Ford relishes their underdog tag as Vickers aim for their second trophy

Maidstone United are on course of completing the Kentish Observer League double on Saturday - but VCD Athletic boss Martin Ford is hoping his side will spoil the party, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Stones secured the league championship with a 4-0 win at bottom-of-the-table Sevenoaks Town last Saturday, after Beckenham Town were held to a 1-1 draw at Erith & Belvedere.

But following a hectic last month of the season, VCD Athletic, who finished in sixth place, are relishing their underdog tag for the Kentish Observer League Cup Final being played on Saturday at Folkestone Invicta’s Buzzlines Stadium in Cheriton Road.

VCD Athletic were favourites in their Kent Senior Trophy Final against Tunbridge Wells, which they won 3-1 on penalties after the two sides were level at 1-1 after 120 minutes of football at Welling United’s Park View Road earlier in the month.

“Thankfully all our league matches are now out of the way and we can now fully focus on the task ahead this weekend when we take on the new Kent League champions in the shape of Maidstone United, Ford told www.vcd-athletic.co.uk

“Whatever the outcome it should be a great day with over a thousand people expected for what will be a cracking match between the two sides.”

Ford, who starts his 14^th season with the club in August, congratulated the Stones on their achievement last weekend, but insists he will be doing all they can to prevent them clinching the double.

He said: “Unlike our first cup final we will be going into this game as the underdogs and rightly so.

“Maidstone have once more proved the flagship again for our league this season and have finally gained the promotion their club and fans have dreamed about since they were re-formed.

“At this stage I would like to personally congratulate their chairman, club and staff on a wonderful achievement.

“Well, that’s as far as the Martin Ford appreciation society goes as we are desperate to put one over the mighty Stones on Saturday.”

Having lost 3-0 at Bourne Park on Easter Monday, Ford insists his side will be at full strength, despite being under strength at the tail end of their campaign.

“Lloyd Hume and Alan Walker will know that the last league meeting between the two sides will count for nothing as we were severely under strength on the day,” he said,

“A fully fit VCD side will give Maidstone a better run for their money on Saturday that’s for sure. Whether we are good enough on the day I do not know.

“But one thing is for sure, it won’t be for the want of trying. Whatever the outcome we have had a fantastic season again.

“With one cup already in the bank, sixth place in the league, although we know that if we had put our first team out in the last few fixtures it would have been third.”

Danny Penny, scorer of their equaliser against Tunbridge Wells in the Kent Senior Trophy Final and Clayton Probets are now fit with midfielder Kevin Winchcombe also on the mend.

There is, however, a slight doubt over former Slade Green, Dartford and Erith & Belvedere winger, Stuart Abbott.

But former Maidstone United midfielder Steve Hogg (stag weekend) isn’t available.

Maidstone United v VCD Athletic
Kentish Observer League Cup Final
Saturday 29^th April 2006
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Folkestone Invicta FC, Buzzlines Stadium, Cheriton Road, Folkestone