Foley expects tough opener at Wells

VCD ATHLETIC have four players unavailable for their opening Bulmers Cider Kent League game at Tunbridge Wells on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

Winger Chris Hubbard (holiday), striker Juan Ramirez (holiday), midfielder Gary Ward (knee) and new signing from Maidstone United, winger Nick Hegley (ankle) have all been ruled out for the Culverden Stadium clash.

“You could say we are a bit depleted for the opening game, which is disappointing,” Vickers’ boss Paul Foley told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“But we will get on with it and hopefully put in a good performance, which is what every team is hoping to do after five, six, seven weeks hard work during pre-season training.”

Foley, who's club have finished runners-up for the last two seasons, expects a tough opening game at Culverden Stadium against Mike Robbins’ side, who are targeting the top six this season.

“Away to Tunbridge Wells is always a difficult game, so I won’t be expecting anything different this season,” said Foley.

“Many people have tipped the Wells to be up there at the end of the season and their late season form last year would back up those claims so maybe we aren’t the favourites for a change!”

Talking about favourites, VCD Athletic are always mentioned by rival managers, when they’re asked which sides they think will be challenging for the title.

And Foley said: “We are hoping to give another good account of ourselves and there are a number of targets that we have set ourselves within the dressing room.

“Hopefully we will hit all or most of those targets and who knows where we will end up?

“Our squad definitely has some exciting players in it this year and is even stronger than last years so if nothing else we should be good to watch!

“The one good thing about playing the Wells early is that the pitch should be in good condition as it does tend to get very boggy late on in the season when we normally have to play them, so I am hoping for a good game of football between the two sides.”

Foley added: “We are all chomping at the bit down at Oakwood and the club is looking in fine shape on and off the pitch. It should be an exciting season, so roll on 3pm Saturday.”

Visit VCD Athletic’s website:  www.vcd-athletic.co.uk

Visit Tunbridge Wells’ website: www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk

Tunbridge Wells v VCD Athletic
Bulmers Cider Kent League
Saturday 9^th August 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Culverden Stadium, Culverden Down, Tunbridge Wells