We don't know what to expect from Norton, admits Luchford

FAVERSHAM TOWN go into the unknown on Saturday - the first side to play side Norton Sports in the Bulmers Cider Kent League, writes Tony Gray.

However, on paper it looked a tough set of pre-season friendly matches for Faversham Town, but they are now behind them and the business part of the season is now upon them.

Defeats against Dover Athletic, Gillingham and Sittingbourne were probably expected, the draw against Canterbury City was a little disappointing but the wins against Folkestone Invicta and Chatham Town were a bonus and a real boost to the side.

Management duo Justin Luchford and Jimmy Strouts have now been able to cast their eye over the squad during the last few weeks and are now looking forward to the start of the league campaign.

"Pre-season is over now, and we have learnt a lot over the past five to six weeks," Luchford told www.favershamtownfc.co.uk.

"The players have worked hard and we believe they are now ready for the final preparation before the (league) opener.

"We have done well against sides in leagues above us and held our own. We have had great crowds and the club has benefited from that and there is a real buzz about the place."

The pre-season matches have enabled the management duo of Luchford and Strouts to also view a few of the club's youngsters, a number of U-18's having played in some of the matches and have put in exceptional performances and seemed total at home with the step up to the senior side.

"The youngsters have been the high point during the pre-season,” said Luchford.

"Credit must go once again to Ray Turner and Kevin Doyle. The work they do is paramount to the clubs success. Remarks on forums about Ray make me laugh. I don't believe there is a better youth manager in the business.

"Someone said that the forwards are yet to score. They are correct but what they fail to realise is that all the goals we have scored, the strikers have had a hand in all of them.

“It is something that doesn't concern us. We always create chances in every game and everyone gets on the scoresheet throughout the team and that's a big bonus for us."

The focus now turns to the main business of the season, the league campaign and Luchford realises there is still work to be done.

"As we now come into the opener we have a bit of preparation to do" Luchford said.

"The lads are fully focused on the task in hand."

The friendlies have caused a few injury headaches for the management duo but, after one stage having six first teamers out through injury, there was some mixed news from the treatment room.

Lyndon Rowland, signed from Ryman Premier League side Maidstone United, will miss the first few weeks of the new campaign with a knee problem picked up against Folkestone Invicta and Robbie Summers is also out for a couple of weeks. Jamie Sparks should be available for selection this week.

Luchford had some good news also in the 'transfer market' when he was able to sign on two 'new' players.

He said: "We are delighted to have re-signed Shane Hamshare last Saturday. He has returned
from the US and is raring to go. It's a massive signing for us and one that was unexpected. The lads are thrilled he is back on board."

Also back with the Salters Lane club, after a very brief spell at Margate is Wes Hammond, who came on as a second half substitute in the match against Canterbury City last Saturday.

On Saturday, newly promoted side Norton Sports visit Salters Lane for the Bulmers Cider Kent League opener and Luchford is rightly cautious about this unknown quantity.

"They have come up to the Kent League and will be buzzing." warned Luchford.

"We don't know too much about them, but we know they will come out of the blocks quickly and be right up for it.

“They will want to win every header, tackle and personal battle and want to cause an upset. It's a very tough fixture for us and we are also expecting a big crowd for the opener.

"However Norton, be warned! We are ready and we will not be giving an inch come Saturday at 3pm. We are also up for it and our lads are fully focused on the job in hand and can't wait to get started. We know what we are capable of, and if we execute our play correctly, we will be very hard to beat.

"A cracking opening game that will set the tone for our season. Bring it on!"

Article courtesy of www.favershamtownfc.co.uk

Faversham Town v Norton Sports
Bulmers Cider Kent League
Saturday 9^th August 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Salters Lane, Faversham, Kent ME13 8ND