Ford: New ground is giving us a fresh injection of life

Friday 10th March 2006

VCD Athletic boss Martin Ford is pleased their Kent Senior Trophy Final with Tunbridge Wells will be played locally and on an excellent playing surface at Welling United’s Park View Road ground, writes Stephen McCartney.

Skipper Paul Foley scored the only goal at Whitstable Town last Saturday to book their place in the final, against a side that shocked Beckenham Town, courtesy of Alex Rich’s goal at Eden Park Avenue.

“The decision to play the final at Welling United on Sunday, 9^th April will seem off to most but it was fully agreed by both clubs,” Ford told www.vcd-athletic.co.uk

”We are thankful that the Kent County Football Association have allowed this to happen.

”Both sides wanted a decent playing surface to play on and at Welling we will get that.

”Hopefully because it’s a Sunday and not the bank holiday a decent crowd can be in attendance, so all in all I think both clubs will enjoy the day.”

However, the club’s chance to reach another final – the Kent League Cup – was put on ice last night as their first leg tie against Herne Bay was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Harrow Meadow.

Reflecting on their win at Whitstable last week, Ford said: “A thoroughly deserved victory on Saturday has given this special little football club of ours another chance to put some silverware back at the Oakwood ground.

”Our 1-0 win at Whitstable was achieved with a performance of guts, spirit and a great team performance, which I would think that the Oystermen would have few complaints about.

”On the day we were much the better side and looked stronger as the match went on and fully deserved the win. Although, to say we should have had them dead and buried by half-time would to say the least be an understatement.

”The boys were superb from start to finish but we know we don’t get a trophy for winning a semi-final.”

Ford, meanwhile, is pleased the atmosphere at the club is “the best I have known it for some years” with their Oakwood ground in Crayford currently being redeveloped.

”Everyone is fully behind the team at the moment, which showed on Saturday when we took over 100 people to Whitstable,” he said.

”I have said for many years that this is a massive club ready to take off. With our ground being built it has given everyone around the club a fresh injection of life and with the team playing their hearts out for the fans my job is very easy at the moment.”

But he warned: “I have, however, been around for a long time and I know it will only take a couple of poor results or injuries to slow us down.”

Ford’s side returns to Whitstable's Belmont ground tomorrow for a league fixture, and he said: “Whatever side we put out I’m sure will do us proud but forgive me but the match is not top of my priorities this week.”