Folkestone Invicta boss Neil Cugley praises players for change in club's fortunes
by Andrew Gidley
Neil Cugley is still
refusing to talk up Folkestone Invicta’s Ryman League Division 1
South play-off chances, admitting he is just happy to be in
contention.
Tuesday night’s 2-1 defeat to
a late goal at Merstham, ended a six-match unbeaten run, stretching
back to mid-January but still leaves Invicta eighth, two points off
fifth spot.
Cugley said: "Six weeks ago
we were looking at the other end of the table, wondering if we were
still going to be in the league, so I am delighted to be where we
are.
"All credit to the boys for
the tremendous way they have turned it around which is beyond
belief.
"It probably ranks as one of
the best achievements in my managerial career, but it is still too
early to talk about the play-offs because we have got a lot of
tough games coming up in the next few weeks, beginning at Burgess
Hill on Saturday."
Cugley had mixed feelings
after the game at Merstham. He was disappointed with the result in
a game they dominated for large parts but pleased that Josh
Burchell came off the bench and get the equaliser.
He said: "It was devastating
to come home with nothing, having been the better side. Even their
manager said so."
Burchell might have joined
rivals Hythe on loan a few weeks ago, with James Everitt returning
to Cheriton Road.
Cugley said: "Both parties
agreed but it didn’t happen. I would be happy just to see Josh back
playing the way we know he can."
Striker Dane Luchford is
rated doubtful for the weekend after going off in midweek with a
tight hamstring.
21/02/13
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