We have no chance of causing cup shock, admits Cotton - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

West Wickham manager Alan Cotton has played down his side’s chances of causing a major cup shock on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Southern Amateur League minnows make the daunting trip to Whitstable Town for a place in the Kent Senior Trophy final up for grabs.

Unbeaten Kent League leaders Whitstable Town are clear favourites to reach April’s showpiece final, which will be played at Dartford’s stunning Princes Park Stadium on Sunday, 15^th April, against Bearsted or Sevenoaks Town.

“We have been playing well enough to give a good account of ourselves and we are going to Whitstable to enjoy the game and have a few beers with the Whitstable boys afterwards,” Cotton said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight.

“Anything can happen in one-off games but the smart money will be on the home side as they have an excellent record so far this season and play at a higher standard than us.

“We know little or nothing about Whitstable except for the information available on various websites and press cuttings - but we will treat them with the greatest of respect.”

Whitstable Town booked their place in the last four of the Kent League Cup last night, beating local rivals Faversham Town 3-0 at The Belmont.

Marc Seager’s side now face Hythe Town in a two-legged semi-final in a bid to play either Thamesmead Town or Herne Bay in that final.

“I know that my players will give 100% on Saturday because they do so every week and we will try to play good quality football,” said Cotton.

“Our objective each week is to enjoy ourselves and try to win but it is equally important to play the game in the right spirit.”

Cotton warned Kevin Fewell, Whitstable Town’s goalkeeper, that he may face his opposite number Mark Owlett from the penalty spot during Saturday’s Belmont clash.

“All our players are capable of scoring a goal,” he warned. “Even the keeper Mark Owlett is ready to take penalties and he hasn’t missed one this season.

“We don’t have any super stars in the squad but our success so far has been built on team work and we will try to maintain that ethos on Saturday.”

Cotton revealed “several” of his regular defenders will undergo fitness tests on Saturday morning but he will be without Lloyd Willis, Paul Freeman, Neil Owlett and James Owlett.

He added: “All of these players will have a run out with the reserves or third team on Saturday in readiness for selection for next week’s AFA Semi-Final against Nottsborough.”

But Ross Simmonds and Russell D’Urso have both been added to the squad.

“West Wickham are looking forward to visiting the Belmont Ground as we don’t often get the chance to play at big stadiums,” said Cotton.

“I have already spoken with Marc Seager and several of Whitstable’s management team and I am sure that we will get a warm welcome from them.”

Visit club websites:

www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk

www.westwickhamfc.co.uk