FA Vase Second Round Special: Croydon sign former Football League goalkeeper - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS

Five Kent League sides are aiming to reach the last 64 of the FA Vase at the weekend, with the big Kent derby at the Oakwood taking centre stage, writes Stephen McCartney.

www.kentishfootball.co.uk have been given access to Tunbridge Wells’ training session at Culverden Stadium tonight as they prepare for their trip to bogey side VCD Athletic.

But VCD Athletic boss Martin Ford is confident that his side can reach the next round of the national competition, having reached the last sixteen last term.

“Our form going into the FA Vase this Saturday has been very good,” Ford told www.vcd-athletic.co.uk.

“Our new signings and the return of several members of our squad has obviously been a deciding factor in our recent good form.

“The lads have responded very well to Dean Frost and I, and have put in some very good performances of late, which has enabled us to keep up with the early pacesetters in the league and has also kept us involved in all of the cup competitions.”

Apart from an injury to David Hunt, which will keep him out of Saturday’s Vase showdown, and the lengthy suspension of former Dartford midfielder Mark Horan, VCD are all fit and raring to pile more misery on Tunbridge Wells.

Martin Farnie’s side have picked up in the past seven days, winning their first league game of the season at Slade Green last Saturday and winning a Kent League Cup tie at Erith Town two days later but are still at the foot of the Kent League table.

But Ford whose side have won recent bragging rights over their league rivals, including winning the Kent Senior Trophy final in April, is not expecting an easy game.

He said: “It will be a very tough and tricky tie for us and with home advantage and Tunbridge Wells’ position in the league we are no doubt the favourites.

“Martin Farnie is a top class man and will no doubt have other ideas.

“He would have done his homework on us and will fancy their chances. If we are sloppy and make mistakes we will go out - it’s as simple as that!”

Hythe Town manager Paul Fisk is ruing the loss of Roy Guiver and striker Damien Abel for their trip to Hailsham Town.

The pair were recently snapped up by their cash-strapped Ryman Premier League neighbours Folkestone Invicta.

“They have gone with my best wishes,” Fisk said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk today.

“Folkestone manager Neil Cugley came in for Roy on a seven day approach and was free to go and we wish them all the very best.

“They are trying to better themselves and you can’t argue with that and Roy’s done well for us.

“Damien, he was the same really. He was a bit difficult because he was on contract with us so the two clubs came to an agreement and we also get Joe Neilson on loan for a month from Folkestone.

“From my point of view it’s known that a Ryman Premier League club has signed two of our players. They both improved at Hythe so we must be doing something right at Hythe.”

Brian Pearce and Will Dunlop, 19, will be in the heart of Hythe’s defence for their trip to Sussex County League side Hailsham Town on Saturday.

“Well, I think it’s going to be a difficult game,” admitted Fisk. “They’ve only lost two league games I believe so we’re expecting a difficult game but we’re looking forward to it.

“It’s our first Vase game of this season and we want to stay in it as long as we can.”

Fisk will be without the services of Michael Smissen (cracked rib), Ian Hayes (knee), Aiden Pursglove (groin) and Gavin Ransley who has work commitments.

“The other thing is I’ve found out this morning is Joe Neilson is not allowed to play in the Vase because you can’t play loan players,” revealed Fisk.

“Our goalkeeper Seb Barton comes from Eastbourne and had reports that they’re a pretty physical side so that’s all we know - we’re expecting a battle.”

Fisk is, however, pleased that his side are currently fifth in the Kent League table.

He said: “We’re doing better, our aim is to keep plugging away and keep picking up points and see how far we can get and how well we can do. On the whole we are pretty pleased with the season so far.”

Lee Aldridge faces a race against time to get to Sevenoaks Town’s game at Three Bridges in time on Saturday.

The tiny midfielder is flying back from Hong Kong and joint-manager Derek Moore needs him.

“We’re going there in confidence that we are playing some good football but we are frustrated as we are not finding the net,” Moore said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.  

“We had a look at them a few weeks ago and they are a fast improving side and we are expecting a very tough game.

“They are a good footballing side, like ourselves, like to get the ball down and play - it will be entertaining.”

Frankie Whitehead is having treatment on his back injury at training tonight, having only played once in the past four weeks.

Striker Tony Atkins has been ruled out due to personal issues and former Erith Town midfielder Paul Springett is suspended.

“We’re hoping Lee Aldridge will make it back from Hong Kong in time and we will make use of the small squad that we have,” Moore added.

Having finished at the foot of the Kent League table last season, Moore is pleased that his side are in the top nine after 12 games of this season.

“We’ve been pleased with the start,” Moore said. “Our performances over the season so far (and some of the) results haven’t gone quite in our favour but it’s part of our longer term plan and progression is the name of the game.”

Croydon have signed goalkeeper Carl Emberson to pile pressure on contracted first choice stopper Danny Harwood.

Harwood, a firm favourite at Bromley during his time at Hayes Lane, is expected to keep his place in the side when Sidley United visit the Croydon Sports Arena in the FA Vase second round on Saturday.

But Emberson, whose former clubs include Millwall, Dulwich Hamlet, Colchester United, Luton Town, Southend United and Sutton United, has been signed to push Harwood.

Dickson Gill, revealing the news EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk today, said: “We want to make sure we’ve got enough strength at the club.

“Danny has been doing ok but he’s under contract and we’ve had interest from other clubs for him.”

Looking ahead to Saturday’s Vase clash, Gill, who undertakes a managing and chairmanship role at the South Norwood outfit, has done his homework on his opponents.

He said: “I went to watch them against Eastbourne Town and they looked a good outfit.

“They lost that 2-0 but on the day it was a decent game. They look like a threat but if we play well we should get through.”