You have to perform to keep your shirt, says Foley

VCD ATHLETIC boss Paul Foley expects another dramatic finish when his side lock horns with their Bulmers Cider Kent League rivals Croydon in the FA Cup Preliminary Round on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

In the Extra Preliminary Round, the Crayford side fought back from 2-0 down to knock out Three Bridges, while Croydon needed a replay to send Whitehawk packing, winning a dramatic replay 4-3, despite appearing to be dead and buried at least twice at Croydon Sports Arena.

The two league rivals meet at Oakwood in this preliminary round tie, knowing the winners will bank a further £1,500 in prize money and earn a trip to either Kent League rivals Hythe Town or Ryman League Division One leaders Walton & Hersham.

Vickers go into the game having won their first game of the season, at Slade Green on Bank Holiday Monday, and result that bodes well for Saturday’s Cup clash.

“We are looking forward to the game on Saturday, especially after the performance and result achieved on Monday at Slade Green,” Foley told www.kentishfootball.co.uk this lunchtime.

“For as long as I can remember VCD have struggled to come away with any points at the Small Glen so to win the game against a much improved Slade Green was a huge bonus ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup game against Croydon.

“We had to ring the changes on Monday and there were four changes to the starting line up and four new faces on the bench following the disappointing performance against Herne Bay two days before.

“A few of the lads who were left out were not happy obviously but that is how it is at VCD. It is a tough side to get into and tough to stay in it.

“I am just pleased that I am not just a player nowadays!

“That is how it is with the strength of the squad we have and we will not tolerate the type of display witnessed against Herne Bay.”

Foley has added a tower of strength to his defensive line, with the capture of Bill Edwards from Erith Town.

Foley first met Edwards when they were teenagers at Fisher Athletic and Edwards went on to become a rock for Chris Kinnear during his time at Margate.

Foley said: “We have strengthened the squad again with last week’s capture of Billy Edwards from Erith Town, who brings a wealth of experience to the side and his debut on Monday was exactly what I expected from Bill, who I have known for years since playing together at Fisher in our teens.

“He has been a top non-league player for many years and has plenty to offer our side.”

Looking ahead to Saturday’s FA Cup clash against Croydon, Foley wants his side to replicate last season’s form against the Trams.

He also expects the game to attract a decent crowd to Oakwood, as both sides aim to replicate their goalscoring touches that they showed at the first hurdle.

“Saturday’s game should be an interesting one as we came back from 2-0 down to win our Extra Preliminary Round game against a dangerous Three Bridges side and Croydon came back twice to win their game against Whitehawk in the end,” said Foley.

“It will certainly be one for the neutral and it will not be dead until the final whistle that’s for sure!

“We know most of their players and we have seen them this year and no doubt they will know most of ours following our three wins against them last season.

“It is good for the Kent League I guess as it means that at least one side is guaranteed to be in the first qualifying round.

Visit VCD Athletic’s website:  www.vcd-athletic.co.uk

Visit Croydon’s website: www.croydon-fc.co.uk

VCD Athletic v Croydon
FA Cup (Sponsored by E.ON) Preliminary Round
Saturday 30^th August 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Oakwood, Old Road, Crayford, Kent DA1 4DN