Ford calls upon local support to see them through - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

VCD Athletic boss Martin Ford has issued a rallying cry to Kent football supporters to flock through the Park View Road turnstiles in their droves to support his injury-hit team during their FA Cup preliminary round replay against Eastbourne Town on Thursday night, writes Stephen McCartney.

Ford is without six key players for the replay against a side that’s tipped to win the Sussex County League this season. 

But he calls upon local fans to attend the game, which has been switched to Nationwide Conference South outfit Welling United, a ground that has brought the Vickers plenty of luck recently.
 
They lifted the Kent Senior Trophy there, beating Tunbridge Wells on penalties in April, and defeated Erith & Belvedere 3-0 more recently on August Bank Holiday Monday.
 
Lee Coburn (56 days) and Mark Horan (86 days) begin their lengthy suspensions today, but at least Mark Greatorex only serves a seven-day ban. David Hunt is currently nursing a groin injury.

Two players, goalkeeper Grant Wallis (Egypt) and Gary Ward (America) are missing due to holidays. 

But Ford revealed he can delve into his big squad for the replay, which if they win, will see them travel to Bashley in the next round on 16 September.

Steve Hogg, Nick Minshull, 17, and striker Stuart Abbott will be drafted into the squad and former Kingstonian goalkeeper Alan Hughes, who signed from Dartford last week, will make his debut. 

New signing from Whitstable Town, Paul Smith will be on the bench alongside Mo Miah and sixteen-year-old striker Juan Ramirez, who scored his first goal for the club during their 3-3 draw at Sevenoaks Town towards the end of last season.