Soccer Shorts: Folkestone Invicta fans contribute towards Scott Heard's transfer fee

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AFC CROYDON ATHLETIC manager Antony Williams says his side are getting to grips with life in the Southern Counties East Football League.

The Rams were knocked out of The FA Vase in a First Round Replay on Wednesday night, losing 6-3 away to Beckenham Town after extra time.

Williams hailed his side “magnificent” after playing without a goalkeeper after Dan Burnett was sent off for a professional foul inside the opening five minutes.  Striker Louis Blake came off the bench to play in goal and was at fault for four of Beckenham’s goals.

Burnett took to Twitter to apologise for his rush of blood for rushing out of his penalty box to bring down Jamie Humphries which resulted in a red card.

He said: “Want to say a massive sorry to everyone involved in the club from chairman to manager to players.”

The Thornton Heath based club are sitting in thirteenth-place in the table with 15 points from 12 games and Williams said he is pleased with his club’s debut season.

Williams said: “We didn’t know too much about the Kent sides.  As a player I knew a little bit about it. Kent sides came up and acquitted themselves well in the Ryman League during my time at Merstham.

“We’ve played some of the big sides (this season) and acquitted ourselves pretty well.  We had a little blip a few weeks ago but apart from that we’re starting to get to grips with it and I think we’ll be fine. We’ll be comfortable midtable, I think.”

Williams revealed that the club are running without a playing budget.

He said: “We’ll be ok in this league, considering we’re up against sides with money and we are a side with no money, not a penny. The boys play for nothing.”

BECKENHAM TOWN face a race against time to bring in another goalkeeper ahead of their local derby at Holmesdale tomorrow.

Lewis Moore was withdrawn at half-time complaining of chest pains during Wednesday night’s FA Vase First Round Replay against local rivals AFC Croydon, which Beckenham Town won 6-3 after extra time.

Jamie Turner took the gloves after the break but is expected to return to right-back, if selected, for tomorrow’s trip to Oakley Road.

“I think Jason (Huntley) was making a call to see how Lewis was in hospital but it’s not looking good for us for a goalkeeper for Saturday,” said coach Jason Clews.

“We’ll probably have a hunt around and we should have one but I don’t think Jamie Turner will be in goal for that one.”

Holmesdale are now managed by former Beckenham player Byron Beard, the former manager of Kent Invicta League side Orpington.

Clews said: “One of our former players is manager there.  We played them a few weeks ago in the Cup, which I was away for so I didn’t see that game.

“What we want to do is continue our run. We’re doing well in the league. The FA Vase is a bonus for us.”

Beckenham Town are in the top seven in the Southern Counties East Football League table with 20 points from 12 games, 12 points adrift of leaders Hollands & Blair.

“We’re looking forward to hopefully three points on Saturday. We’re looking at the table and I think other teams are taking notice of our run. We’re in good form at the moment.”

CHIPSTEAD are seeking a new reserve team manager, who are currently unbeaten in the Sevenoaks League.

The applicant will work closely with first team management with both teams sharing the same excellent playing and training facilities. 

All CV’s/enquiries should be sent to first team manager Lee Roots by email chipsteadfc1936@gmail.com.Chipstead FC require a Manager/Coach for their Reserve Team, who are currently unbeaten and top Sevenoaks Div 1. Applicant will work closely with First Team Management, with both teams sharing the same excellent playing and training facilities. All CVs/enquiries to Lee Roots or email chipsteadfc1936@gmail.com

DOVER ATHLETIC Academy manager Mike Sandmann was proud of his players after being knocked out of The FA Youth Cup by Millwall in the First Round.

The Lions progressed through to the next round with a 2-0 win over at The Den on Tuesday night.

“The players should be proud of their performance. We created a good chance early on and who knows what could have happened if we took advantage of that,” said Sandmann.

“It’s great exposure for the players to play in front of a good crowd at The Den and attracting other professional clubs to come and watch them.

“We asked them to compete and play with confidence and freedom and I think we did that, especially in the first half.

“The second half I thought Millwall showed their superior pace and power and their sharpness caused us a lot of problems.

