Folkestone’s long-serving manager Neil Cugley firmly believes that at least four of his players could make an impression at a higher level of non-league football.
Speaking as his side climbed to sixth in the Bostik Premier Division, Cugs said: “I was amazed that no-one came in for Ade (Yusuff) in the summer. He missed that penalty on Saturday, but doesn’t let that kind of thing worry him for too long and within ten minutes of that, had scored the goal that put us 2-0 ahead at Wingate – that shows how strong a character he is.
“Kieron McCann is on fire right now, Sam Hasler is different class and we all know how good Johan (Ter Horst) can be if he can stay fit enough to remind us of that.”
Folkestone are currently one of only two sides with eight in the goals for column – the other being Bognor Alfie Regis Town, who are second just behind Worthing at this moment.
Often criticised for his tendency for snap up a good forward whenever one becomes available, rather than strengthening Invicta’s defensive options, Cugs has always followed that line of action.
Back some years on their way as they progressed up the Pyramid, Folkestone went to Herne Bay towards the end of a season in the old Kent League with promotion and the league title between them and Tommy Sampson’s warriors.
A point apiece would have been about right, but Cugley’s Invicta threw at least half a dozen players forward in search of victory with a risk of coming home from Winch’s Field with nothing.
Veteran boss Sampson flabbergasted and still recalls that to this day – or did when we last spoke to him.
Invicta now have SIX strikers on their books – Yusuff, Ter Horst, Ian Draycott, Alfie Paxman, most recent signing Kane Rowland and youngster Tom Walmsley, current playing under a dual registration arrangement for Whitstable Town in the Bostik South East Division.
Defender Ethan Madden, like Walmsley, just 17-years-old, is also playing in Bostik SE for Ramsgate.
“They can only learn from playing at that level” said Neil Cugley – and let’s face it, if we’re honest, they wouldn’t get in with us at this moment.
“Men’s football is very different (to the youth team level), and I’m hoping that when they come back we will see that they’ve gained from the experience.”
Cugs was still purring after Folkestone’s excellent 3-0 win at Wingate & Finchley at the weekend. “Just like the game at Corinthians (last Tuesday) we looked so dangerous every time we went forward. People love seeing the goals go in and let’s hope we can keep this momentum going.”