We're like a wounded animal at the moment so VCD better watch out! warns Justin Luchford

WHITSTABLE TOWN manager Justin Luchford says his side are under huge pressure going into their FA Cup tie away to VCD Athletic on Saturday.


The Oystermen have been defeated by Leatherhead (0-1) and Maidstone United (2-3) in the opening week of the Ryman League Division One South season and have only Walton Casuals below them in the table.

Whitstable Town go into Saturday’s FA Cup Preliminary Round tie knowing they are playing against an in-form Kent Hurlimann Football League outfit.

Ricky Bennett’s side are one of three sides that have a 100% record and are three points behind early leaders Erith Town in second place in the table.

Vickers have defeated Beckenham Town (5-1), Cray Valley (2-0), Dorking (4-3 in the FA Cup) and defeated Whyteleafe 2-0 in their last game, courtesy of goals from strikers Billy Shinners and James Duckworth.

Luchford, who was speaking after last night’s 3-2 home defeat to league title favourites Maidstone United, said: “Make no mistake we are under huge pressure in the Cup at VCD on Saturday, end of story!

“I’m making no bones about it – we have to win Saturday end of story!

“We have to wake up Tuesday morning in the next round and three points on the board after our game with Horsham on Monday!

“And I’ve told the players that – it’s no use running these teams close and then losing by the off goal – it’s not good enough and the players know that!

“We’ll be fired up come Saturday and these boys have earned a win!

“So I say watch out VCD to be honest.  We’re hungry, we’re like a wounded animal at the moment. We’re not down about it, we’re frustrated and we’re hungry to get a win.

“I understand that Ricky (Bennett) was here tonight, which is good because he won’t have taken too much back with him as we won’t be playing that formation Saturday – we did for Maidstone!

“But joking aside, we’ve had them watched twice and know exactly what to expect.  They’re a good footballing side, but the beauty of VCD is that they’ve got a good pitch and that will suit us.  We’ll be ready Saturday.”

The Football Association have confirmed that there is £1,750 each up for grabs for Preliminary Round winners, which is much-needed funds for clubs at this level of the game.

And should the respective games avoid draws on Saturday, the Whitstable Town boss then faces his old club at The Belmont on Bank Holiday Monday (3pm kick off).

He said: “Looking forward to seeing everyone from Horsham on Monday – there are some really great people down there, there really is!

“I’ve been asked if there is any animosity when I go back to old sides – there was a bit last year at Faversham but that was just me.

“Monday will be all about three Ryman League points and I’ll shake their hands before and after as I’ve got nothing but respect for everyone at the club.”

Visit Whitstable Town’s website: www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk  

VCD Athletic  v  Whitstable Town
The FA Cup with Budweiser Preliminary Round
Saturday 25^th August 2012
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Oakwood, Old Road, Crayford, Kent DA1 4DN