Kentish Football 
Jon Neal ready to answer Mark Lane's emergency call
Thursday 23rd September 2010
WHITSTABLE TOWN boss Mark Lane says he faces an injury crisis for Saturday’s FA Cup Second Qualifying Round trip to Canvey Island, writes Stephen McCartney.
The Oystermen travel to the Ryman Premier League outfit sitting third-from-bottom in the Ryman League Division One South table with key players missing.
“Skipper Sam Denley is out of action for maybe four weeks and on Tuesday night, I was missing another four players, things won’t be any better for Saturday, but we just have to get on with it,” a concerned Lane told www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk.
“l will take heart from our performances latter end of last season, for one match we only had the bare eleven players and managed to get a result.
“It looks like this time I will be taking a number of players from Dave Fairclough (reserve team) squad otherwise it might have been just eleven again.
“Fortunately the reserves have no game this Saturday and I will make a decision after speaking to Clint (Gooding) in the next day or so as to who will play.
The reports are that Jon Neal did well again and he’s looking to push his way into the side so we will just have to wait and see.”
Neal, who played in the reserves 2-0 home win over Chatham Town in the Floodlight Trophy in midweek, hopes to play his part at Park Lane after being up-beat about his form after so many knock backs.
“The last time I played two ninety minutes of football back to back was over eighteen months ago,
but I’m feeling good after the two run outs with Dave Furclough’s young side,” he said.
“The game was quick, especially in the first half and it was just what I needed to get my sharpness back.
“Changes of clubs over the last season and a bit, managers coming and going, so all together things just did not work out for me. That and due to some niggling injuries I have not played two consecutive full games for over a year and a half.
“I am feeling strong and enjoying being at the club, everyone managers, all the players, the club just gels and it means we can concentrate on football.
“I want to prove to myself and the supporters that I still have a lot to offer and Mark, (Lane) is straight with all the players.
“I feel as if I am coming into form; my touch is good, I feel I am in the right place at the right time. I’m the sort of guy who just wants to play football, getting fit with the reserves is not a problem, it’s helped me and the reception from the lads has been first class.”
Visit Whitstable Town’s website: www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk
Canvey Island v Whitstable Town
FA Cup (Sponsored by E.ON) Second Qualifying Round
Saturday 25th September 2010
Kick Off 3:00pm
At The Brockwell Stadium, Park Lane, Canvey Island, Essex SS8 7PX
Red Dragon I.T. Ltd