THE BIG KICK OFF: Invicta sign Daggers keeper - EXCLUSIVE

Wednesday 15th August 2007

Folkestone Invicta manager Neil Cugley expects an entertaining opening day clash against Wealdstone on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

Invicta welcome the Stones to the Buzzlines Stadium in Cheriton Road and Cugley wants to start the new Ryman Premier League season with three points in the bag.

“We hope so, we didn’t last year,” he recalled EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“We had Harrow Borough at home and lost, which was a disappointment, but we’re looking to win and give everyone a big lift.”

Cugley will hand goalkeeper, Dave Hogan, whose signed from Coca-Cola League Two newcomers Dagenham & Redbridge, his debut.

“He was their number two all last year and played in the Conference and actually kept goal for Eastbourne Borough last Saturday against Hampton & Richmond, kept a clean sheet,” said Cugley. “I’m pleased that we’ve got him on board.”

Hogan replaces the injured Charlie Mitten, who nurses a troublesome thigh strain.

Cugley wants as many fans to flock through the turnstiles, to witness an entertaining game.

“They’re always a good attacking side,” he said. “Always have good forwards over the last couple of years.

“They always seem to play good attacking football - it should be a good open game.”

Cugley, now in his eleventh season in charge, has completed eight summer signings, that will strengthen his team.

“Hopefully we as a club are getting tougher and stronger each year,” he said.

“You always want to be in with these sides and you have to adapt to it. It’s a very good league, a very good standard.

“We looking forward to enjoying it and showing (that) we’re stronger.”

Cugley explained why former Gillingham player, Charlie Glyde has joined their Ryman League Division One South neighbours, Ashford Town, on a month’s loan.

“He’s gone there for a month to get some games,” he said.

Cugley will be without Mark Saunders, who starts his three-match ban, but other than Mitten, has a full quota of players to start the new season with.

He said: “There’s no easy games, but you look forward to them all, they’re always a good test for everybody.”

Cugley admitted that giants, Chelmsford City and AFC Wimbledon will be pulling the punches at the top of the table, but believes other clubs also have a chance.

“They’re the two and after that everybody will be much of a muchness,” he said.
“That’s why it’s such a good league, everybody beating each other, that’s what made it such a good league last year.”

Hythe resident Cugley, admitted it’s up to him and the team to attract crowds of over 400 to Cheriton Road this season by “playing better football, scoring goals, and winning games.”

Visit Folkestone Invicta’s website www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk

Folkestone Invicta v Wealdstone
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 18^th August 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Buzzlines Stadium, Cheriton Road, Folkestone, Kent CT19 5JU

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