Foley learns from opening day defeat

Monday 17th August 2009

DESPITE losing 2-0 to much fancied Northwood in their opening fixture in the Ryman League, it could be argued that the result went to form, but VCD Athletic manager Paul Foley saw plenty of positives despite the result, writes Jeff Perkins.

“We got beat by a good side who are making a push for the title and we have only just come into the league,” Foley told www.vcd-athletic.fc.co.uk

“I would not be surprised to see them right up the top of the table come May and I reckon they are going to put a few goals past some sides.

“All things considered we did alright, we had the second longest journey possible against one of the top sides so it was a tough introduction to the league.

“There were plenty of things to take from the game and we could have come away with a draw if Alfie or Uche's headers had gone in or if the ref had decided to blow for a penalty for a foul on Uche having put it in his mouth ready to blow!

“They had a go at us early on, we conceded a very soft goal on 10 minutes from a corner when James Tedder had his arms held by their lad but we didn't capitulate and we came back into the game well.

“We pushed for an equaliser and had a good spell towards the end of the 2nd half but gifted them another one from a throw on so for all their possession we gave them two soft ones.”

When asked what could be learned from this defeat that can be used in future games, the former Fisher Athletic midfielder Foley replied, “Plenty. We knew how they lined up and had some information on them but now we know where they are strong and where they can be exploited.

“It will be a different type of game when we play them at ours that’s for sure.

“We also learned more about our lads too and some of them came through really well. We had two 17 year olds in Uche Ibemere and George Mitchell, one 18 year old in Alfie Harris and one 19 year old in Charlie Burgess on the pitch and they did not look out of place so that is really encouraging.”

Asked when captain Danny Penny, full back Kane Rice and last year's player of the year Gary Cook would be fit, the London born Chartered Surveyor replied, “Both Danny and Gary have only just returned from holidays late in the pre-season schedule but I am sure when they have some minutes under their belt they will be pushing for a starting spot as both were important players for us last year.

“Kane sustained a bad knee injury in the Dartford friendly so he may be missing for a few weeks unfortunately and he was a major player for us last year.

“The squad is even more competitive than it was last year though so it is not going to be easy for anyone returning to the squad.”

Looking ahead to tomorrow night’s home game against current Ryman League Cup holders Tilbury, the former double winning Maidstone United captain said, “Before Saturday we had not lost a game for 17 games and there is no shame in losing that record to Northwood.

“It is ideal that we can go straight into another game with some of the things from Saturday still fresh in the mind.

“We should have a couple more players getting closer to full fitness and we will have another go at getting off the mark. I have a feeling that the lads will be fired up and take heart from Saturday's game.”

The visit of Tilbury is followed by a visit from another Essex side, Concord Rangers next Saturday, 22nd August.

And Foley said: “The home games will be great for the club as the people behind the scenes can enjoy the occasion and be proud of all the hard work and effort put in over the years.

“For us though it won't be anything different to be honest and we will be looking to get the results we are looking for.

“The game is still played on the same size pitch with a round leather ball unless I have missed something in the Ryman Handbook but I did only read the first page! Its definitely not a page-turner!'

When asked about his expectations for the new season Foley continued, “I have never been one for making bold predictions and I am not going to start now!

“As ever we will have our own targets in terms of league position, clean sheets, goal targets and so on but we don't make those public as you are just asking for trouble.

“We will keep it within the dressing room as that policy has worked so far. Whatever happens this season we will give it a really good go as we have in the last two seasons. We are all looking forward to it immensely.”

Article courtesy of www.vcd-athletic.co.uk

VCD Athletic v Tilbury

Ryman League Division One North

Tuesday 18th August 2009

Kick Off 7:45pm

At Oakwood, Old Road, Crayford, Kent DA1 4DN