30thaug05

Tuesday 30th August 2005

Invicta suffer from travel sickness
EXCLUSIVE

Folkestone Invicta manager Neil Cugley insists his side must start winning games away from home if they are to maintain their Ryman Premier League status, writes Stephen McCartney.

Invicta started the campaign with a 4-1 defeat at AFC Wimbledon and picked up draws against Leyton (2-2) at home on Saturday and should have taken all three points at Bromley yesterday as James Dryden's hat-trick gave them a 3-0 lead after 52 minutes.

However, a double substitution by Bromley boss George Wakeling, bringing on Gavin McGowan and big target man Wade Falana (who was sent off with a minute to go) sparked fear into Folkestone's defence and goals from Fraser Logan (60), Nic McDonnell (62) and Mark Willy (90) revived the home side.

In an EXCLUSIVE interview with www.kentishfootball.co.uk a dejected Cugley admitted: "Our away form has been terrible last year and this year. I've got no idea why. Obviously John Guest being out of the side was a big problem.

"We should enjoy playing away from home because we are good on the counter attack. (James) Dryden, (Simon) Glover and (Paul) Jones, when he comes on, can cause problems, so it shouldn't be a problem.

"It's something we have to put right because it will make it a long old season for us travelling and losing them all."

Cugley will rally his battered troops in training ahead of Saturday's home clash with Heybridge Swifts (12:30pm).

"I think it takes a day to get over it and when you come in for training you get them bubbling again, get the balls out, a bit of shooting and then look forward to the next game," he said.

Then two days later, Worthing are the visitors to their Buzzlines Stadium fortress.

"These two are going to be hard games," predicted Cugley.

"Heybridge and Worthing will be very experienced sides and we've got to defend better.

"We've given away nine goals now in three games, so you can't possibly do well if you give so many goals away."

Folkestone Invicta v Heybridge Swifts
Ryman League Premier Division
Saturday 3rd September 2005
Kick Off 12:30pm
at Buzzlines Stadium, Cheriton Road, Folkestone