Cugley: Lamb's sending off was a terrible decision

Folkestone Invicta ended their 2005/2006 in the Ryman Premier League away at Staines Town in a game that finished 2-2 on Saturday, with second half goals for Folkestone coming from another expertly converted Kevin Watson spot kick and Rob Knott, writes Andy Bown and Tim Marchant – www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk

Regular goalkeeper Tony Kessell and centre back Lee Shearer were not included in the squad as Kessell was away on business in America whilst Shearer had an ankle problem.  Kieran Mann deputised in goal whilst Steve Norman returned back into defence from injury. 

Manager Neil Cugley explained: “Shearer didn’t play because he had a bad ankle and as soon as you get a whack on it, it could’ve made it a lot worse.  Steve Norman came off with an ankle injury also because there was no point in pushing it too much”.
 
Invicta took their time in the first half to gain real momentum with chances at a premium.  For the first twenty minutes I thought we started a bit slow, said Cugley.  “We were getting used to the pitch because obviously it was watered before the game but after that I thought we were the more dominant side and I was disappointed we didn’t come in level really”. 
 
The playing surface at Wheatsheaf Park was one of the best of the season and has meant that the host’s groundsman has been shortlisted for the F.A Groundsman of the Year Award.  Cugley added: “For the away side we got more dangerous as the half went on and I think we created a few decent chances for ourselves”.
 
The Folkestone boss had a few words with his players at half time, revealing: “I just told the lads we only had one more half left of this season and so I wanted them to really go for it and attack a bit more.  The players responded well and we really went at them.  Second half I wanted to see what they (Staines) were made of so when Steve Norman came off I went with three up top to push for the win”. 
 
Norman was replaced by crowd favourite Walid Matata to partner Knott and Matt Carruthers in attack.  Cugley went on to remark, “Their (Staines) strength was the front runners especially their number 11 (Ali) Chaaban – he was a very good player.  So I thought well we’ll see if they can defend as well as they can attack, and to be honest I didn’t think they could!”
 
The equaliser for the Seasiders came after Carruthers cut through the Staines backline and was held back by a centre back in the penalty box and so a penalty was awarded which Watson put away well much to the delight of the visiting fans.  The Invicta manager said: “I thought Matt Carruthers did well to get the penalty.  He’s showed his strength and pace to get into the box and obviously it was a blatant one and Kev (Watson) has struck it home well”. 
 
The second goal for Folkestone was scored by Knott who coolly slotted the ball in the back of the net after Staines had failed to clear a ball in from the right hand side.  Cugley expressed: “Robby Knott has had a super second half and tucked his goal away exceptionally well.  He will definitely be a better player next season than he is now and he’s done ever so well for us so far”.
 
However Staines equalised in the 76^th minute with a free kick that was put in the bottom left corner of Mann’s goal.  “I was a little disappointed with the free kick as its gone under the wall and we jumped a bit early.”  He went on to comment on Mann’s performance saying, “He’s done ever so well today and I was very pleased with his him.  His handling was excellent and his kicking was very very good which put them under a lot of pressure and he never let us down.  The disappointing thing is that he might be going away next year on a course which will be a big shame because he’s a really good understudy to Kess”.
 
Getting the winner was made increasingly difficult for Invicta after a bizarre decision by the referee saw Folkestone left back Paul Lamb sent off after Staines number 8 prevented Lamb from taking a throw in.  The Folkestone manager complained:  “I just think it was a terrible decision by the ref and its stopped us going on to get a winner which I felt was coming before the sending off.  It was right in front of us and their lad is jumping up and down in front of Lamby and Paul has just thrown it against his head because he was jumping up and down”. 

Cugley recalled: “Next minute they said it was violent play by Lamby and I can’t quite understand that from a throw on.  If you said it was a booking it would have been harsh and the referee should’ve used a bit of consistency and maybe booked both players or warned them – not one over the other”. 

A straight red card means Folkestone will be without the experienced full back at the start of next season and Neil pointed out, “Lamby’s allowed to throw the ball and if the player decides to jump in front then he’s bound to get it in the face.  We’re now going to be without Paul for a few games next season when we were hoping to have a full squad to choose from”.
 
Visiting fans travelled in their numbers to Wheatsheaf Park with a full coach load going up from Folkestone organised by Derek Miller and Buzzlines, which helped make an atmosphere at an otherwise muted Staines ground. 

Cugley praised: “The fans have been great all year.  We don’t pretend to be the greatest team in the world but we work hard and I think they appreciate that.  We don’t have the best away record but we have some loyal support especially away from home and we’re very lucky.” 

He added: “I think the lads have shown great spirit all year and have shown it again today.  The players really appreciate the fans and were keen to give them something to cheer about after travelling all this way”.


www.kentishfootball.co.uk would like to thank Andy Bown and Tim Marchant for their press releases, and we look forward to receiving more during the summer months and throughout next season.

PS:  Can we have clearer shirt numbers on the back of the shirts next season!!!