Cordice: Our destiny is very much in our hands

Terry Cordice has issued a new shoot-to-thrill policy to revive Faversham Town's promotion challenge.

The born-again club's push for honours has stalled following the departure of star duo Rikki and Ross Cable to Kent League Thamesmead Town over Christmas.

There was more bad news for Cordice this week when Bromley Green's prolific Marcus Hodges turned down the chance to join the club.  (Story courtesy of www.favershamtownfc.co.uk)

But the manager refuses to be downbeat and insists it is up to ALL of his players to accept responsibility for finding the net.

Town were shot-shy in their dismal 0-0 draw with basement side Fleet Leisure 10 days ago and Cordice is looking for a massive improvement at home to Rusthall on Saturday (kick-off, 2.45pm).

He explained: "The lads have got to have a go when they get a chance. We are creating decent openings but need someone to pull the trigger. It's almost as if they want to score the perfect goal.

"Earlier this season, players from defence and midfield were scoring goals and that is something we have to get back to.

"Julian Beal, James Holder and Mark Smith have all scored a few this year so there are goals in this team.

"Now we all have to take responsibility - not just the boys up front.

"It'll be a tough game on Saturday against Rusthall but we're still buzzing, we're still up for it and we'll be looking for a win."

Cordice refuses to be downhearted about his failure to sign Hodges, the top scorer in the Premier Division with 17 goals. The striker, who has just moved to Faversham, is keen to stay at Bromley Green where he plays alongside many of his friends.

Milton Athletic's highly-rated defender Rob Goodger gave the same reasons when he opted against joining Town and Cordice said: "If players want to stay and play in the same team as their mates then there is nothing I can do about that.

"We will keep looking to bring in players that we feel will enhance our side but I still believe we have the players here already that can do a job for us.

"Gary Roberts was prolific in the reserves and just has to bring that sort of form into first team games while Kam Singh and Tyrone Smith have been out for a while.

"All it takes is for one of these lads to go on a run, score a few goals and we will be on a roll again."

Cordice is not about to panic as he looks to make good on his promise to deliver the Premier Division title at the first attempt.

Last Saturday's Premier Division game away to Bromley Green was cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch.

It gave Cordice the chance to check out championship rivals Stansfeld and he received an unexpected bonus when they were held 0-0 by Bearsted.

Further good news arrived when leaders Lewisham Borough had to come from behind to draw 2-2 with Milton Athletic.

And Cordice insisted: "Look, we are still in a very, very good position. Our destiny is very much in our own hands. Stansfeld and Lewisham both dropped points and these are teams we have to play before the end of the season.

"In fact, where Stansfeld are concerned, we have to play them twice so there is a long way to go.

"In one way, those results make the disappointment of our draw with Fleet Leisure even harder to bear but we are still very much in the shake-up."

Cordice looks likely to continue his comeback at home to Rusthall on Saturday even though sweeper Gary Stock is back from suspension.

The manager explained: "We'll have a look at Gary in training this week but he'll probably be better off working on his fitness with the reserves.

"That means I'll probably play against Rusthall but nothing is for certain at the moment. We'll see how things go."

Faversham Town's high-flying reserves entertain Herne Bay Town under floodlights
on Friday night (kick-off 7.45).

Brett Harrison's boys lie second in the Canterbury and District League Premier on goal difference from The George Hotel who have played a game more.

Story courtesy of www.favershamtowfc.co.uk

Faversham Town v Rusthall
British Energy Kent County League
Saturday 28^th January 2005
Kick Off 2:45pm
at Salters Lane, Faversham