Cugley wants to distance himself from Hendon

Folkestone Invicta travel to North London on Saturday to take on fourth from bottom side Hendon in the Ryman Premier League, writes Andy Bown and Tom Marchant www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk

Manager Neil Cugley believes this is a big match against a side who are struggling to climb out of a possible fourth relegation position.
“Obviously it’s a big game because they’re the team occupying fourth from bottom and realistically the only side who have got any hope of saving themselves,” he said.

”If we can win then it’ll put a really big gap between us and them and then we’ll only be one or two wins from securing safety”.

Cugley, whose side host basement boys Redbridge next Monday, added: “I think it’s an even bigger game for them because they need to win and if they don’t they’ve still got a lot to do”.

Invicta’s away form hasn’t been as good as their home form this season, with the side picking up fifteen points on their travels.

“We have won more games away from home than last year so our away form is getting better and that was the idea of bringing in players to give us that extra bit of quality when we go away.  Better players I think will mean better away results,” said the long serving manager.

Hendon’s last four games at home have seen them win once, draw once and lose twice, scoring three goals.

The North Londoners have recently signed right sided player Michael Barima who has also been with fellow Ryman Premier teams Harrow Borough and Hampton and Richmond Borough, and African midfielder Chike Nnatuanya.

Hendon’s top scorer John Frendo recently left to sign for Ryman League Division Two club Ware, leaving Ricci Crace top scorer on five goals and former Margate striker Darren Watson has joined the North London outfit.

Crace was one of the scorers when his Hendon visited the Buzzlines Stadium back in December, along with Blaise O’Brien. James Dryden pulled one back in injury time for Invicta.

Recent weeks has seen a number of new players at the Cheriton Road, and some being brought in on a trial basis.

Midfield trialist Dean Smith, who was signed on non-contract terms at the same time right wing back Mark Corneille was brought in on a month’s loan, has left the club.

Cugley explained: “It was a bit awkward – he was going to play in a few friendlies but he didn’t have the chance so he’s gone off to Eastbourne Borough to play in their reserves. He might come back pre season to play a few games with us, but it wasn’t fair that he was travelling all the way from Sussex and not playing”.

Former Eastbourne Borough midfielder Stuart Myall has yet to put pen to paper on a new deal but is still with the club.

The Folkestone boss said: “We have got to see how the finances are in the next few weeks to decide who will be staying, but we’ve got the squad we want for next season and I’m happy with what I’ve got”.

Contract negotiations are in progress with left full back Paul Lamb to keep him at Cheriton Road next season.  Cugley said: “When Margate came in for him we spoke about next season, what our ambitions are and we offered him some terms and we’ll speak with him in the next week or so”.

Training took place last night as per usual, but the squad stayed off the pitch at the Buzzlines Stadium and worked on their fitness using the gym at the Harvey Grammar School.

Former Dover Athletic striker Walid Matata, who lives in Tottenham, didn’t train last night and Neil gave an update on the current injuries.

Cugley revealed: “Walid didn’t train because of the knock he took on Saturday but he should be ok for the game.

”Lamby’s rib is still a bit sore and Michael Everitt’s foot is still not right, but they’ll be in the squad and will only play if they are needed”.

Former Ashford Town forward Paul Jones, who has been out of contention for a few weeks with a groin injury, is making a good recovery, and Cugley said: “I’m hoping he’ll be involved by Monday, if not the Saturday after, but his recovery is going well”.

Local new signings, defender Lee Shearer and attacking midfielder Matt Carruthers both from Nationwide Conference South side Welling United, continue to settle in well and both trained with the squad last night and will be in the squad for the match at Claremont Road.