BACKING KENT TO WEMBLEY: Vickers prepare for Vase showdown - EXCLUSIVE

A crowd of over 400 is expected at the ground at Old Road, Crayford to see if Vickers can knock out Ridgeons League leaders Needham Market to join Greenwich Borough in the fifth round.

If they do Foley will take his side to either St Ives Town or AFC Bitton, who will also play their delayed tie tomorrow, in the next round.

Greenwich Borough travel to Hungerford Town, FA Vase semi-finalists in 1978, 1979 and 1989, on Saturday, 9th February 2008.

Despite a seven day delay due to a waterlogged pitch calling the game off last Friday, Foley insists everybody is ready.

“We think the game will definitely go ahead this week,” he said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk on the eve of the BIG game.

“The pitch has been able to dry out from the heavy rain of last week. Paul Young has been working hard on the pitch this week.

“Everyone was disappointed last week because a lot of work had gone into the preparation on and off the pitch.

“The mood in the camp is always great so its no different to any other week.

“This is VCD and the atmosphere here is second to none. People enjoy playing football here and it’s a newer, better version.”

Last weekend Greenwich Borough sealed their place in the last sixteen with a deserved 2-1 win over Harefield United in front of their largest crowd of the season at Harrow Meadow.

The Borough management team said that they should be at the Vickers game to see if there will be two Kent representatives in the latter stages of the competition.

“No-one is more pleased for Borough than me,” said Foley. “I said last week why can’t either of us go all the way and even better meet each other at Wembley.

“They are a good side and a match for anyone on their day.

“The fact they are through doesn’t give us extra motivation. This team wants to win five-a-side games at training and has drive and motivation to succeed no matter what competition we play in.

“Hunger for success is often talked about but not always there in reality. This team has it!”

Foley admits this game is too early for their influential midfielder Danny Penny to play in, whilst another midfielder, Jack Parkinson remains suspended.

But teenage striker Juan Ramirez (Columbia) and Darren Thomson (Thailand) have returned from foreign fields.

Boss Paul Foley gives us the low-down on his squad:

James Tedder - 20 - Very tall goalkeeper with more presence than Santa!

Chris Whitehouse - 30 - Right-back - Experienced defender with good quality on the ball.

Marc Merridan - 25- Right-back or Right midfielder - Good all-round player with good pace and fitness.

Gary Cook - 26 - Central defender - Dominant defender with pace and good footballing ability. Acting captain.

David Hunt - 25- Full-back or Central defender - Natural defender who has been with the club since youth level. Has formed an excellent partnership with Gary Cook.

Ashley Probets - 22 - Left-back - Left-back with a big of class with a great left foot and experienced for his age with Football League experience.

Mark Greatorex - 34 - Winger - Dangerous wide player who is a match winner. Experienced non-league player with good ability.

Gary Ward - 24 - Central midfielder - Good ability on the ball and high fitness levels. A good passer and ball carrier.

Stephen Hogg - 26 - Central Midfielder. A good engine and all-round game. Experienced player with good feet.

Kevin Spriggs - 30 - Central midfielder - Good range of passing, experienced with the ability to score goals.

Kane Rice - 18 - Winger - Can play either side, has pace, skill and aggression in a small package. Quality player who can win a game with his blistering pace and quick feet.

Kevin Winchcombe - 27 - Winger or either full-back - Good ability, two good feet and aggression.

Darren Thomson - 24- Midfielder - Very fit player with two good feet, pace and good ability.

Stuart Abbott - 30 - Winger - Plays wide either side. Two footed player with good crossing and dead-ball ability and good technique.

Leroy Huggins - 31- Striker - Great in the air, good hold up play, pace and excellent in front of goal.

Richard Sinden - 28 - Striker - Proven goalscorer with pace and good in the air for his size. An instinctive finisher.

Ben Mitchell - 24- Striker or Central defender - Excellent ability, strength and pace. A natural finisher.

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering this game.

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

VCD Athletic v Needham Market
FA Carlsberg Vase Fourth Round
Saturday 26^th January 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Oakwood, Old Road, Crayford, Kent DA1 4DN