I reckon four more wins would be enough to get us in the play-offs, says Folkestone boss Neil Cugley

Friday 05th April 2013

FOLKESTONE INVICTA boss Neil Cugley believes that four wins in their remaining five games would be enough to secure a play-off spot.

But, he warns, it will by no means be easy.

Just one point from the two games over Easter – with the 2-1 defeat at Whitstable Town particularly disappointing – have left Invicta in sixth place and needing at least one of the sides above them – Faversham Town, Hythe Town or Ramsgate, to drop points in the final few weeks of the run-in.

Folkestone’s remaining fixtures are away to basement side Walton Casuals tomorrow followed by Corinthian Casuals next Tuesday then home games with Horsham and Herne Bay either side of their final away trip to Three Bridges on April 20.

None of those sides are higher than 15^th in the table, that being Kent rivals Herne Bay who end the season at Cheriton Road on April 27.

But boss Cugley is under no illusions and told www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk: “Even Three Bridges are said to be playing far better are spending most of the season virtually rock-bottom of the table, so we can’t take anyone lightly.”

The next couple of games seeing Folkestone back up in Surrey against Walton Casuals (22^nd) and then Corinthian Casuals (17^th).

“One good thing is that their pitches are usually pretty good, and that should favour us” said Cugley, whose side, have, however struggled to produce their most effective passing football in the recent weather conditions.

But with the weather said to be about to improve, at least just a little, the boss can but hope that the wind drops, if nothing else.

“That wind has been worse than a bit of mud,” said Cugley. “It’s had a major effect on our last two games – especially the big derby with Hythe on Monday.”

Cugley was upset by crucial refereeing decisions in the last two games, but recognises the fact that teams make their own luck and that Folkestone will need to lift themselves back up to their previous high standard to get the points that they need.

Young striker Johan Ter Horst misses the next two games – “He’s in Amsterdam on a family visit and looking at the possibility of going to university over there,” added Cugley.

“It’s a shame he’ll miss these two, but hopefully he’ll come back and play a big part in our last three games. He's given us a lot since he's been in the first team."

“We’ll be training hard and we’ll be going all out to win these next few matches.

“I reckon four more wins would be enough to get us in the play-offs – and neither us or Hythe would mind meeting up again this season – that would be of great help to both clubs financially.”

Meanwhile, Walton Casuals have explained why former Bromley midfielder Danny Carroll is no longer their manager, having resigned on 21 March, and now have former West Ham United player Tony Gale in charge.

“Danny Carroll has resigned from his post due to work commitments at the school where he holds the post of head of sport,” said their club website.

“Danny was appointed in mid-November 2013 following the sacking of Mick Sullivan.

“In this short space of time Danny has built a new squad of players that had just started to show signs of improving and moving us in the right direction.

“Tony Gale will be taking over in the interim with the aim of ensuring the club keeps it’s (Ryman League) status.

Article courtesy of www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk

Walton Casuals v Folkestone Invicta
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 6^th April 2013
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Waterside Stadium, Waterside Drive, Walton on Thames, Surrey KT12 2JP