Play-offs are a realistic ambition, says Cugley

FOLLOWING a successful pre season campaign Invicta boss Neil Cugley declared his side fit and ready for the rigours of Ryman Division One South, with Dulwich Hamlet the visitors to Cheriton Road on Saturday afternoon, writes Tom Marchant.

 

The significance of pre season results is minimal but Folkestone's five victories out of eight and a number of impressive performances will surely provide a confidence boost in what promises to be a demanding start to the League campaign.

“We've had a tremendous pre season” declared Cugley, when speaking to www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk.  

“The fitness levels look good and some of the football we have been playing has been very pleasing to see.

“Looking back over the results and sides we have played, I think generally we have done as well as could be expected. We've beaten the teams of lesser standards, beaten one of the same standard, held Hastings and we were very unlucky to lose against Dartford who are a side who I think will be right up there in the Premier this season.”

Captain Jimmy Dryden is feeling the effects of a knee injury incurred against Hastings and a specialist was due to see the club's record goal scorer at training last night along with Liam Dickson (knee ligaments).

“We hope to know more about the injuries to both players after they've seen the specialist,” said Cugley.

“I don't think Liam is too far away and he could be in the squad Saturday. Jimmy D is a bit more of a worry and it depends how quickly the swelling goes down so we need to see how he responds to treatment.

“You never know with Jimmy, he's a strong lad and a good one for recovering from injuries as he has proved before and he'll want to be out there Saturday.

“Dicko has been involved in light training but nowhere near full intensity. He's a strong, battling lad but he's a couple of weeks away from being fully fit and if you're a defender throwing yourself into tackles and you've got a bad knee it's not going to do you any favours.”

In Dickson's absence the gaffer hinted he may keep faith with the same system he has experimented with during pre season.

Goalkeeper Paul Egan makes his return to Folkestone and is set to take his place on the bench with Kieron Mann currently at Hythe Town.

Cugley reiterated the need for his side to create and score more goals this campaign and by bringing in Yianni and Corey he hopes his side can fire in the goals they need to mount a successful challenge for the play off reaches of Ryman One South.

“With Dicko's injury we had to change things about but we've been trying to work out how we can get more goals and get more players forward. It's no secret that our goals for column is very poor and whilst the goals against hasn't really been a problem over the years, we have been relying on people like Dryden to deliver.

“We need goals from other areas and we need to be more attacking. I think last season we were forced into being a more workmanlike side as when so many players left we were reduced to the bare minimum and we had to go with a system to suit. That's why I'm pleased we've got Yianni and Corey in, as alongside Jim you've now got three experienced forward players.”

After taking on Dulwich at the weekend, the Seasiders make the trip to Eastbourne Town – one of two lengthier away trips next week with Fleet Town the opponents next weekend.

“It's a very difficult start,” said Cugley.  “Dulwich have revamped their whole team and have signed some decent players.

“They're a big club at this level with a good catchment area for players and it will be a really good test for us early on. I certainly think our players are up for it after enjoying pre season and they are raring to go.

“We won't fear them but we will give them some respect as they are a side who will be up there come the end of the season. Eastbourne, like ourselves, had a really good latter part of the season and got quite a way up the League and they are progressing.

“I'm delighted with the side I have got and if we can get settled down off the pitch then we could have a really good season. We have no reason to fear anyone in this league.

“If we can keep this squad together and keep plugging away I think play offs are a realistic ambition and I don't consider myself as a manager who likes to lose matches!

“That is my aim and it will be hard work but I believe we are capable. The squad isn't costing a great deal of money, we've got a good team spirit with players that want to be at the club and it'd be a great shame if any of that had to change.”

Article courtesy of www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk

Folkestone Invicta  v  Dulwich Hamlet
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 15^th August 2009
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Cheriton Road, Folkestone, Kent CT19 5JU