Kent rivals' bid to bank the much-needed loot

Wednesday 09th September 2009

BOTH Neil Cugley and Gary Abbott are looking forward to Saturday’s FA Cup first qualifying round all-Kent showdown at Cheriton Road, writes Stephen McCartney.

Folkestone Invicta go into the clash sitting proudly at the summit of the Ryman League Division One South table, as Cugley’s unbeaten charges kept their fourth consecutive clean sheet during their comfortable 3-0 home win over Horsham YMCA last weekend.

In fact, Jamie Salvidge, of Eastbourne Town, is the only player to score against Folkestone in competitive football this season, and this record is pleasing Cugley.

“Generally defensively and goalkeeper Jack (Delo) have been outstanding, so hopefully they can continue that,” Cugley told www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight.

Both managers admit though that they are under pressure to bank the prize money of £3,000.

“It’s a great competition isn’t it,” Cugley said. “It has added pressure now on managers, not just for the glory but because of the finances. That’s the difference from a few years ago when I was lucky to have success. The money wasn’t really the motivation as obviously it can be at club’s now.

“We would like to think we’re not desperate (for the prize money), but it will come in handy. Hopefully you’re people in charge aren’t relying on cup money or you would be in problems.”

Sittingbourne boss Abbott, also speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk added, “We’ve got a little bit from the other game so that was handy but it would be nice for the club to get another three grand - it helps!”

Abbott, whose side in 12th place in the Ryman League Division One South table, insists his side go into the Kent derby as underdogs.

“The boys are looking forward to it,” he said. “We’ve spoken about it a lot this week and there’s no pressure on us. The pressure’s on them to beat us so we’ll go over there and put on a good show and hopefully get into the next round.

“Of course it’s going to be tough. I’ve always said whoever you’re playing in our league it’s going to be tough if you’re playing a team that’s top or at the bottom.

“There’s no pressure on us, no-one expects us to go there to win. No-one expects us to do well in the league, like they did last year.”

Cugley’s youngsters have taken advantage of their lengthy pre-season campaign - which started last November when the manager was forced to throw kids in at the deep end when budget cuts saw most of his players jump ship.

“We chucked in players that you wouldn’t have done in normal circumstances at the time,” reflected the long-serving Cugley.

“We didn’t do very well, didn’t win for six or seven games and then slowly they started getting some belief and finished the season not bad and we carried it on in pre-season and now.”

Abbott urges both sets of supporters to flock through the turnstiles and give passionate support.

“Hopefully there will be 300-400 people there,” he said. “Everyone’s looking forward to it. You can’t beat getting into the next round of the FA Cup - playing in any round really.

“To get into the next round of the FA Cup is going to be a big ask for some of the boys but it’s possible. There’s no pressure on us so we’ll go there and try to win the game.”

Sittingbourne go into the game with a league record of two wins and a draw from their opening five league outings.

“We could have had a few more points on the board to be honest with you,” he admitted. “We’re happy with what we’ve done so far but the with the team that I’ve got and the budget that I’ve got, you need a little bit of luck so hopefully we’ll get some luck on Saturday.”

Folkestone stalwart James Everitt has broken a bone in his foot and has been ruled out for at least a month, while Sittingbourne will be without the services of striker Jon Neal, who has a calf strain, although Bradley Spice (back) is likely to feature.

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering this game with Mike Green reporting.

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

Visit Sittingbourne’s website: www.sittingbournefc.co.uk

Folkestone Invicta v Sittingbourne

FA Cup (Sponsored by E.ON) First Qualifying Round

Saturday 12th September 2009

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Cheriton Road, Folkestone, Kent CT19 5JU