We've got nothing to lose and everything to gain, says Vickers boss Ricky Bennett

Friday 30th September 2011

VCD ATHLETIC boss Ricky Bennett says his side have everything to gain when they welcome Conference South strugglers Thurrock to Oakwood in the FA Cup tomorrow, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Crayford based Kent Hurlimann Football League outfit are rank outsiders against their Essex neighbours, but Bennett hopes his side can produce a heroic performance and seal victory in the Second Qualifying Round clash.

“Yes, it’s an exciting tie really,” he said.  “We could have done with a lesser challenge, if you like, but yes, we’re more than looking forward to it.

Vickers trained last night and Bennett hopes his players’ don’t freeze on the club’s biggest game of the season.

“We had a good session last night, everyone’s really upbeat and looking forward to it,” said Bennett.

“Hopefully, on the day, they don’t go into their shell and they play with confidence because at the end of the day we’ve got nothing to lose really and everything to gain!”

The Essex opponents are struggling at the foot of the Blue Square Bet South table with six points (one win and three draws) from 11 games.

“I’ve checked out their league results, I’ve been and watched them so I know a little bit about them ,” said Bennett.

“They’re an experienced side with a few ex pros in the side but anyone at that level you expect them to be a decent side to be honest.

“Normally you would consider a home tie as an advantage but on the other hand they may be looking forward to going away as they’re struggling a bit in their league especially at home so it might be better for them that it’s away.

“We just have to give it our best.  The pitch is decent, it’s in good nick at the moment, so it should be, hopefully, a good game.”

When asked how his side will become giant-killers, Bennett said, “Well, obviously we’ve looked at them and seen certain areas that we could get a bit of joy from.  We’ve gone through certain things at training last night.

“Obviously you need that little bit of luck on the day. As I’ve said before we’re not expected to win so it would be a massive giantkilling, but you have to give it 100%.

“The main difference is the speed of the game at their level.  It’s a much more high tempo and their players are used to that whilst in the Kent League sometimes it’s not quite as speedy.

“We’ve got good enough players in my side, who later on can prove to be Blue Square South players – they’re a bit young at the moment some of them.

“They’ve got the ability, it’s just the other bits that go with it so hopefully on our day we don’t freeze, we play with a bit of confidence and enjoy it, that’s the main thing.”

Bennett will be looking to the likes of central defender Gary Cook and his more experienced players to guide his youngsters towards a Cup shock.

He said: “We have got a young side but they’re a few older heads, obviously with Cookie, the captain, who has played at a higher level than the Kent League.  He knows what it’s all about.  James Brown is another one. 

VCD will be without Jimmy Rogers (suspended), Aiden Pursglove (away) and Liam Hickey is out injured, as is the returning striker, the much-travelled Leroy Huggins.

“He’s been playing for East Grinstead,” explained Bennett.

“I spoke to him in the summer about possibly coming back.  It’s one of those, wait and see what happens, but his commitments came to a point where he couldn’t really do all the travelling to East Grinstead, but he’s happy to come back. 

“Unfortunately he got injured after 15 minutes of his first game a few weeks back but there you are.  He’s not far off from training again, but we could have done with him tomorrow, if I’m honest.”

Visit VCD Athletic’s website: www.vcdathletic.co.uk

VCD Athletic v  Thurrock
FA Cup with Budweiser Second Qualifying Round
Saturday 1st November 2011
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Oakwood, Old Road, Crayford, Kent DA1 4DN