I really believe Faversham will make the play-offs this season, says Folkestone boss Neil Cugley

NEIL CUGLEY says he was both relieved and delighted after he sent out an unchanged Folkestone Invicta side for Tuesday night’s first home Ryman League game of the season, against Kent rivals Faversham Town at Cheriton Road.

Cugley had been less than happy with his side’s performance at Three Bridges on Saturday, where only a very late goal from Ian Draycott spared Invicta’s blushes as they struggled to shoulder the burden of expectation and of being made Ryman League Division One South favourites by some bookmakers.

Cugley told www.folkestoneinvictafc.co.uk: “We were pretty bad on Saturday – maybe only Micheal Everitt played anything like as well as the standard I expect from this squad.

“But if I’d changed one or two for Tuesday. I could have changed half a dozen or more and we don’t have quite that sort of numbers to play with.”

It all paid off, however, as goals from Draycott and strike partner Paul Booth eventually proved enough despite Luke Harvey pulling a goal back for the visitors and Folkestone ran out 2-1 winners.

Cugley said: “Faversham are a helluva good side.  “They’ve gone close for several years now, but I really believe they‘ll make the play-offs this season.”

There was special praise for goalkeeper Tim Roberts who pulled off several fine saves to preserve Folkestone’s lead and secure all three points for the victory.

“I thought both keepers were excellent,” said Cugley.

“Their game is all about crosses into the box and piling on the pressure at corners and Tim dealt with everything they threw at him.

“Fortunately their keeper (Simon Overland) was the busier and we always just about had the edge.”

Folkestone Invicta welcome Tooting & Mitcham United to Cheriton Road on Saturday.

“They finished last season quite strongly and have kept most of the players they had then, so I’m not expecting it to be easy,” said the Folkestone manager.
 
Player-coach Roland Edge, who has started both games so far, is best man at a wedding so Darren Smith returns after missing the first two fixtures and is expected goes straight back into midfield with Nat Blanks probably dropping back to replace Edge at full-back.

Chris Elliott also missed the win over Faversham through work commitments, but is likely to be handed a place on the bench.

Youngster Jordan Wright picked up an ankle injury playing for Kent Invicta League side Lydd Town last weekend but could undergo a fitness test.

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

Folkestone Invicta  v  Tooting & Mitcham United
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 16^th August 2014
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Cheriton Road, Folkestone, Kent CT19 5JU