I think there's a bit more to come from us, says VCD Athletic boss Ricky Bennett

VCD ATHLETIC boss Ricky Bennett says there is more to come from his side as he looks forward to tomorrow’s winnable FA Cup tie against Whitstable Town at Oakwood.

Justin Luchford’s Whitstable side have suffered two defeats during the opening week of the Ryman League Division One South season, going down to a 1-0 defeat at Leatherhead and then a 3-2 home defeat to title favourites Maidstone United in midweek.

Vickers are one of three sides that have a 100% record in the Kent League and are three points behind early leaders Erith Town in second place in the table.

Bennett’s side have defeated Beckenham Town (5-1), Cray Valley (2-0), Dorking (4-3 in the FA Cup) and defeated Whyteleafe 2-0 in their last game, courtesy of goals from strikers Billy Shinners and James Duckworth.

Whyteleafe have responded to that by re-signing left-back Steve McNamara from Beckenham Town this week.

Bennett said: “Results wise, good start, played some OK stuff in the games and some not to OK in some of the games so I think there’s a bit more to come from us really, but pleased with the 100% record obviously.”

Bennett says his side remain underdogs in tomorrow’s Preliminary Round clash.

He said: “We are the underdogs, they’re an established Ryman side now. 

“But we’ve done ok in the last couple of years’ against higher-league sides so who knows? Hopefully we can do it again.”

Bennett watched Whitstable’s home defeat to Maidstone United on Tuesday night and knows what to expect from the Kent coast outfit.

He said: “We went to watch them and followed their game last Saturday as well. They’re a tough side, very strong as you’d expect so it’s going to be a very difficult game for us.

“We like the pitch at home so it should go in our favour, but FA Cup days, anything could happen, can’t it?”

The prize money for this round is £1,750 and VCD Athletic already banked £1,000 following their win over Combined Counties League side Dorking two weeks earlier.

Bennett, like every manager, knows the importance of going as far as they can in the greatest Cup competition in the world.

He said: “Not only is it good for me and the players and everyone involved around the club, it’s the money that goes with it.  Obviously teams at our level need every penny you can get so the further we can go the better for everybody really.”

If tomorrow’s game doesn’t end in a draw, VCD Athletic welcome Erith Town for a top-of-the-table clash on Bank Holiday Monday (3pm).

Kent Invicta League neighbours Phoenix Sports, who play just around the corner, have brought forward their league game against Vickers’ tenants Kent Football United to a 1pm kick-off so many people as possible can watch both games.

Tony Russell’s side went three points clear at the top of the table following their 4-0 home win over Holmesdale last Monday and goalkeeper Kevin Fewell, 31, has kept four clean sheets in their opening four league games.

The Dockers are without a FA Cup tie tomorrow, thus missing out on a trip to Faversham Town, after surprisingly going out to Sussex County League side Ringmer at the first hurdle.

Bennett wants to end their neighbours impressive run of form.

He said: “They’re a very good side aren’t they so I’m expecting a really tough game to be honest.  They’re flying at the minute. I don’t think they’ve even conceded a goal in the league yet and they look like they’re scoring for fun.

“We’ve got to get something on Monday without a doubt. It’s not going to be the be all or end all, but it will go a long way in breading confidence and keep us in the right position in the league.

“It should be a decent game and the added bonus for us is that we owe them one. They beat us twice last year, they were the only side that done that so we want to put that right!”

Bennett added: “There’s a hell of a long way to go. I don’t think anyone would be thinking along those lines (of being an early title-decider) in my camp anyway. You can’t do anything about how the fixtures come out. You have to deal with them.

“Every game in the Kent League is a tough one for various differing reasons.

“It’s not ideal in terms that we’ve got a game on Saturday and they’ve got a rest day.

“The squad isn’t that big so it will be a test for everyone involved on Saturday and Monday.”

Visit VCD Athletic’s website: www.vcdathletic.co.uk

VCD Athletic  v  Whitstable Town
The FA Cup with Budweiser Preliminary Round
Saturday 25^th August 2012
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Oakwood, Old Road, Crayford, Kent DA1 4DN