We just need to keep the run going, says Faversham Town coach Clive Walker

FAVERSHAM TOWN assistant manager Clive Walker has issued a rallying cry for home support to turn out in force for the local derby against Herne Bay on Saturday afternoon.

The Lilywhites are in third-place in the Ryman League Division One South table, with 49 points from 27 games – eight points behind leaders Maidstone United – but support levels at Salters Lane remain disappointing.

Faversham were held to a goal-less draw at home to Corinthian-Casuals last Saturday, but claimed a morale-boosting 2-1 home win over fellow play-off chasers Burgess Hill Town in midweek.

”It was a good win midweek with ten men especially after playing with ten men for 45 minutes,” said Walker.

”It was heavy going against a half decent side.  I thought we did well against them, especially when we lost (Luke) Harvey, who was sent off.  We were down to ten-men on a heavy pitch against a good side and we did well.”

Reflecting briefly on the stalemate against Surrey outfit Corinthian-Casuals, Walker replied, “I thought we played very well. We didn’t take our chances.  We had about three or four chances when we should have been shooting but we were knocking on the door and the general play was good.”

Manager Ray Turner and Walker have turned Faversham Town into serious play-off contenders.

”Up to now,” added Walker. “We’ve got fifteen games left. We just need to keep the run going. We need to keep picking up points to stay in there. Who knows at the end of the day?

When asked whether the club can snatch the league title from Maidstone United’s grasp, Walker added: “It’s a bit of an ask, I think. There’s some decent sides in it. I think our last six games are really tough to be honest, but who knows. If we can go on a run anything could happen.

And when asked if he knows how many points his club will need to collect to cement a play-off place at the end of the season, Walker said: “Not really, because everybody beats everybody else in this league, you just don’t know.  Other year’s you’ve usually got a bunch that’s away from everybody but this year, not really no.

”Anyone who can go on a decent run now can go in a play-off situation.”

Simon Halsey brings his Herne Bay side to Salters Lane sitting in fifteenth-place in the table with 31 points from 25 games.

Last season’s Kent League title winners go into the game on the back of shock 4-0 home defeat to struggling Walton Casuals.

”Hopefully we’ll get a decent game and it will be a good game.  It will be a hard game, local derbies always are.  It always is against Herne Bay,” said Walker.

”It’s the highest the club has ever been and you’d think you’d get a bit off a response (from the fans) but there you go – you can’t force people can you?

”It’s a local derby and they’re always tough games against Herne Bay, but they’re only down the road.  I think it will be a tough match.  Obviously the conditions will play a part. It’s more likely to be a heavy pitch. It’s going to be a dog fight again.”

Faversham Town then welcome Leatherhead to Salters Lane next Tuesday.

Richard Brady’s side are one place below the Lilywhites with 47 points, but they do have a couple of games in hand.

Walker added: “They’re a good side as well.  They beat us in the Trophy or something earlier in the season, but we’ve got to play them twice in the league, but there’s no doubt about it, it won’t be an easy game.”

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

Faversham Town  v  Herne Bay
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 16^th February 2013
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Salters Lane, Faversham, Kent ME13 8ND