Cugley set to seal striker this week - EXCLUSIVE

FOLKESTONE INVICTA manager Neil Cugley seemed surprised when he was told this afternoon that he was the only Kent manager to beat AFC Wimbledon this season, writes Stephen McCartney.

In fact Cugley’s men have taken four points from the Ryman Premier League big-spenders this season.

October’s goal-less draw at Kingsmeadow was followed by yesterday’s 3-2 win at Cheriton Road - with all five goals arriving in the second half.

When asked what the secret was, that none of his Kentish rivals could muster, Cugley, when speaking EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk, replied: “Quality mate! No. We got three really good goals.

“To be fair the last month we’re not a bad side. We’ve kicked on a bit.

“We had a blip with quite a few players out and tried quite a lot of local players in at the same time and that doesn’t always work.”

Two goals from skipper Kevin Watson and one from Tom Bryant ensured the Folkestone fans’ in the club’s largest crowd of the season went home happy.

“It was a bit windy and we set our stall out not to give much away in the first half,” said Cugley of the goal-less opening half.

“We defended well and second half we said “go out and get at them” and the players’ responded well.

Ramsgate (1-1), Maidstone United (1-2) and Tonbridge Angels (0-4) have all failed to beat AFC Wimbledon during the last four weeks and Cugley believes not giving them any respect is the key to success.

“I said “come on here’s our chance” and to be fair you have to play carefully when you play those sides (like AFC Wimbledon) and not to give them too much respect,” explained Cugley.

Victory over a Carshalton Athletic side that played well but came away from a 4-2 defeat at Margate yesterday, will see Invicta climb up to tenth place in the table.

“Hopefully if we can keep everybody fit, I still think we’re a top table side, I’ve always felt that,” said Cugley.

“We’ve got a smallish squad and when you have four or five out, you’re struggling with it.”

Looking ahead to the visit of Carshalton tomorrow night, Cugley added: “I’ve heard for long spells they played well and it was Margate’s keeper (Scott Chalmers-Stevens) who kept them in it.

“So you have to give (Carshalton) respect, they’re not a bad side but we’re looking forward to the game.”

Cugley was pleased with Marvin Hamilton’s debut, having signed the 19-year-old on loan from Gillingham.

“He done well, gave us a lot of pace, he has a long throw, played well,” said Cugley.

“It was his first competitive game for three months so there’s more to come from him. His first game, I can’t be disappointed with the lad at all.”

Cugley praised the many people behind the scenes for getting yesterday’s game on, despite the recent wet weather, which put paid to six games involving Kent clubs yesterday.

“To be fair to all the spectators, they had a sponsored walk to raise a lot of money and a lot of work to get the game on, so it’s pleasing to win for the people who put in a lot of work,” said Cugley.

“We’re hoping to still sign a player and make use of that (sponsorship money and yesterday‘s gate receipts) later this week.

“We’ll know a bit more middle of this week and then we’ll have a nice little squad.

“A striker, he’s played Conference football, a bit of Football League. He will be a good signing for us. Hopefully that will come off this week.”

Roland Edge, meanwhile, continues his stint on the sidelines, with his knee injury.

Visit Folkestone Invicta’s website: www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk

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

Folkestone Invicta v Carshalton Athletic
Ryman Premier League
Monday 21^st January 2008
Kick Off 7:454pm
At Buzzlines Stadium, Cheriton Road, Folkestone, Kent CT19 5JU