Cugley: We want to be more professional

A last gasp equaliser from the increasingly popular striker Walid Matata ensured Folkestone Invicta gained a point against Kent rivals Margate on a sunny afternoon at the Buzzlines Stadium in the Ryman Premier League yesterday, writes Andy Bown & Tom Marchant - www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk

Folkestone manager Neil Cugley made three changes to the side that were defeated 2-0 away at Heybridge Swifts on Good Friday; centre back Lee Shearer who had been out of contention with an ankle injury recently came back into the heart of the Invicta defence in place of Paul Lamb, hard working midfielder Micheal Everitt replaced the local Martin Chandler in midfield whilst Rob Knott came in for Walid Matata in attack alongside Matt Carruthers.

Cugley explained: “Well we decided before kick off to take a risk and to play Lee so we could put Steve Norman on the left as he can do a good job there and he’s got the legs for it. Lee will probably play Saturday (22nd April, against Wealdstone) as well”.

It was Invicta who were on top for the first thirty minutes in the first half, creating chances and putting pressure on the Margate defence.

“I think it’s fair to say that in the first half hour it was the best we had played in a while but we were a bit hesitant in front of goal – we just need to be more ruthless which has been the case a lot of the time this season so it’s something we do need to work on,” said Cugley.

The Folkestone boss feels that although the side have a quality defence, they still need to improve in the final third of the pitch in order to make real progress next season and push for a play off spot.

“Yes we do need to improve in the final third and we’ll be looking to strengthen at the end of the season. But what people don’t realise is that players who score goals at this level cost a lot of money and a lot of money is what we haven’t got.

“Look what’s happened to Campbell and to Beckford, and forwards like Danny Hockton don’t come cheap”.

It was Hockton who scored for Margate this afternoon in the second half and the former Billericay Town striker has been in prolific form since signing for the Hartsdown Park outfit.

Neil pointed out that the forthcoming Shareholder’s Meeting is very important with regard to the Club’s finances and furthermore what will be available to sign and indeed retain players next season.

The Meeting is to be held on Monday 24th April 2006 in Stripes Club, Cheriton Road, Folkestone for a prompt 19:30 start.

Any matters for discussion should be submitted in writing by Saturday 22nd April, by email to philiporris@hotmail.com or by letter to the Club offices or Supporters Club shop.

Although Folkestone may not be able to match other clubs in terms of spending ability Cugley stated there were other areas where his squad can improve and match the better clubs next season.

“The League is going to get even tougher next season and the players know that and clubs like Bromley and Chelmsford are going to have good money to strengthen and will be spending considerably. We have got to improve our fitness levels and work on our team work” said Cugley.

“We all had a meeting today and I told the players that they’ve got to look after them selves over the summer.

“If they don’t want to play for this football club and stay fit and improve for next season then they can leave and I’ll get other players in. We want to be more professional.

“But we have a great bunch of lads at this club and I have every faith in them to do what they need to.”

One player who is likely to be a big asset to the squad next season is youngster Rob Knott who has just signed a two year contract with the club.

“We’re delighted with him signing! He’s done well recently and he hassles defenders and puts them under pressure well because he’s a strong lad.

“If he can work hard and increase his fitness and sharpness I’m honestly not sure where he’ll end up as he has got a big future ahead of him. It’s up to him, he’s got a lot to learn but we want to keep hold of him”.

Fans may have noticed the half time team talk was conducted out on the pitch and the Invicta manager admitted, “We’re saying we need to be more professional and we lost the key to the changing room! Seriously though at half time I was pleased with the performance and the tempo we were playing at, and as I said before we just needed to be more ruthless in front of goal”.

Folkestone supporters who had been getting increasingly frustrated with their side not putting the ball away, waited until the dying seconds for Matata, who came on as a substitute, to score his third goal against Margate in as many games this season.

Cugley commented, “We were getting frustrated too that we hadn’t got one, so we were obviously pleased when he scored!

“It would’ve been an injustice if we didn’t get anything from the game. Walid has got a lot of ability though and he has got great potential and he can get better.

“He just needs to score regularly really but we’re well pleased with him.” He went on to talk about the goal saying, “You can begin to see the strength of the squad we have when you’ve got players of quality on the bench like Lamby and Chands.

“Some people may not have noticed but it was a great tackle by Lamby and his ball forward that started the move for the goal. Saundo then managed to flick it on to Walid and he finished it well”.

Matata who has been out of the side in recent weeks with a hamstring injury added: “I was just really pleased to get on really, my hammy’s been a bit of a problem recently but it’s clearing up and my thigh was a bit tight today but I’ll definitely be ready for next season.

“My aim next season is to be a regular and score goals and I feel I can achieve that here. I’m really enjoying it down here and feel I’ve settled in and I was pleased to score!
“I felt really confident as the ball came over that I was able to get a good strike on it and I saw there a big gap in the far corner and I went for it and it went in.”

The squad won’t be training this week as there have been a number of games recently and quite a few players picked up knocks that require rest in order to ready for the visit of Wealdstone to the Buzzlines Stadium next Saturday.

Cugley explained: “We’ve got too many little injuries at the moment to train this week and there’s been quite a few games recently. And to be honest at this time of the season there is not much point in chasing fitness. We are looking forward to Saturday (22nd April) and our home form this season has been good, we just need to work on our away form”.