9thnov05

Wednesday 09th November 2005

Let's enjoy Trophy experience, says Cugley
EXCLUSIVE

Folkestone Invicta's epic FA Cup run has whetted the appetite of manager Neil Cugley and he's looking for more of the same during this season's FA Trophy campaign, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Buzzlines Stadium outfit reached the first round proper of the FA Cup and took a tenth minute lead at League Two side Chester City last Saturday when central defender Adam Flanagan scored his third goal of the season after only ten minutes.

But two goals in the second half sent Keith Curle's men through to the second round and will host fallen giants Nottingham Forest on the first weekend of December - if they get past Nationwide Conference South club Weymouth in next Monday's replay at the Wessex Stadium.

With Cugley admitting to www.kentishfootball.co.uk that the Ryman League (Westview) Cup is low on his list of priorities, after they lost their third round tie 4-2 at Fisher Athletic on Monday, the long serving manager now turns his attention to their second qualifying round FA Trophy tie against Ryman Premier League rivals Wealdstone.

The James Dryden/Paul Jones strike partnership earned the club £1,300 when they knocked Whyteleafe out at the first hurdle, and Cugley is looking for the pair to shine - they scored at Champion Hill on Monday - to earn them another £2,000 and a place in the third and final qualifying round.

And Cugley wants his side to have an extended run in this season's competition.

"Yes we would like to do that," he said in an EXCLUSIVE interview with www.kentishfootball.co.uk

"Obviously there's the financial rewards in it and once you've had one game like Chester you want to have another one.

"It was a great day out and if we can get through a couple of rounds (in the FA Trophy) and play a Conference side that will be very nice.

"We've enjoyed that experience (at Chester) and we want another game and the Trophy can give you that."

And Cugley thanked Invicta's fans for their great support at Chester last Saturday.

He told www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk: "I would like to thank everybody who made the trip for their tremendous support.

"The supporters made a great contribution both in terms of numbers and the vocal noise they made throughout the game.

"I know that the players fully appreciated the support they were shown and it was great to see so many people travel so far and get behind the club in such a manner.

"I thought that we equipped ourselves very well on the pitch when we looked what we have done for the past few weeks and that is a very competitive and good non-league team.

"We showed good shape and made life difficult for Chester and there were only little spells when they really controlled the game," said the proud manager.

Cugley, however, takes his side to Tonbridge Angels next Tuesday, 15th November, in the first round of the Kent Senior Cup.

But the game will be postponed if the Angels draw Newport IOW in the Trophy on Saturday or the same thing happens at Cheriton Road.

"We will be at full strength at Tonbridge," Cugley revealed. "As we have so many fixtures at the moment and are operating with such a small squad we felt that we had to make sacrifices in one of the cup competitions, which is why we made some changes for the Westview Cup on Monday night."

Folkestone Invicta v Wealdstone
FA Trophy Second Qualifying Round
Saturday 15th November 2005
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Buzzlines Stadium, Cheriton Road, Folkestone