Folkestone Invicta cancel all home warm-up games

Tuesday 06th July 2010

FOLKESTONE INVICTA’S preparations for the new season have been dealt a big blow, writes Stephen McCartney.

Neil Cugley’s side clinched promotion back into the Ryman Premier League following a two-year absence via play-off wins over Leatherhead and Godalming Town at the end of last season, but the club have decided to keep off the Cheriton Road pitch this pre-season to get it back in tip-top condition when the season kicks-off.

Club secretary, Mr Neil Pilcher, has today confirmed that following problems with the re-seeding process, both goalmouths were re-turfed last weekend.

“Having spoken to the people doing the work, it has become apparent that the turfed areas will need to be bedded in for five to six weeks and so we are unable to have any football on it for that time,” said Mr Pilcher.

“Therefore, we have unfortunately had to try to re-arrange our home pre-season games.

“I did get in touch with the club’s concerned, as I was hoping we could perhaps switch venues. Unfortunately Dartford (24 July) are unable to and Ashford (27 July) haven’t yet replied, but the good news is that Ramsgate are able to stage their game with us, so we shall now be visiting them on Tuesday 10 August.

“I shall try and arrange another couple of away games, although as I’m sure you understand by now the majority of clubs now have their pre-season games arranged.

“The club is sorry for any disappointment this may cause but I am sure you can appreciate that it is imperative that the pitch is ready for the start of the League campaign on Saturday 21 August.”

Visit Folkestone Invicta’s website: www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk