Matata returns for visit to high-flying Swifts

Wednesday 12th April 2006

After completing over an hour of match football on Monday night and scoring the first goal for Folkestone Invicta against Herne Bay, popular striker Walid Matata looks set to be fit and in contention for a place in the starting line up on Friday to face Heybridge Swifts, writes Andy Bown & Tom Marchant – www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk

However, Invicta manager Neil Cugley stated that centre back Lee Shearer who has been sidelined with an ankle injury recently was less likely to be involved.

Cugley revealed: “Shears might play on the Monday (against Margate). But because the pitches at the moment are very hard I think he’s doubtful for Heybridge because of his ankle problem – hard grounds just don’t really suit recovering ankles I’m afraid”.

Skilful forward Matt Carruthers, who picked up a dead leg against Slough Town last week, should also be fit along with strong midfielder Martin Chandler who didn’t play against Herne Bay due to a hamstring strain.

We’ve got to be a bit careful with Martin (Chandler) because he didn’t had a pre season last year so unfortunately he does pick up these sorts of niggling injuries.”

Cugley also provided an update on former Ashford Town forward Paul Jones who is currently recovering from an operation on his groin.

He expressed: “Well we can’t wait to have him (Jones) back! Seriously though we do miss him because he does hold the ball up and move centre backs around ever so well.

”He’s become very popular with the fans and he’s a good player and so we were all very disappointed when he got injured.”

Cugley added: “He’s got to take it a bit easier this month and then he can do light training in May and he can push himself in June so he’ll be raring to go in pre season.”

When Jones returns the Folkestone manager will have a welcome problem of who to choose in attack with Carruthers and Matata also pushing for starting places along with youngsters Rob Knott and Joe Neilson.

Neil commented: “When you get people like Matt Carruthers, Jonesy and Walid up front we’ll start looking like a very attacking side. It will be a dilemma but competition is what we want!

”Plus hopefully Joe Neilson will continue to improve and Rob Knott has done very well and he had a good game again on Monday night. So there should be good competition in that front area which is what you need at this level”.

Heybridge Swifts v Folkestone Invicta

Ryman Premier League
Good Friday 14^th April 2006
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Scraley Road, Heybridge, Maldon, Essex CM9 8JA