“It’s disappointing to concede from a set-piece but that’s how it goes.

“After the disappointment of the result I think we will reflect on a great achievement to reach the first round. It shows how far we have come as a group and I really think we gave Millwall a tough night at times making them work for their win.

“The players now know the standard and will take a lot away from the game in terms of their development.

“The whole FA Cup experience has been great for the lads and have been given the exposure they deserve.  We have a great set of lads that are desperate to improve and develop in their football journeys.”

Meanwhile, Chris Kinnear’s first team host Stourbridge in The FA Cup First Round tomorrow and Jack Parkinson is relishing the chance for the Vanarama National League highflyers to progress into the Second Round.

“Looking forward to the game. Were on a great run and hoping we can take this into Saturday’s game,” said Parkinson.

“They will be a good side, very experienced and are at this stage on merit so we will have to be on top of our game but confident that  if we are we will have enough to get through.”

FOLKESTONE INVICTA supporters have contributed towards the undisclosed transfer fee that the club have paid Whitstable Town for highly-rated midfielder Scott Heard.

The club’s board of directors would like to publically thank Clive Arnold chairman of the Supporters Club and associate director Paul Morgan for their donations, which have covered the transfer fee.

Director Cliff Egan told www.folkestoneinvictafc.com:  “The board is extremely grateful for the support from our magnificent supporters who - through their regular fundraising efforts including the weekly Golden Goals and 50/50 draw tickets, plus quizzes and other initiatives - have given the club the ability to bring in a player who our manager feels can help the club in its quest for success this season.” 

Mr Egan himself was very much involved in the introduction of our main shirt sponsor Paul Morgan, which has been a real asset to the club this season.

Mr Egan said: “Paul’s support has been instrumental in providing the much improved playing surface and his generous gesture of paying £10 towards of the cost of the first 30 shirts purchased by our fans was, I know, also very much appreciated.

“I believe he has also something up his sleeve for supporters in the run up to Christmas - more to come on this in the coming weeks.

"I was recently been asked by several supporters if they could contribute towards the transfer fee, which, of course they can.

“But please make any donations to Folkestone Invicta FC Supporters Club to replenish their funds, either through Paypal or by giving a cheque or cash to Clive Arnold at Saturday's game.

“Or they can pop into the Club Shop at this or any future match where Colin Ashman will gratefully receive your donation.

“Again can I, both personally and on behalf of the Chairman and the Board - thank our terrific supporters for their continuing generosity."

HYTHE TOWN coach Will Graham has praised manager Clive Cook for the club’s upturn in form.

The Cannons travel to Corinthian-Casuals tomorrow sitting in sixteenth-place in the Ryman League Division One South table with 23 points from 18 games, 13 points clear of the relegation zone.

“We go into tomorrow’s game, eleven days since our last game when we beat a strong Herne Bay side 2-0 away,” said Graham.

“We are also frustrated that we have no league game next Saturday as Hastings progressed in The FA Trophy.

“Our recent good run of form makes us want to play at every opportunity we get. However, taking the positives from time off has given us time to go out and watch games and cast our eyes over some potential targets as well as scout upcoming opposition.

“I personally went to watch Corinthian-Casuals last week where they won very convincingly, 4-1 against Redbridge in The FA Trophy.

“We go into tomorrow’s game against an in-form Corinthian-Casuals knowing we will have to be at our best to take anything away with us.

“Since being at the club we have played three and won three, scoring eight and conceding no goals.

“The lads have been excellent and welcomed me straight in. I used to play with a few of them and it’s always hard to earn that respect from a new set of lads.  However, the lads have brought straight into my philosophies and long may that continue.

“The praise must go to manager Clive Cook for the team’s recent form. He has been excellent for me personally and also his style of managing is top rate.  Clive has a great manner to his managing and is not scared to make changes or try new methods, which I think is a great attribute for him.”

PHOENIX SPORTS manager Steve O’Boyle says he does not want to stand still this season.

The Barnehurst based club are in the top nine in their inaugural Ryman League Division One North campaign, collecting 26 points from 17 games.

