4thjan06

Wednesday 04th January 2006

Bennett will take us onto the next level, admits Ford

In-form VCD Athletic travel to Deal Town on Saturday as they aim to reach the semi-finals of the Kent Senior Trophy, writes Stephen McCartney.

Manager Martin Ford was, however, satisfied that his side completed the double over landlords Greenwich Borough over the holiday period.

"Although it was not the greatest performance you will see from our lads it was just enough to complete the festive week with another valuable three points against our landlords on Monday with a 1-0 win, Ford told www.vcd-athletic.co.uk

"To be fair to Greenwich, however, they certainly gave us as good as we give. They were much better organised then they were when we beat them 2-0 a few days earlier and if I am honest they really should have taken a point off us."

However, a last minute penalty save from "fast improving" Grant Wallis denied Borough a point. Ford said: "We did give them the chance, conceding a last minute penalty but they didn't take it so there you go another win, another clean sheet and the unbeaten run continues for now.

"Where this journey at the moment will take us I have no idea but one defeat in eighteen matches is a fine run.

"I am not stupid enough to realise that you win anything in January, but our form is good. We don't fear anyone and we are just trying our best in every game, so we will see."

Ford takes his side to Deal Town looking to progress in the Kent Senior Trophy without the services of Danny Penny (head wound) and Chris Whitehouse (groin). The winners of which, will travel to either Whitstable Town or Cray Valley in the last four.

"Deal like ourselves are in the middle of a good run so it will be a tough ask," admitted Ford. "If we are to progress we will need to be better than our last two performances against Greenwich.

"I'm confident we can be but with cup football you never know. Its a game I expect my boys to win but if we are sloppy we will go out. It's as simple as that!"

Ford has added to his squad, re-signing striker Ricky Bennett from Ryman Leaguers Cray Wanderers. Speaking about the signing, he added: "I hope Ricky can get the goals we need to take us onto the next level.

"I am currently also trying to secure the services of a couple of more players this week to freshen up the squad.

"Some may think that we don't need to but we will soon be without a few regulars due to suspensions so I do not want to be left without cover what is going to be a testing couple of weeks."

In the other ties, Kentish Observer League leaders Beckenham Town entertain Milton Athletic, who are one of two British Energy Kent County League sides left in the competition. The other, Cray Valley - who knocked Faversham Town out in the last round - travel to Whitstable Town. Erith Town entertain Tunbridge Wells at the Erith Sports Stadium.

Deal Town v VCD Athletic
Kent Senior Trophy Quarter-Final
Saturday 7th January 2006
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Charles Sports Ground, St Leonards Road, Deal