The gap between the Invicta League and Kent League is getting smaller, says Rusthall's Paul McDonagh

RUSTHALL manager Paul McDonagh says he wants his side to take their pre-season form into their league campaign.



The Rustics open their second Invicta League campaign with a home game against last season’s runners-up, Phoenix Sports, at Jockey Farm tomorrow.

McDonagh, who left his coaching role at Ryman League Division One North side Thamesmead Town to take over as Rusthall’s manager, said: “I am pleased with how the pre-season campaign has gone. I had deliberately organised opposition from higher divisions than ourselves. This was to enable me to view all the players playing under difficult opposition and circumstances.

“Overall, I am very pleased with how the players have reacted to the tough games and all the players can be proud of their hard work so far this season.

“We had a great Courier Cup beating Tunbridge Wells 3-1 in the final. I believe the way the team played in the Cup Final is the standard that they can play week in week out. I hope all the players can rise to the occasion throughout the whole season.”

Phoenix Sports, who lost out to the inaugural Kent Invicta League title to Bly Spartans by only a couple of points, are under new management in the form of joint-mangers Steve O’Boyle and Tony Beckingham and have a newly-formed squad.

McDonagh said: “They finished runners-up in the league last year and will be challenging for the title or promotion most definitely this year.

“Saying that we have had a good pre-season and the players have worked very hard for each other and myself.

“I certainly would expect to get something from the game.  Three points being the target.

“I have watched them play in pre-season and will have a plan in place against them. Let’s hope it works.”

When asked what his aspirations are for the season ahead, Sevenoaks resident McDonagh added: “The season ahead will be a definite improvement on last year in my opinion.

“We have five or six new faces from various different clubs in the area including some young players who have come through the youth set-up at the club.

“If the players can maintain the level of performance shown throughout pre-season we will certainly finish in the top half of the table and who knows what else may be on offer.

“Having looked at a few of our opponents during pre-season, I can certainly see improvements of the standard of other clubs in this league.

“The gap between the Invicta League and the Kent League has got smaller most definitely.”

Rusthall finished in the bottom six last season.

Visit Rusthall’s website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/rusthallfootballclub

Rusthall  v  Phoenix Sports
Kent Invicta League
Saturday 11^th August 2012
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Jockey Farm, Nellington Road, Rusthall, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8SH