THE BIG KICK OFF: Bourne looks ahead to opening day “grudge” match - EXCLUSIVE

Jason Bourne, the Tunbridge Wells skipper, believes their Kent League opening day clash at VCD Athletic on Saturday, is a “grudge match”, writes Stephen McCartney.

Vickers have held the upper hand over the Culverden Stadium outfit, winning the Kent Senior Trophy on penalties two years ago, and knocking them out of the FA Vase in the second round last term.

But 26-year-old Bourne hopes his home-town club can build on their penultimate game of last season.

That night, the heroics of goalkeeper Alan Rogers, 60, denied Vickers claiming their first ever Kent League title, as Whitstable Town secured promotion to the Ryman League for the very first time, instead.

Speaking EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk, Bourne said: “We’ve had a couple of grudge matches, obviously a good cup final, they beat us in the Vase last year, and I think we stopped them winning the league last year at our place as well.”

Right-back Bourne, however, has a score to settle during the clash at Oakwood in Old Road in Crayford on Saturday.

He said: “It’s a little bit of a grudge match (but) it will be an interesting first game - I’m looking forward to it.”

Martin Farnie’s side should, however, be fit and raring to go, having played Ryman League sides, Dartford, Chatham Town, Tonbridge Angels and Whitstable Town, during their six-match preparation.

“In periods we’ve matched these Ryman sides, so there’s no reason why we can’t match any Kent League side really, on our day,” said Bourne, whose father Nigel is currently acting-chairman whilst Gary Stevens waits in the background before taking over the west Kent club.

But Paul Foley, the player-manager of VCD Athletic, is trying to keep their last meeting against Tunbridge Wells, out of his mind.

“Regardless of where they finished last year, that doesn’t matter, it doesn’t have any bearing on Saturday,” he said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“We’ll be looking to get off to a great start, as everyone else wants to.”

Vickers were robbed off a last-gasp penalty in their penultimate game of last season, a decision that cost the club the chance of winning the Kent League title.

Andy Garrett used his hand to prevent the ball crossing the goalline during a desperate goal-mouth scramble at the end of the 1-1 draw, in which Foley scored for Vickers.

“There’s a few incidents that went on in that game, but I’m not one for dwelling on that and I don’t think the players are either,” he said.

“It’s a new season and everyone’s looking to giving it a good crack again.

“The worst thing about that game was the penalty incident that wasn’t, but it’s not going to effect us on Saturday, that’s not why we didn’t win the league, just one incident in many.”

Foley has signed goalkeeper, James Tedder, on a dual registration, from Ryman League neighbours, Dartford, as Chris Conneally has opted to sign for title rivals, Thamesmead Town.

Defender, Gary Cook, has arrived from Herne Bay, whilst a couple of Foley’s former team-mates, Paul Ribbens and hard-man striker, Ian Court has signed, as well as Darren Thomson, formerly of Dartford.

And Foley has been boosted with the return of former Arsenal left-winger, Ashley Probets, whose regained his fitness following a cartlidge operation.

But Cook - and influential midfielder - Danny Penny, serves the first of their two match bans on Saturday, whilst Ribbens sits out as he’s nursing a cracked rib.

Another player to leave the club for Thamesmead Town, however, is Lee Coburn, whilst defender Terry Ratchford makes a quick return to Oakwood, with his new side, Tunbridge Wells.

“We’ve got the same squad as last year and we’ve strengthened it in key areas,” revealed Foley.

“Baring in mind, we’ve finished in second, it goes with the territory that we are one of the favourites but we’re ok with that.

“We don’t mind being put up there, it says we’re doing something right.”

On Vickers’ title rivals, Foley said: “I know a few clubs have signed new players but until we’re a few weeks into the season, I suppose we don’t know.

“I suspect the usual suspects will be up there, Croydon, Thamesmead, Erith & Belvedere, but there’s no reason why a Greenwich Borough or even an Erith Town, who have been busy recruiting this summer, will be.

“It will be an interesting season this year, similar to last year, but a lot more open.”

Visit club websites:

www.vcd-athletic.co.uk

www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk

VCD Athletic v Tunbridge Wells
Kent League Premier Division
Saturday 11^th August 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Oakwood, Old Road, Crayford, Kent