There's no reason why we can't beat the league leaders, says Cugley

Ian Jenkins' men went three points clear at the top of the Ryman League Division One South table, following their 1-0 win at Walton & Hersham in midweek, although long-time leaders Kingstonian, now in second place, have three games in hand.

Incidentally the Seasiders went to Walton last week and came back victorious 2-0 but football is a fickle game and one week’s winners are often next week’s losers in a League which has sprung more than its fair share of surprises already this season.

Cray boast a number of “big names” on the non league circuit and perhaps the most familiar to Invicta fans will be Leigh Bremner.

Bremner left the club at the end of last season and following what was renowned as a big money move to Carshalton Athletic, he has returned to former club Cray.

Manager Neil Cugley, speaking to www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk said: “Brems is a good player and a right handful so it will be a good test for the lads at the back as he’ll want to come down and do well so we need to look after him."

Speaking about their away game against Corinthian-Casuals last weekend, which ended in a 1-1 draw, Cugley said, "I thought they weren’t a bad side and their two up front caused our centre halves some problems and I think in some ways that was the hardest game they’ve had.

“I thought their goal looked quite a way offside and it was disappointing that got given but we got a great goal back with a quality free kick from Smithy.

“Second half I felt we dominated it really but just couldn’t get a goal. We had two or three half chances but along with Ratty going off early, JV then had to go off with an injury and a few of the injuries we’ve had to carry lately started to tell I think so in the end I was quite happy with a draw. Overall, we were the better side with the better chances.”

Cugley had someone watching Cray in action on Tuesday night as he travelled to Tonbridge the watch Folkestone’s second string in League Cup action. Promising youngsters Billy Swallow and Jon Driscoll both took part in the action.

“Both of them played well and Jon came off with about a quarter of an hour to go with a knock on the head. He had already scored and had a good free kick saved. Billy looked fit after being away and I’m pleased with what I saw. There were also a couple of others that didn’t look too bad either.”

Driscoll will be assessed by physio's in training, along with several of Invicta’s walking wounded.

There was relief all round that the Seasiders didn’t have to play a midweek match with Liam Dickson (leg), Kieron Byrne (knee), Josh Vincent (calf), James Everitt (hamstring) and Jimmy Jackson (back) all struggling.

Captain Jimmy Dryden was duly credited with soldiering through on Saturday after experiencing a foot injury before the match.

And Cugley said, “Dicko, Byrnesy, Vincent and Jacko will all see the physios in training along with Jon Driscoll. Late fitness tests for the quintuple are likely although with lady luck onside all should be able to play but one player certain to be out will be James Everitt who is likely to be sidelined for a few weeks.

“We should also have Billy Swallow and Joe Neilson in the squad again. Joe was tied up with work last weekend so we decided to take Dan Garrity and let Joe get a game with the reserves as he hasn’t played much. To be fair, Dan has come on and done quite well for us despite being played out of his usual position (striker) at right wing back and he didn’t let us down.

“Jon (Driscoll) got almost a full game coming on for Ratty and he was a big factor in me going up to Tonbridge. Again, he’s a lad that if he gets stronger and learns his game, we ease him in and people don’t put too much pressure on him, I think with a good pre season in him he could be a good player. In training he is a very good finisher – one of the best in the club – and forwards don’t come round that often!”

The Seasiders travelled to Hayes Lane at the end of October last year, immediately following the departure of several of their summer signings when the wage budget was frozen due to financial constraints. Dryden planted a wonder header past Glen Knight as Invicta took a deserved lead.

“They are very experienced with a lot of quality players who are well known in non league football,” said Cugley. ”If they don’t win the League then they’ll definitely be in the play offs and they were always going to be one of the better sides being well financed. It will be a real test for our young players.

“When we went up there I thought we played ever so well and Jimmy D got a great header and it was just their experience that saw us off I think. But that was at a time when the likes of Burchy and JV were only just getting involved.

“There’s no reason why our young lads can’t show how they’ve kicked on since and these players need to be tested to see how they handle these matches. There will be no pressure on them as they can only go out there and do their best”.

In addition to the Red Nose festivities, this Saturday also marks the culmination of the gaffer’s “pound for a pound” sponsored weight loss. Depending on his Gills commitments, Scott Lindsey may make a return to the Buzzlines Stadium to conduct the final weigh in having started Cugs off on the challenge.

The manager jokily admitted “not drinking very much and eating not very nice food” hadn’t been easy but having lost over 1.5 stones already and with sponsors pledging over £1,000, it has been well worthwhile and regardless of whether he reaches the 2 stone milestone at the weekend, he intends to complete the challenge. With sponsors pledging by each pound lost, the few days remaining could make all the difference!

Article courtesy of www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk

Folkestone Invicta v Cray Wanderers
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 7^th March 2009
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Buzzlines Stadium, Cheriton Road, Folkestone, Kent CT19 5JU