We have to try and get through for the FA Cup finances, says Folkestone Invicta boss Neil Cugley

FOLKESTONE INVICTA boss Neil Cugley says four of his players returning to face their former club in the FA Cup tomorrow adds extra spice to the game.



Goalkeeper Jack Delo, defender Liam Dickson, midfielder Darren Marsden  and striker Stuart King have played for Herne Bay before and the quartet will be in the squad against the newly-promoted side in the Preliminary Round showdown at Winch’s Field.

Folkestone Invicta have made their intentions known early, winning their first two games in the Ryman League Division One South, with wins over Worthing and Sittingbourne.

Reflecting on the opening week, Cugley said: “Two different games in the sense of first one in terms of the hot weather, maybe we were a bit fortunate but pleased we got the win.

“It’s never easy going to Sittingbourne and win. Over the years we haven’t done well in that fixture so we’re pleased with that.

“It’s a very difficult pitch as well as people know so delighted to come away with a win and a clean sheet.

“We defended really well second half and to be fair to Sittingbourne they changed their tactics, went a bit more physical and put the ball forward early and tested us out. Good luck to them.”

Cugley watched his home-town club Hythe go down to a late 1-0 defeat to Herne Bay side on Tuesday night.

Cugley said: “I went to watch them during the week and they worked very hard.  They frustrated Hythe, broke away and scored and they’ll do fairly similar to us really.”

Looking forward to the game tomorrow, Cugley said: “Kent derby as well so it will liven things up. It’s a nice big pitch – that always helps to play good football.

“We’ve got Jack Delo, Kingy and Marsden, who have all played for Herne Bay and even Liam Dickson went on loan there a few years ago, so I’m sure we’ve got people who want to do well.

“Added spice? I think so! If you’ve got anything about you as a player, Jack and Kingy live over that way so hopefully they will want to show what good players they are.”

FA Cup veteran Cugley knows the importance of going on a decent FA Cup run.  Whoever wins tomorrow will not only bag the Kentish bragging rights, but more importantly £1,750 in prize money.

“I’m afraid it’s really become that the FA Cup and the FA Trophy of the FA vase or whatever you’re in, has become more and more important really,” said Cugley.

“In some ways it’s a shame because when I was at Ashford it was more about the glory about getting there and now it’s about the finances.

“All club’s need the money.  Unless you’re lucky that you’ve got an owner of a club with a few bob we all have to (struggle to make ends meet).

“We can’t really cut back much more at Folkestone now.  We don’t run a reserve side now. We’ve got a squad of eleven so how far do you cut it? You have to try and keep going with what you’ve got.

“The finances are important that we try and get through.

“Herne Bay always try to play football. They’ve always been a good footballing side.

“They get stuck in and everything else but they do try to play football and I expect it to be a good game.

“Last Saturday wasn’t a particularly good game. I thought there weren’t many because of the weather. It was so horrifically hot.  Hopefully players can enjoy it a bit better and get the ball back and play a bit better.”

Cugley has so many fond memories of the FA Cup and he wants to replicate leading Folkestone Invicta to the First Round, like he did in 2005 when they lost 2-1 to then Football League outfit Chester City.

Folkestone went into the half-time break in the lead, courtesy of defender Adam Flanagan, but were left heartbroken but proud at the final whistle.

“Best competition in the world, isn’t it?  There will be somebody in non-league going somewhere in the First Round or Second Round.  Believe me it’s a great thing.

“As a player I was lucky to play in a few first and second round ties and obviously at Ashford we managed to play teams like Fulham and Watford.

“I’d never be a good enough manager to play against those teams every day of the week.  When it comes it’s great. It’s something that you’ve got to dream about.

“Not so long ago Gravesend & Northfleet (now Ebbsfleet United), when they weren’t as big as they are now, were playing Aston Villa and even when Folkestone went to Chester it was a great day. It was really enjoyable. It’s a great competition, absolutely brilliant.

“When you get knocked out it really does hurt.  It doesn’t matter what stage of the Cup you get knocked out of it’s not a very nice feeling.

“I suppose if you had the experience of it then you want it again and I think it’s important that the lads that I’ve got at the club get that opportunity to play in one of those big games. They’ll love it and they’ll strive to have that again.”

Visit Folkestone Invicta’s website: www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk

Herne Bay  v  Folkestone Invicta
The FA Cup with Budweiser Preliminary Round
Saturday 25^th August 2012
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Winch’s Field, Stanley Gardens, Herne Bay, Kent CT6 5SG