The pressure is off us at the moment, says Luchford

IF THERE was ever a way to silence the critics then this was it. A comfortable looking 7-2 away victory for Faversham Town on Saturday was enough to lay to rest a couple of testing weeks at Salters Lane, writes Tony Gray.

Lilywhites manager Justin Luchford and his club have hit the headlines over the past weeks with the Academy problems but those problems were swept aside with a good result and, more importantly, an excellent team performance.

"I was very proud of the lads on Saturday" said Luchford, when speaking to www.favershamtownfc.co.uk, following the destruction of Beckenham for the fourth time this season.

"We have had a tough time in recent weeks on and off the pitch and that performance was up there with the Hythe one.

"People will say that Beckenham are not a great side, but I don't care what anyone says, to score seven away from home against anyone is worth talking about.

"The first thirty minutes I felt we were unplayable. The work rate and some of the build up play was a joy to watch. It could have been more before half time."

There were a lot of positives to come from this game, none more so than regaining confidence for the team.

"Confidence is high, but that comes because of the hard work we carried out" commented Luchford.
"I could afford to bring my strikers off and Dave Soutan, so everyone was able to get a run out pretty much, which was good.

"Three players broke their duck of scoring a goal in Craig Thompson, Ashley Brown and Chris Oyebanjo, I was delighted for them.

Faversham Town have not kept a clean sheet in the league since early November but the gaffer was philosophical about this fact.

"Yes, conceding goals is always disappointing, however, we have to remember that we have a very young back four, apart from captain Lee Shearer, and they are still learning.

“The goals conceded on Saturday were disappointing and we have discussed them and hopefully we won't make the same mistakes again. That is the important thing, I don't mind mistakes as everyone makes them, just as long as we learn by them, which in most cases we do."

With the introduction of new signing Craig Thompson (who has signed from Maidstone United) into the Lilywhite line-up on Saturday, there seemed to be a better balance to the squad and some of the team's burden seems to have been lifted from top scorer Damian Abel's shoulders.

"Bringing someone like Craig in was always important, but I didn't want to bring just anyone in. I have waited a long time for someone like him, and now I have got him,” explained Luchford.

"He is raw, and has a lot to learn, but wants to learn and takes pride in his performance which I respect.

"Damian looked his old self on Saturday and got back doing what he does best, scoring goals. We looked like scoring from all over the pitch and that has been the story all season, everyone has contributed."

Faversham Town ended the game with ten men as defender Jamie Sparks had to come off with a groin problem towards the end of the game, by this time all three substitutes were on the field.

A decision is going to be made prior to tonight’s match to see if he plays against Holmesdale.

"Jamie is playing well at the moment and needs to just believe in himself a little bit more" said the gaffer.

"He could be such a fantastic prospect and could be in my plans for a long time to come, I just hope he can get a little more self belief, as with a lot of my players, I don't think they realise just how good they are."

Following tonight’s match against second placed Holmesdale, Croydon come to the Lane for the first meeting of four between the clubs this season. They have found a little form in recent weeks but have struggled against teams in the top six.

Looking forward to Saturday's match, Luchford said, "Croydon have shown on their day they are a match for anyone. They are a big side and will be dangerous from set pieces. However, we are not small, so I expect us to deal with everything thrown at us.

"To be honest I think it will be a cracking game, they have picked up points and we want to get it right at home, so I am sure it will be entertaining. As always we have to focus on what we do and do our jobs. If we do that then everyone knows what we are capable of.

"I have a fantastic squad and everyone will play a part over the coming weeks."

Asked if he could gauge his up coming League Cup semi-final opponents from this league encounter, Luchford said, "I don't think the Semi will come into it next Saturday. They will be two totally different games.

"Yes we will both find out a little about each other on Saturday, but ultimately over the 180 minutes in the Cup it will be a lot different to a League game. There are games, injuries and suspensions possibly to contend with before then, so I want to concentrate on Saturday."

Currently third in the league and with the semi final prospect, things are looking good for the Salters Lane outfit at present, and the manager was keen to point this out.

"I think we are in a great position to finish where I wanted us to. I said top eight at the start of the season and we are on course for that.

“The pressure is off us at the moment which is great for the lads as we can go out and enjoy ourselves.

"We are too far away to have an impact on the league title, but we will be giving it everything to finish as high as we can.

"The lads know this is a long term plan, if I can keep this squad of players together for the next couple of seasons then who knows where that will take us."

With the worst of the bad weather seemingly out of the way for another winter, the Salters Lane pitch has stood up reasonably well to the usage it has had. However, with a number of games still to be played on it, the ground staff have their work cut out to keep it playable.

"I understand the pitch is ok" said the manager, "there was a Kent game on it last Saturday which was unfortunate as it would have been ideal to leave it alone for a week or so.

"There are a lot of games coming up for both us, the reserves and especially the U18's, so the pitch is going to be tested."

Article courtesy of www.favershamtownfc.co.uk

Faversham Town v Holmesdale
Bulmers Cider Kent League
Tuesday 24^th February 2009
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Salters Lane, Faversham, Kent ME13 8ND