Invicta want to end replay misery at Park View Road

As was the case in 2001 and 2003 Folkestone Invicta again face Welling United in a Cup replay, writes Andy Bown & Tom Marchant - www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk

The Seasiders travel to Park View Road tomorrow night on the back of a commanding performance against the Conference South Side and will inevitably be keen to make amends for previous Cup exits inflicted by the Wings.

Invicta manager Neil Cugley named an unchanged starting line on Saturday from the team that won comfortably at East Thurrock United earlier in the week, but with the inclusion of Walid Matata on the substitute’s bench returning after injury, alongside recent signing James Corbett.

He said: “We played really well Saturday and we never let Welling settle. We won battles all over the park; obviously Kedwell was always going to be a handful but Kola and Flan did a very good job dealing with him.

“Kedwell is a physical player and we never have him anything to feed off and he was quite quiet.

“The midfield lads did a marvellous job in stopping Jamie Day and Des Boateng who are both good players and so they couldn’t provide anything for their forwards.”

Despite creating the majority of the early chances in the match the Seasiders went behind to a goal by Welling captain Chris Moore, who headed his side ahead from a Jamie Day free kick after half an hour.

Cugley recalled: “We were disappointed to go 1-0 down when we had started the game so positively. Everyone had someone to pick up on the set pieces and Saundo has lost his man and he scored.

“These things happen sometimes and I was very pleased with our response to them scoring because if that had happened a few weeks ago it would have been the end of our cup run”.

Nine minutes later though Folkestone equalised through Ellis Remy, a player quickly establishing himself as a firm favourite with the Invicta faithful.

Forward partner Paul Jones headed the ball down and Remy powered the ball up into the net off the underside of the cross bar.

“It was a very well taken goal and it was from an acute angle and I was amazed he somehow managed to squeeze it in,” said Cugley. “Ellis is that sort of lad where you expect the unexpected because usually you would expect him to pull it back across goal but he’s gone for the shot and we were delighted it went in.

“He’s improving as he’s playing more games. Him and Kola are the same in the fact that they haven’t really played a lot of games and we took a gamble in both of them and it paying off now with both of them putting in significant performances.

“James Corbett is the next one and we need to try and get him fit to play at this standard and we hope he has a similar impact as the other two”.

With Walid Matata returning from injury and Matt Carruthers ready to take a place on the bench, competition for places in the starting eleven is certain to increase at the Buzzlines Stadium.

Cugley expressed: “It’s going to be interesting when Matt and Walid get fit and are ready to start matches because we have a few lads at the moment who are occupying their positions and who are doing well.

“It’s nice to have a bit of competition but also when you’re playing matches at such a high tempo like we are, you are going to use your subs a lot more.

“Sometimes people have to realise we’re not even taking players off because they’re playing poorly anymore, it’s just if they are tiring and for other tactical reasons.

“As with Saturday, I thought Ellis got a bit tired so I just changed it around and Walid came on for him and he was a worthy replacement. Walid’s injury has healed and he just needs to improve his fitness now. He will most likely be on the bench tomorrow and I hope by Saturday he will be as fully fit as he can be”.

After a decent performance on Saturday afternoon the Folkestone manager stated he sees little reason to make any major alterations to his starting line up for tomorrow night’s game, although ex Welling forward Matt Carruthers should return to the squad and take a place on the bench.

Cugley said: “I’m definitely looking for the same performance as Saturday, which was indicative of our play over the last couple of games.

“If they (Welling) do win we will make sure they really earn it and we will give it all our best efforts.

“If it goes to extra time then I have no problem with that as our lads are certainly fit enough for it”.

The last replay between the two sides at Park View Road in 2003 ended in a penalty shoot out.

Cugley revealed: “We won’t be training between now and the game as the players need a rest after Saturday and I don’t want to, or really need to push them that hard as to make them train a day before a game.

“Yes penalties are a possibility but I don’t think you can practice them successfully as it’s always different in real life. You just get on with them and I suppose it’s good we haven’t got Mark Munday with us anymore!”

FA Cup Third Qualifying Round draw (involving Kent sides)

Mangotsfield United v Cray Wanderers or Leatherhead

Heybridge Swifts or Didcot Town v Dover Athletic

Billericay Town or Hayes v Bromley

Margate v Maldon Town or Potters Bar Town

AFC Hornchurch v Folkestone Invicta or Welling United

Worthing or Cheshunt v Tonbridge Angels or Banbury United

Ties to be played on 14 October 2006

Visit club websites:

www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk & www.wellingunited.com

Welling United v Folkestone Invicta
FA Cup (Sponsored by E.ON) Second Qualifying Round Replay
Tuesday 3^rd October 2006
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Park View Road, Welling