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Friday 08th April 2005

VCD on track to finish third

VCD ATHLETIC boss Martin Ford is pleased with his side's recent form and is eyeing a top three finish behind Ramsgate and Herne Bay, with only two Go Travel Kent League games to play, writes Stephen McCartney.

Vickers finish their campaign on the 23rd April with a trip to Hythe Town but they make the short trip to Erith Town on Saturday.  But with a game in hand over third placed side Whitstable Town, Maidstone United - with three games left - will also fancy their chances of finishing in third spot.

Ford, speaking to the club's website said: "We have enjoyed back to back victories over Deal, Beckenham, Lordswood and title favourites Ramsgate.

"Full credit must be given to the lads.  It would have been easy for us to let the season draw to a close after our Kent Senior Trophy semi-final defeat at the hands to Beckenham but fair play to them as they have again got the bit between their teeth and are now playing as well as we have all season.

"Third spot is still up for grabs and with the way Herne Bay are performing, second place may also be a real possibility also."

Ford, however, was pleased with the level of support his games attracted against Ramsgate Maidstone United recently.

"The lads two games have seen the lads perform in front of six hundred supporters, which just goes to show that the Kent League, on its day, can still bring in the level of support that the clubs are desperate for.

"It was nice to be able to, at last, pay some money into the bank for a change, instead of counting a loss.

"Over three hundred and fifty people were in attendance on Saturday at Lordswood to watch a dreadful match against Maidstone but all in all everyone left happy even the Maidstone fans, so let's hope the level of support can continue to give this league a boost, just when it needs it most."

Looking ahead to their next match, a local derby at Erith Town, Ford added: "We now have two games left to finish the season off, starting with an away game this Saturday at Erith Town.

"Apart from spending most of my time running around the athletic track for the ball, I enjoy our visits to the Erith Stadium.

"Our record against Erith Town is first class so I am expecting a win, although Erith are fighting to stay off the bottom and should give us another tough match."

Ford gave an updated on the progress being made at their Oakwood ground in Crayford and revealed: "Lots of people are continuing to ask me about the ground situation and after a couple of meetings this week we should be able to give everyone an idea of what date we will be back."

Go Travel Kent League Premier Division  table (current top six)

POS Team PLD W D L F A PTS
1 Ramsgate 26 19 4 3 57 22 61
2 Herne Bay 26 17 4 5 62 37 55
3 Whitstable Town 29 15 6 8 68 43 51
4 VCD Athletic 28 15 5 8 63 48 50
5 Maidstone United 27 14 6 7 52 34 48
6 Tunbridge Wells (+2) 27 10 9 8 41 46 41

Erith Town v VCD Athletic
Go Travel Kent League Premier Division
Saturday 9th April 2005
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Erith Sports Stadium, Avenue Road, Erith