Sunday, December 28, 2008 22:59
Any victory away from home is good. To go to Herne Bay and win by 5-1 after they had won
nine consectutive matches was extraordinary. That is what Faversham Town achieved last
weekend.
With the Orpington defeat confined to the history books, manager Justin Luchford took the
Lilywhites down to the coast looking to steady the Town ship. With Town receiving the Molten
golden ball for top scorers in November and the Bay boss receiving the Manager of the Month
award before kick off, this local derby was always going to be entertaining.
"I think our discipline and work rate were superb on the day and I think that is probably
what got us the result" commented Luchford after the victory. "We weren't at our best by any
stretch of the imagination as we hadn't trained, and we had four or five back who hadn't
played for three weeks."
The Town boss was keen to highlight some outstanding performances against Bay.
"For the first ten minutes we were under pressure, and Herne Bay are a very good side. But
after that I thought we defended brilliantly. The back four and Kevin did a great job
considering Jamie and Kris had been out for a while and Shearer hadn't started a game since
6 December.
"Obviously a word for [hatrick star] Steve O'Brien. He knew he was due a big game and those
three goals were outstanding. I am delighted for him and hope he continues that form going
into Saturday.
Luchford was rightly proud of his players as they limited Bay to only a few goalscoring
opportunities during the match. "We took our chances well" he said. "You can see why they
have won so many games. They are strong all over the pitch and I was impressed with their
side. However, I have to give my lads credit. To come to a team that have won nine on the
spin, at their home in front of their biggest crowd of the season and to win 5-1 was
tremendous.
"Great to have a good crowd in good spirits. We seemed to have a few there from Faversham
which was also pleasing."
In true end of year tradition, the review of the Town's league performance for the calendar
year is fairly impressive. Seventeen wins and two draws in thirty one games would have meant
fifth place last term, the current position the Lilywhites find themselves in.
The boss was keen to praise not just the first team but the Reserves and U18s as well. "I
think it has been a great year for the club. The 1st team have ended it fifth in the table
and the reserves and U18's have also finished it in the top sections. We have to remember
that January to May was a stabalising and re-building process. So to have that league record
is pleasing considering we were bottom with four points this time last year.
"My personal targets have been reached so far. I wanted us in the top eigh at Christmas and
wanted us to be able to compete with the top sides, which we are doing. But as ever, feet on
the ground, we have still only beat Hythe and Herne Bay, there are plenty of other good
sides in the league that we have yet to face.
"My ambitions this season haven't changed. Top eight and the club has taken a massive step
forward. We don't have a lot of money and my squad is already stretched. So for us to keep
in that top eight in May would be fantastic."
Next week is another chance for the gaffer to see how far the club has progressed when third
placed Tunbridge Wells come to the Lane.
"Next week is very difficult. They will be full of confidence as they have already beaten us
twice this year" said Luchford. "They obviously have a very good budget. They should be
challenging for the title this year.
"We always have a game plan and if we stick to it then we will certainly give them a game."
January is certainly looking interesting for Town with League Cup matches against Holmesdale
to come along with league action against Greenwich and Lordswood. Luchford still has a few
players with knocks and flu, but they want to play so Town should be at full strength come
Saturday.
With the New Year fast approaching, the gaffer's New Years resolution was a simple one. "To
keep moving the club forward. The last twelve months were the first step. Now we have to
continue and push on.
"I would like to thank everyone at the club for their support, especially Alan Trent, who
has been a rock for me this year and the work he has done with me on the players side has
paid dividends. The whole committee continue to work tirelessly to get this club moving
forward in very difficult times. Credit to them , and hopefully I can keep repaying them by
getting results like Saturday."
On behalf of Faversham Town Football Club, I would like to wish all you Lilywhite supporters
a very Happy New Year.
Kick off on Saturday at Salters Lane will be 3.00pm.