) and will pose the full-time players of Ebbsfleet United more of a game.

www.kentishfootball.co.uk caught up with Docker as he and goalkeeper coach Ron Hillyard were firing shots at substitute goalkeeper Sam Mott - a PASE product - following last night’s controversial 1-0 defeat to Histon at Stonebridge Road.

“It is going to be a very tough game, which the boys need because it’s all part of their development,” said Docker.

“At the end of the day we’re hoping that we can be stronger and physical than them and get the victory on the night.

“People say we’re favourites because we train everyday. There’s other facets that you have to look at. We train every day, sometimes the lads can be jaded, (pick up) niggling injuries.

“It doesn’t matter what level you play, sometimes playing every day could get monotonous but we are favourites, I think, that’s no disrespect to Tonbridge.

“But we know, in some ways, we know full-time football doesn’t account for nothing, it’s the result at the end of the day.”

Docker is relishing the opportunity in getting one over a former team-mate in Blewden.

“I played in the same side as Colin and he was a class player,” recalled Docker.

“He’s got some very, very good players. Colin will get them organised, up for it and myself and Paul McCarthy are really looking forward to it.

“I love games like this. As an ex-player, love the local derbies so to speak because it’s blood, guts and thunder. Our lads will be focused, they could be their best mates off the field but come Wednesday evening they’re the enemy and nothing short of a win is going to be good enough.”

With a crowd of over 300 expected, Docker knows their Kentish rivals will give the crowd a more competitive game than their earlier two opponents.

He said: “The results that we’ve had before, don’t get me wrong, we’re very flattering and it’s easy for people to turn round, even myself and Paul to turn around and say, without being disrespectful to either side, we have been the strong side.

“But to break it down some of the goals we’ve scored and the way we’ve played has been really good at the same time.

“I feel it’ll be a more physical battle on Wednesday but we’re all looking forward to it.”

Striker Akinde, a product of the Fleet’s PASE scheme, recently sealed a £150,000 move to Bristol City and made a dream debut for the Coca-Cola Championship club, scoring on his debut in their 2-2 draw with Plymouth Argyle recently.

Goalkeeper Mott and striker Luke Moore have progressed through the Fleet’s PASE scheme to first team football and other players such as Sam Walker (Chelsea), Matthew Fry (West Ham United), Jack Payne (Gillingham) and Connor Cox (Millwall) have all been snapped up by higher league clubs.

Docker has more players on the conveyor belt that will be interesting first team manager Liam Daish and his number two, Alan Kimble.

“It’s great to see either Alan Kimble or Liam Daish watching as well because there’s some talented players who hopefully can emulate your John Akinde’s,” said Docker.

“We’ve got a few, I don’t want to name names because when I was a youth team, playing many, many years ago, my name was mentioned a couple of times and it went to my head.

“There’s times you feel you’ve played really well and the manager hasn’t mentioned you and as a young lad that can be at times detrimental.

“We’ve got a very good set of players here. I’d like to think there’s three or four that can impress the gaffer and hopefully get a contract at the end of the season.”

Entrance to Stonebridge Road will be via the away turnstiles at the car park end. Admission prices are just £4 (adults) and £2 (concessions).

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering this game.

Visit Ebbsfleet United’s website: www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk

Ebbsfleet United v Tonbridge Angels
FA Youth Cup (Sponsored by E.ON) Second Qualifying Round
Wednesday 8^th October 2008
Kick Off 7:30pm
At Stonebridge Road, Northfleet, Kent DA11 9GN