Wands gave us football lesson, admits Cordice

Tuesday 18th July 2006

Terry Cordice surveyed the wreckage of Faversham Town's first pre-season friendly but still managed to find a few positives, insisting: We've made some decent signings this summer, writes James Brown.

Boss Cordice must have realised his Lilywhites were never likely to trouble visitors Cray Wanderers who went close to making the Ryman League play-offs last season.

So he swallowed the 4-0 defeat by reflecting on how the game offered a great deal of encouragement for the re-formed club's first season back in the Kent League.

Cordice, who is known as TC, said: "To be honest, I think we showed them too much respect but make no mistake they are a very good side. In fact, Ramsgate aside, we won't play a better team all summer.

"I thought they gave us a football lesson, especially in the second half, but there were some positives from us too with the new lads doing well."

Local boys Stuart Dane and Richard Gamble, together with striker Andy Martin and midfielder Dean Abrahams made the starting line-up on a day when Cordice blooded six new players.

Former Tunbridge Wells pair Lee Skinner and Steve Ward were used as second-half substitutes and Cordice said: "I thought Stuart did very well before coming off injured at half time and Richard also looked good despite the fact he's been out for the best part of a year.

"Andy Martin also worked hard for little reward while Lee and Steve did ok after coming on so I have to pleased - we've made some decent signings.

"No one likes to lose but we blew away a few cobwebs. It's still early days but we'll obviously be looking to improve as we go on."

Cordice's next outing will be overseas with Faversham Town heading off to the Republic of Ireland on Friday for a three-day tour.

Former Faversham Town star Damien Richardson, the ex Gillingham manager and player, has agreed to a game with his Cork City side at the Irish champions' training centre in Bishopstown.

Cordice said: "I know Damien well from his days in Kent. He is a smashing fella and it'll be good to see him. Their first team play the second leg of their Champions League qualifier against Apollon Limassol this week and are 1-0 up.

"I'm sure we'll play only a mixture of reserves and under-21s but these lads are full time so it'll be an interesting trip. All the lads are looking forward to a great weekend."

Meanwhile, entries for the Bob Mason Classic on Friday, 28th July, have closed but there is still time to buy a ticket to the Summer Party which follows at Salters Lane.

A marquee will be going up on the pitch late next week and there will be a hog roast as well as music and a comedian with tickets priced at £15 per person.

The party plays host to the golf day presentation while players from the club's first team and reserves will also collect their medals from last season.

For more details call Town's commercial manager Ray Leader on 07709 395001.

Article courtesy of www.favershamtownfc.co.uk