We’ve got to concentrate on going as far as we can, says Herne Bay boss Simon Halsey

Halsey led the club to the Kent League title and the semi-finals of the FA Carlsberg Vase last season and have a 50% record from their first ever week in the Ryman League Division One South.

Halsey took plenty of positives from their 1-0 defeat at home to Tooting & Mitcham United on the opening day of the season, but his unbeaten record at Reachfields Stadium continued when they grabbed a 1-0 win on Tuesday night.

Reflecting on the first week of the new season, Halsey, 47, said: “Very, very, very, very good.  Very exciting. Disappointed that we lost to Tooting after dominating the game then elated to go down to Hythe to take all three points down there in a very, very, very, very tough game.

“It was exactly what I expected of it. Hopefully the rest of the season will be exactly the same.”

Halsey is extremely proud of his record at Hythe Town’s fortress.

He said: “I think even when I go back to my VCD days before Whitstable and Herne Bay I’m trying to replicate a time that I’ve ever lost down there.   I’ve always had good times down there, that’s why I like going down there.  It’s one of these grounds I’ve got a very good record at.

“We had to battle hard. We had to roll our sleeves up and match them toe-to-toe and when we got the ball we had to make sure we passed the ball like we’re good at.

“We restricted them to long range shots from outside the box. We took the goal and the three points.

“I’m over the moon to get off the mark, which has relieved a bit of pressure off myself and the players now we’ve got points on the board so hopefully we can go and enjoy it now.”

Halsey added: “I was in a positive mood after Saturday but disappointed not to get at least one or three points from the game.

“There were lots of positives out of it with the way we played, the attitude and the lads have transitioned into the Ryman with a new squad and a new formation.”

Neil Cugley brings his Folkestone Invicta side to Winch’s Field tomorrow with former Bay players Jack Delo, Liam Dickson, Darren Marsden and Stuart King all expected to get some sort of welcome from the Winch’s faithful.

Halsey is looking forward to the Preliminary Round showdown.

He said: “Another Kent game within a week. We’ve got a few of them this year which is great and another reason why we wanted to get into the Ryman South.

“Folkestone tomorrow is going to be a toughy, with Kingy and Marzo coming back wanting to put on a good show.

“If we can carry on from our first two games then we’ll give them a good game.”

Halsey witnessed Folkestone’s 1-0 win at Sittingbourne on Wednesday night – a game won by King’s 15^th minute winner.

“I learnt that in every game that we’re going to have to be on top form and work hard like the other team, if not harder and the most important thing is to defend well and more importantly take our chances when we get them,” said Halsey.

“Sometimes in the Ryman chances come a little bit few and far between and when we get the chances up front we have to take them.

Tomorrow’s game should see the fans’ flocking through the turnstiles as FA Cup fever grips to Kent coast.

“Although we lost to Tooting everyone who left the bar and spoke to me even though we lost they were over the moon with our passing ability, how we performed and just the new personnel have come in and fitted in straight away.

“Everybody took a positive out of the first game and the second game. Hopefully they’ll be a big crowd tomorrow. They’ll bring a few and we’ll have our normal lot and people who drift in.”

With £1,750 up for grabs for each of the winners in the Preliminary Round, Halsey knows the importance of knocking FA Cup veteran Neil Cugley out of the competition.

“If we can get that win and get the money into the back it aids us.  I’m a realistic person. We want to go as far as we can. It’s all about the club getting some money really.

“Last year the Vase run was my little bit (of glory) – I’ve had my little bit (of glory) for a few years.

“We’ve got to concentrate on going as far as we can and getting money into the bank for the club – that’s the main issue for the FA Cup.”

Nathan Eastwood and Tom Parker are both available again tomorrow.

Visit Herne Bay’s website: www.hernebayfc.net  

Herne Bay  v  Folkestone Invicta
The FA Cup with Budweiser Preliminary Round
Saturday 25^th August 2012
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Winch’s Field, Stanley Gardens, Herne Bay, Kent CT6 5SG