We've done better than we expected at the start of the season, says Faversham coach Clive Walker

FAVERSHAM TOWN assistant manager Clive Walker says he wants his side to turn it on against Hythe Town on Tuesday night.

The Lilywhites finished their best campaign in third-place in the Ryman League Division One South table after collecting 77 points, thanks to 22 wins, 11 draws and 9 defeats.

They won fourteen games on their travels in the league, but they face fourth-placed Hythe Town at Salters Lane on Tuesday for a place in Saturday’s play-off final.

Scott Porter’s Hythe Town missed out on home advantage after being held to a 2-2 draw at Walton & Hersham on the final day of the season, and Faversham Town took full advantage with a 1-0 win at Leatherhead.

Walker said: “We’ve done well. We’ve done better than we expected at the start of the season, so we’re pleased with that.

“Looking at our away record, it’s been fantastic this year. Our home record hasn’t been as good as the away record, but recently we’ve picked it up as well, so hopefully we can do it tomorrow.”

Looking forward to the clash against Hythe Town, Walker said: “We’ve played them twice this year and they’ve been really hard games.  One of the better teams at this level so one thing is for certain, it won’t be easy.”

With one point separating the two clubs, it looks certain to be a close affair at Salters Lane for the right to face either Maidstone United or Folkestone Invicta in Saturday’s winner-takes-all final.

Walker said: “You never tell with them. It’s like a one-off game. They’ve got to be finished on the night. There’s no second legs so it can be strenuous, but there you are, you have to deal with it. 

“We would’ve taken it at the start of the season, wouldn’t we?”

When asked how the game will be won or lost, Walker replied: “Who knows? You’re talking about winning a match – if it hits a post or comes out it could be a referee’s decision. It could be anything, a bit of individuality, who knows?”

Walker urges a man in a white shirt to produce a moment of magic to clinch victory in front of the Salters Lane faithful.

“The gates have been up recently and hopefully we can have a decent gate tomorrow night and get behind the lads’ because it does make a difference,” said Walker.

“Anything can happen on the night, who knows?  I couldn’t tell you because it’s a one-off. It’s like a FA Cup match.  You go out there it doesn’t matter who you’re playing on that one day, anything can happen.

“You just want someone to turn it on, on the night and someone takes their chances early and anything can happen after that.”

The winners will face either Maidstone United or Folkestone Invicta (who meet eachother in an all-ticket affair at The Gallagher Stadium).

If The Stones progress then the final will be on the 3g Pitch at The Gallagher Stadium in front of over 2,000 people on Saturday, because as runners-up they hold home advantage for both games.

“Don’t forget when you’re in the play-offs you’re playing teams at the top of your league who are going to be there on merit. They’re all decent sides. There’s no easy games, whether you’re second, third, fourth or fifth.”

To have four Kent clubs in the play-offs is a fantastic achievement, especially considering that you have to play fourteen Kent derbies in this division.

Walker added: “It’s good for Kent. They’ve done well this year. The other sides have done well in the Ryman. They’ve done alright. It’s been a good year for Kent, in these levels anyway.”

Visit Faversham Town’s website: www.favershamtownfc.co.uk

Faversham Town  v  Hythe Town
Ryman League Division One South
Tuesday 30^th April 2013
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Salters Lane, Faversham, Kent ME10 8ND