FA Cup showdown at Hythe is off the radar, insists proud Luchford

Thursday 03rd September 2009

PROUD Faversham Town manager Justin Luchford says his side must concentrate on their two league games before they can focus on their mouth-watering FA Cup tie against Kent League title-rivals Hythe Town, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Lilywhites booked their place for the first qualifying round showdown at Reachfields Stadium on Saturday, 12th September, following an epic replay against Ryman League Division One South side Merstham on Tuesday night, on what was a long night for Luchford and his heroes.

Both sides had shared a 2-2 draw in Surrey at the weekend, but Faversham came out on top in a game that finished 4-4 after 120 minutes of enthralling football, before the Kent League underdogs triumphed 5-4 on penalties.

“I think we deserved it in the end,” Luchford told www.kentishfootball.co.uk this lunchtime.

“I think both sides battled it out. They got a fortunate couple of goals with deflections (but) we could never really settle as they kept coming at us, as they would do, being a top Ryman One side.”

Luchford revealed what was going through his mind during the extra-time period. Everyone had thought that recent signing Richard Sinden had grabbed victory in the first period of extra time, before Merstham fought back to force penalties.

“Well, to be honest, what will be will be at that point,” he said. “We worked hard, we done ourselves proud and you almost think you’re over the line and another deflected goal goes in and you’ve got to deal with it.

With a squad full of star names, Luchford knows the importance of an extended FA Cup run this year.

“The FA Cup is important to clubs with regards to money but I don’t think anyone at our level is going to win it, so it’s all about enjoying the day and the lads enjoyed both Saturday and Tuesday and fortunate for us we’ve come out with the right result,” said Luchford.

Hythe lock horns with Faversham twice in the space of seven days - the FA Cup tie is followed by a Kent League clash at the same venue and whoever wins that will hold the aces in the Kent League title race.

When asked that their next FA Cup tie is between two sides gunning for the Kent League title, Luchford replied, “Well, that’s for you guys to speculate on!” He added: “I’ve got a long-term plan and that hasn’t changed and we’ll be working towards that.

“With regards to the FA Cup, that goes off the radar to be honest. We’ve got Tunbridge Wells on Saturday and Lordswood (next) Tuesday and they’re far more important at the moment.”

Due to inactivity, Faversham, with a 100% record from three games, have lost top spot to Beckenham Town, who have picked up 10 points from five games, although Jason Huntley’s men have played two games more.

Luchford takes his side to eighth placed side Tunbridge Wells on Saturday, Martin Larkin‘s side have a 50% record from two games, before basement side Lordswood, who have lost both their league games, visit Salters Lane next Tuesday.

But the young manager has told his side to concentrate on the league.

“Lordswood went to Whitstable and took them to 120 minutes on Tuesday night so neither team are struggling to be honest,” he said. “I think they will be two very difficult games.

"Tunbridge Wells is always difficult, always a tough place to go to. It’s a Saturday so it’s better than going there on a Tuesday night.

“Lordswood are coming down on Tuesday night and are far a better side than they were last year.

“I know Kevin (Metcalf) well and I know he’ll have a decent side. We’ve got training tonight so we’ll have to prepare properly. If we work hard hopefully we’ll get something out of the game.

“We’re not talking about the FA Cup tie, it’s not an issue. The FA Cup game will come around when it comes around.”

Visit Tunbridge Wells’ website: www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk

Visit Faversham Town’s website: www.favershamtownfc.co.uk

Tunbridge Wells v Faversham Town

Bulmers Cider Kent League

Saturday 5th September 2009

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Culverden Stadium, Culverden Down, Tunbridge Wells, Kent