One more win will maintain our status, predicts Cugley

FOLKESTONE INVICTA boss Neil Cugley hopes Jimmy Jackson (back) and Kieron Bryne (knee) will be fit for tomorrow’s home game against Leatherhead, writes Tom Marchant.

Despite a late comeback, the Seasiders lost 3-2 to the Tanners earlier in the season on a day which will perhaps be remembered most by Invicta fans for a laborious journey back when due to travel conditions, the coach didn’t return to the coast until 10pm.

The Folkestone squad didn’t train this week to give additional breathing space for the game and that gives a chance to shake off numerous injuries picked up over recent weeks.

“We’d like to put things right this weekend,” Cugley told www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk.

“The fans have been very loyal and although we aren’t getting the numbers we had when we were at the top of the table, there is that loyal bunch who have remained right behind us and we want to get wins for them.

“We’re only one win away from absolutely guaranteeing survival I believe and once we’ve secured that it’s a case of building on it.

“When you look at the table if you go on a run either way – a few wins on the bounce for instance – things can change very quickly.

“ I’ve said to the players we’ve got 13 games left so lets enjoy them, try and play good football and most importantly try and win as many as we can and finish right up there”.

Against Croydon Athletic last weekend James Dryden continued his goal scoring form, netting after just 18 seconds although a second half equaliser from the home side meant the visitors had to settle for a point.

The Invicta boss re jigged his side in the absence of Jackson, with Josh Vincent slotting in at right back and James Everitt deployed in attack with Dryden. Byrne, meanwhile, went into midfield.

“Kieron Byrne did ever so well in there and maybe that was his best game for us so far,” praised Cugley. Ratty (James Everitt) went up front and also did well and it was a shame we had to change things around when Byrnesy came off as at that time we looked comfortable.

“It’s no secret we’ve got a small squad so it’s a case of pushing people around in various positions, but the players have stuck at it well.

“They were quite a good side and come the end they would have thought they deserved a draw. We’ve got to be a more switched on so that when we get the lead we’re a bit more patient and keep possession but generally I was pleased with the effort we put in despite being disappointed that we are getting ahead but letting teams back in.

“I think Jacko was missed later in the game and he would’ve given us that experience in keeping the ball.

“Before we left I think we would’ve said coming back with a draw wouldn’t have been a bad result but when you go one nil up it’s only natural to be more disappointed that you haven’t taken all three points.

“We’ve twice gone one up recently and I’m sure if we’d got a second in both of those matches we would have gone on to win but it’s coming.

“I’m hoping these sort of games like against Godalming where we lost 2-1, we’d get a draw out of it next season and where we’ve drawn maybe next season we’ll win because next season we’ll have that bit more experience and these young lads would’ve had thirty plus games behind them.”

The manager’s sponsored weight loss challenge still has over a fortnight to run and he has already impressively amassed over £1,000 in pledges.

The primary target was for Cugley to lose two stone and sponsors can sponsor per pound lost. Cugs has already lost a stone and remains determined to lose a second to raise as much money as possible help ease Invicta’s financial worries.

Sponsor forms are available from the Buzzlines Stadium tomorrow.

“I’ve also had plenty of people agree to sponsor matches between now and the end of the season which is bringing money in so we can keep things ticking along,” said Cugley.

“We’ve even doubled up on a few matchball ones so if anyone else wants to come in it’s no problem, they should just call me. I’ve called on a lot of people I know and the response has been brilliant and it all contributes to the general expenditure between now and the end of the season”.

Article courtesy of www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk

Folkestone Invicta v Leatherhead
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 21^st February 2009
Kick Off 3:00pm
At The Buzzlines Stadium, Cheriton Road, Folkestone, Kent CT19 5JU