Oakwood pitch "caked in snow" - Kent Senior Cup last eight draw

Although “very disappointed” that tomorrow’s FA Carlsberg Vase fifth round home tie against Bideford Town was postponed earlier today, VCD Athletic boss Martin Ford admitted next Saturday’s re-arranged game at the Oakwood holds greater significance, writes Stephen McCartney.

By the time both sides take to the field next Saturday, they will know their opponents in the quarter-finals, and Ford will use that to motivate his side.

“Very disappointed, the whole club, the whole of Kent was geared up for tomorrow and we’re disappointed tomorrow’s off,” Ford said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk, describing the pitch as “caked in snow, absolutely waterlogged - an absolute bog.”

“The knock on affect is we’re playing next Saturday but we’re in the draw on Monday and we’ll know if we’re home or away (in the quarter-finals).

“If we get a home draw next Saturday’s game gets even bigger but whoever we get in the draw we will be happy.”

The Kent League club were today handed a home tie in the Kent Senior Cup quarter-finals when Ryman League Division One South strugglers Ashford Town visit the Oakwood on a date to be arranged.

VCD Athletic defeated Ryman Premier League Margate, although a weakened side, in the last round.

“Fantastic draw for us,” said Ford. “If we was going to get a home draw then Ashford Town was a winnable game but we really think we’ve got a fantastic chance to progress into the semi-finals.”

He added: “I think a home draw is the best draw we could have got.”

Kent Senior Cup Quarter-Final ties:

Tonbridge Angels v Ramsgate

VCD Athletic v Ashford Town

Welling United v Maidstone United

Chatham Town or Dover Athletic v Bromley