We've come an awful long way in a very short space of time, says Canterbury City boss Simon Austin

CANTERBURY CITY manager Simon Austin says some  his players have got a score to settle when they travel to Deal Town on Tuesday night.



Austin’s men booked a trip to Fisher in the FA Carlsberg Vase Second Qualifying Round on 15 September after they romped to a comfortable 5-1 victory over EIGHT-MAN Greenwich Borough at Winch’s Field yesterday.

Gerry Cox’s side grabbed the lead against the run of play when midfielder Sam Ryan converted a 39^th minute penalty after Kane Rice was adjudged to have fouled Andrew Williams inside the box.

But what was to follow was simply shameful as Greenwich Borough had three players (Cedric Abraham, Ryan and substitute Kris Hollidge) all sent off for reckless tackles.

Ryan Moreby (penalty), two from Justin Ascheri, a fine solo run from Rice and substitute Luke Webb all scored their first goals of the season for a new-look Canterbury City side.

Austin, who condemned the antics of Cox’s players yesterday, takes his side to play Deal Town tomorrow sitting in sixth-place in the Kent League table, with two wins and two draws from their opening five league outings.

Derek Hares’ Deal, meanwhile, are in the bottom six, with four points from the same number of games.

Austin said: “It’s a bit unfortunate we had to play on Sunday, but the boys are fit.  Jim (Strouts, my assistant) has got them absolutely firing.  We’ve got no worries about their fitness.

“I think there will be quite a few scores to settle. I think a lot of the boys know each other so there will be a bit of rivalry and we just have to make sure we’re up for it.

“Ability wise we’re a match for anyone in the league but because we are new there’s that side of it and we just have to make sure we’re doing our jobs week in week out.”

Reflecting on his first stint in management, 31-year-old Austin said: “Very, very pleasing. We’ve come an awful long way in a very short space of time. 

“I’m quite an impatient guy. I do get frustrated at times but Jim’s there to calm me down with his experience and remind me and bring me back down to earth that we are still new but I’ve loved it.

“Obviously probably my only downside is I would have liked to have played more but at the moment the team comes first and when the time is ready I will play.”

Austin was seen speaking to Tom Parkinson following the final whistle and he hopes to win the battle with Herne Bay to land the defender’s signature following his release from Hythe Town last week.

Parkinson is based in Canterbury and he attends University of Kent and coaches their football team.

Austin said: “I’ve spoken to Tom, nothing to hide from that. He’s a player that I’m interested in. We’re always looking to build. We don’t want to stand still.  The club’s not standing still so we have to make sure that on the pitch we’re moving forward.

“He will add something to the squad.  He’s had a few other clubs talking to him.”

Visit Canterbury City’s website: www.canterburycityfc.org

Deal Town  v  Canterbury City
Kent Hurlimann Football League
Tuesday 4^th September 2012
Kick Off 7:45pm
At The Charles Sports Ground, St Leonards Road, Deal, Kent CT14 9AU