Cugley makes changes for Hampton's visit

Folkestone Invicta manager Neil Cugley was keen to report that midfielder Michael Everitt has made a good recovery from his recent ankle injury, reports www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk

”He trained hard last night and he will be involved with the first team on Saturday,” said Cugley, who was pleased with the training session and added former Gillingham player Mark Saunders has been having a very good influence on the squad.

”He did most of the training last night, and he worked on a few set pieces.  Obviously the conditions weren’t ideal, but it was a good training session,” revealed Cugley.

Cugley also remarked that Everitt has been training on his own earlier in the week in order to regain full fitness, along with Saunders, who made his debut last weekend at Billericay.

Saunders was slightly disappointed with his first performance in Invicta colours, but has been working hard on his fitness and Cugley said he is a definite starter on Saturday, where fans can witness his full home debut against Hampton & Richmond Borough.

Recently signed former Hastings centre back Stuart Playford, meanwhile, will not be in the squad due to other commitments and Cugley admitted: “I knew about this when I signed him.” 

Apart from that Cugley has a full squad at his disposal.  Youngsters Kieran Mann, Joe Neilson and Ben Sly will continue to play for the reserves for their away game at Slade Green.

Cugley explained that the decision was to ensure they all remained match fit and well prepared if they’re needed for first team action.  ”Obviously with the reserves doing well at the moment, we want to keep them as strong as possible,” he said. 

One youth team player who will be on the bench tomorrow is goalkeeper Matt Hurley, who is rated as having a lot of potential by the coaches at Cheriton Road.  Cugley said: “He was going to be on the bench last Saturday but he was involved in a minor car accident at the last minute and was unable to play.”

The team line-up will relate to the condition of the Buzzlines Stadium pitch, which has been well documented recently is not in the best condition.

”There might be a couple of changes, obviously taking into account the state of the pitch.  There’s a couple of players who are going to need to play out there.  It looks very heavy and I might well have to change it from last week as obviously we need the stronger, fitter lads who are going to be able to get around on Saturday,” said Cugley.

Cugley, whose side lost 3-1 at the Beveree in September, said: “They have been top of the league for most of the season so you know they’re a good side.

”But I feel the only reason why we lost at their place was because John Guest got sent off.  Other than that it was quite even.”

The Folkestone boss feels his side can get something out of the game if they play well, as they weren’t disgraced by any means in the last meeting between the two sides.

He does, however, feel the Ryman Premier is a tight league and you have to respect the opposition whether they are above or below you in the table.

Folkestone Invicta v Hampton & Richmond Borough
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 21^st January 2006
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Buzzlines Stadium, Cheriton Road, Folkestone