The club were knocked out of The FA Trophy in a First Qualifying Round Replay on Tuesday night. 

Luke Blewden got out of his sickbed to score both goals for Tonbridge Angels at Longmead Stadium on Tuesday night to earn Steve McKimm’s side a home tie against Cirencester Town on 14 November.

“You’ve been following Kent football for ages and you’ve seen how far Phoenix have come to having an FA Trophy replay away to Tonbridge Angels, who were a Conference South side,” said O’Boyle.

“Our club has come on massive amounts. To come to places like this is good for the club and I want more of it! Where we’ve come from to where we are now, I want more of it and let’s hope it happens.

“I can only talk about my time at the club – this is my fourth season – and from my time at the club it’s moved on massive amounts in that short space of time.

“The club’s come a long way. I’m not here to say we’re in the Ryman North now and it all stops. I want to push the club as far as I can. I want to go as far as I can. The moment I start thinking Ryman North is as far as we can go, that’s when you start getting problems and you think you’ve done enough and I can’t be looking down the bottom of the league.

“We’ve got a lot to do. We’re in a hard league. We’ve got to spend a lot more money on the ground in the summer.

“I’ll be honest with you. The club is looking to stabilise over the next couple of years because it’s been madness over the last two or three years and they’re probably hoping we stabilise ourselves but I’m not like that! I’m inpatient and I want to keep on going and we’ll see what happens.”

Phoenix Sports host Witham Town tomorrow and O’Boyle said: "We’re five points off the play-offs. Yes, it will take a major, major push to get in there but I don’t want to rule us out.  I’m very positive and if we can take performances like Saturday and the replay into the Ryman North, I’ll tell you what, we’ll give anyone a game.”

RAMSGATE joint-manager Jim Ward says the club are going in a different direction after releasing a couple of players this week.

Central defender Nick Humphrey and central midfielder Peter Smith have both left Southwood Stadium ahead of the club’s trip to Walton & Hersham tomorrow.

“Last week was the first midweek that we have not had a game since the season has started,” said Ward.

“I know the players are all fit young lads but we are pleased to have the opportunity to get them in Monday and Wednesday for mostly relaxation and stretching exercises – and a little bit of fitness and some set pieces. It was good fun getting them back on the training pitch.

“People might think it strange, sitting fifth in the Ryman South to let two of the top players go – but Danny and I have sat down and yes it was a very tough call because both Humphs and Smudger are not only good pros, good players and just good lads to boot.

“But we have such faith in the young lads in our area we feel that we owe it to these young lads to give them their opportunity.

“It does not mean that we have given up striving to get to the play-offs, just trying to get there via a different direction.

“So if you think you are good enough to compete at the top end of the Ryman South, please get in touch with us.”

THAMESMEAD TOWN manager Terry Spillane says he’s expecting a tough game against struggling Haringey Borough tomorrow.

The Mead travel to Coles Park sitting in eighth-place in the Ryman League Division One North table on 30 points from 16 games, while the north London outfit are rooted to the foot of the table with one win and four draws from their 17 league games on their debut season at this level.

“Obviously expecting a tough, physical game and we have reminded the players that they need to be prepared for that,” said Spillane.

“It’s a game that Haringey will look at and think to themselves that they’ve got a chance to pick up some much needed points for themselves.

“From our point of view we need to get some momentum going and pick up as many points as possible if we are to be in the play-off positions come Christmas time, which is our target for this season.

“We have signed three players this week, a striker, winger and centre midfielder as I thought we needed to freshen things up a bit and create a bit more competition for places in the starting eleven.

“I’m sure a couple of them will feature in the game tomorrow and hopefully it gives us a boost.”

VCD ATHLETIC have pulled out of the London Senior Cup owing to safety fears.

The Crayford based club were due to welcome Essex Senior League outfit Clapton to Oakwood next Tuesday but have decided to pull out after crowd trouble marred Clapton’s pre-season friendly at Thamesmead Town, which was abandoned due to crowd trouble.

Manager Keith McMahon explained the reason behind the exit, posting on Twitter, “Because we couldn’t take the risk of what happened at Thamesmead Town happening.”