We're getting better, insists Farnie - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Martin Farnie, the highly-rated manager of Tunbridge Wells, believes his side will start climbing off the foot of the Kent League table, writes Stephen McCartney.

Despite being knocked out of the FA Carlsberg Vase yesterday, losing 3-0 at rivals VCD Athletic, Wells, who have picked up just a win and two draws from their first 11 league games, took the Crayford side all the way.

Much-travelled striker Leroy Huggins broke the deadlock ten minutes into the second half after the visiting side snubbed out Vickers’ playmakers and prolific strike partners Huggins and Richard Sinden.

VCD Athletic substitute Steve Taylor scored a controversial second goal after 73 minutes before Huggins slotted home his fifth goal for his new club inside stoppage time for a flattering third.

Farnie admitted EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk after the game that he is getting sick of hearing comments from people that his side are better than their league position suggests.

“It doesn’t hurt me, I’m getting a bit sick of it at the moment,” the former Dartford coach said.

“But the facts are we’re bottom of the league because we haven’t won enough games of football - simple as that!

“We’ve got some real talented players here and it’s getting better, week in, week out.

“Give us another three or four months, I think we’ll be flying. We’re flying at the moment but we just can’t score - we’ll be allright!”

Farnie’s men could sneak into the last eight of the Kent League Cup if they beat Thamesmead Town at Culverden Stadium on Wednesday night, and Beckenham Town avoid defeat against Keith McMahon’s side seven days later.

“I’m going to put my best, strongest side out,” said Farnie.

Farnie is expected to have Justin Shea, 16, at the heart of his defence against Thamesmead Town on Wednesday night.

The highly-rated defender was forced to play for Tunbridge Wells’ Grammar School in Sevenoaks on Saturday morning instead of travelling to Crayford for a more important FA Carlsberg Vase tie.

Wayne Balmer (foot) is also expected to be drafted into the squad as the Wells aim to improve on their abject display at Bayliss Avenue, during their 2-0 defeat on 2^nd November.

Farnie added: “I think we can get a result against Thamesmead if we play the right way and show the appetite and desire we did today.”

Farnie revealed Dartford striker James Carter is expected to be at Culverden Stadium for a month as he builds up his match fitness following his operation.

Visit club websites:

www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk

www.thamesmeadtownfc.co.uk

Tunbridge Wells v Thamesmead Town
Kent League Cup Group D
Wednesday 22^nd November 2006
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Culverden Stadium, Culverden Down, Tunbridge Wells