New boys given chance to shine against "a very good non-league side"

Wednesday 12th July 2006

PREVIEW
FAVERSHAM TOWN v CRAY WANDERERS
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 15^th July 2006
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Salters Lane, Faversham

Faversham Town kick-off their pre-season friendlies with the visit of Ryman League Cray Wanderers to Salters Lane on Saturday, writes James Brown.

And boss Terry Cordice could blood at least four new players as he continues his build up to the re-formed club's debut season in the Kent League.

Striker Graham Taylor - who scored twice on his one and only appearance for the club last season on loan from Ramsgate - is expected to lead the line on his return to the Lilywhites.

Former Tunbridge Wells’ midfielder Lee Skinner is also likely to be involved along with defender Richard Gamble after both players impressed during pre-season training.

Cordice is also keen on the versatile Dean Abrahams who has made a big impact during the squad sessions at Abbey School.

South Londoner Abrahams, 24, is a powerful midfielder who can also play in defence and Cordice explained: "I think this lad will be a big asset as we make the step up into the Kent League. We are going to need a squad that is both stronger and fitter than last year.

"Because of this we have really been putting the lads through it. Some of them struggled during one session but they came through and are looking sharper and sharper every week. Everyone is really looking forward to Saturday."

Cordice's assistant Peter Holder revealed that the duo would be naming a squad of 16 for the Cray Wanderers’ game and the new boys would be given a chance to shine.

He said: "The new lads have done well so far and they will be involved at some stage on Saturday. It'll be a good opportunity for them to show us what they can do against a very good non-league side."

Cordice has wished Ross and Rikki Cable best wishes following the duo's decision to sign for Kent League rivals Thamesmead Town. Defender Kris Browning has also left the club by mutual consent and Kam Singh is trying his luck at Sittingbourne.

Cordice said: "I understand Ross and Rikki have signed for Thamesmead and that is their decision. We wish them well as I do Kris Browning who was a great servant during our first season in the County League.

"Kam has been training with Sittingbourne but that has alot to do with his transport issues at the moment. However, if he were to make a decent impression there I could have no complaints as he has would have gone higher. I've no problem with that."

Cordice is buzzing ahead of the new season and already has his spies at work following Friday's FA Vase draw.

Faversham Town will play Eastbourne United away in the first qualifying round and prison officer Cordice said: "A colleague at work who runs a side in East Sussex is going to do some research on Eastbourne. He's also going to collect all the local papers so we have as much information on them as we possibly can.

"It's a great draw for us, a great day out for the players and the fans but we'll be looking to put some results together no doubt. We'd love a decent FA Vase run."

Cordice refused to look any further than Faversham Town's initial game in the competition on 9th September but if they were to progress they will find familiar opponents in fellow Kent League new boys Croydon in the second qualifying round.

Faversham Town secretary Alan Trent, living up to his new nickname of Statto, revealed: "Their full name is Eastbourne United Association FC and they were formed by an amalgamation of the existing Eastbourne Utd and Shinewater Association in 2003, hence Association in the name.

"The ground is quite close to the seafront, not far from Fort Fun if you know Eastbourne. It falls foul of the weather in winter, so it's a good job we are playing them early in the season. They play in white shirts and black shorts."

Faversham Town’s pre-season programme:
Saturday 15^th July (H) Cray Wanderers
Saturday 22^nd July (a) Cork City
Wednesday 26^th July (H) Folkestone Invicta
Saturday 29^th July (a) Sittingbourne
Tuesday 8^th August (a) Ramsgate

Reserves:
Wednesday 2^nd August (H) Bromley Green
Saturday 5^th August (H) Fleet Leisure

Under 18’s:
Wednesday 19^th July (H) Lewisham Borough

Article courtesy of www.favershamtownfc.co.uk

* Ryman League Division One South outfit Cray Wanderers opened their pre-season campaign with a win last night. Tony Russell netting in the 72^nd minute as they defeated Millwall 1-0 at Hayes Lane.

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