Luchford defends playing his team in reserve shocker

ALTHOUGH Faversham Town did not have a match last weekend it had been anything but quiet at Salters Lane, writes Tony Gray.

With the defeat at Norton Sports a fortnight ago a distant nightmare, it now means that with three home games in eight days, the club can start back to winning ways again.

Joint-manager Justin Luchford, speaking to www.favershamtownfc.co.uk, said the defeat at Winch’s Field was "disappointing" but believes the players are stronger for it.

"As long as we learn this time and don't make the same mistakes again then we can put it to bed,” said Luchford.

“It's gone now, the lad's are working hard, we have discussed it and we now need to move on quickly to the triple header."

Following that defeat, the manager decided to play a few of the first teamers in last Saturdays reserve match to keep their match fitness but not all welcomed this.

The club’s fans’ forum was less than complimentary to seeing a greatly changed side and to compound matters, the performance was poor and the result was worse, losing at home 4-1 against Holmesdale.

"I knew the fans would give a backlash to me deciding to play first team players in the reserves and this is not ideal, nor was the performance" said Luchford.

"I have already lost 2 Saturdays so far this season and I couldnt afford to lose another one.

"They are fit but match fitness goes quite quickly at this level and so that is why a lot of them played Saturday. However, it was a poor performance and the lads are aware of that. They will apologise to the reserve lads in training on Thursday for the result. But it did serve it's purpose.

"Whether people like it or not, unfortunately that is what a reserve side is for. You use it to bring players back, look at youngsters and if required give the first teamers some much needed fitness.

"I have been a reserve manager and I know it is hard but that is the way it is at every club. John (Goodwin) is doing a great job and my lads let him down on Saturday and they will be told that.

"It's gone now, so we both move on. John get's most of his players back involved Tuesday and we play next Saturday and that’s what we must focus on.

"Most of the players that played on Saturday volunteered to play as they wanted to keep match fitness up. Their attitudes have been spot on and they continue to work hard. A lot of them would have been tired on Saturday as I ran them all including the reserves hard on Thursday. I wouldn't normally, but we can't train Tuesday due to the reserve game and so I didn't want a light session and then nothing for a week."

Next up is Slade Green at Salters Lane on Saturday followed by Hythe Town on Tuesday evening. Both team are in a rich vein of form at present but Faversham need to bounce back and six points will be just the tonic for all concerned.

"The next few matches are very important for us" said Luchford. "We still have to get close to the target we set for October and we will only do that if we beat both Slade Green and Hythe.

“Slade Green have hit a bit of form going into the game and they will be full of confidence. But we are strong at home in the League and I want that to continue on Saturday. Of course it's not three points guaranteed but it's three points that we will be playing for.

"Hythe will be next after that, and I welcome back my old friend Paul Fisk. This will be the toughest game of the season so far and I am looking forward to it. It will show us how far we have come in the last six months or so. They are strong and league contenders.

"They lost in the cup Saturday, but that will only make them more determined in the league. They have a tough fixture Saturday as well in Erith & Belvedere so it sets up next weeks match nicely. They are playing Wednesday this week against Herne Bay and I will be going to watch that one to give me an idea what to expect."

Currently Faversham have no injury worries and joint manager Jimmy Strouts is also back this week. Loan signing Steve O'Brien will be with the club until at least Christmas but Josh Maasbach has been sent back to Dover Athletic. There maybe an addition to the squad this week, but the management won't know until Thursday morning for definite.

Asked if the manager felt any more pressure now following the fans criticism on the forum than at any other point since taking over, Luchford said: "The fans have their right to give their opinions and I fully respect that. However, I said when we came here that we would work hard and get it right, and that we will.

"We are sixth in the table and in touch with the leaders. Two wins in four days will only enhance that league position. It took us until after Christmas last year to reach double figures and we have them already and could end October with nearly 20 points, so I am fairly happy.

"I was disappointed with the Norton game as I have stated, but overall we are doing ok. I don't feel under any pressure what so ever. We came here to do a job and we have only played seven games in the League this season so there is no need to feel any pressure at this time. In fact, it's quite the opposite. I am excited about the weekend and so are the players. We will be ready or next week.

"For the supporters, I say just stick with us. There will be good times and bad as we progress through the season, but we will be ok. We are nicely placed going into the weekend and everyone seems to be beating everyone. It's a strange old league this year and it will be consistency that wins it. Something we strive to have and hope to get back at the weekend. The support we have is fantastic and we are all working hard at the club to give them the good times."

One last point - Kevin Metcalf has left the club as he has been appointed Lordswood manager. He didn't want to go really but there was a personal friend involved. Everyone at the club wishes him all the best and the management leave the door open here for him at anytime.

Luchford added: "I have spoken to a new first team coach and hope to have him in place at the reserve game on Tuesday. If we can bring him on board it would be a big bonus for the club. A very big bonus."

Salters Lane will by busy for the next week as Slade Green (Saturday), Hythe Town (Tuesday, 21^st October) and Beckenham Town, in the first of a two-legged League Cup tie, visiting.

Article courtesy of www.favershamtownfc.co.uk

Faversham Town v Slade Green
Bulmers Cider Kent League
Saturday 18^th October 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Salters Lane, Faversham, Kent ME13 8ND