Luchford looks to Town's future

ALTHOUGH they haven't played since January 28, and have taken a healthy four points from their last two games, Whitstable will go into Saturday's home match against Whitehawk sitting second from bottom of Division One South.

That's because all results against Croydon Athletic, who have resigned from the league, have now been scrubbed, and that includes Town's 4-1 home win against them back in November.

It's a development that doesn't unduly worry Whitstable manager Justin Luchford.

"The league table doesn't bother me," he said, after his side's game against Corinthian Casuals was postponed at the weekend.

"What bothers me is picking up more points between now and the end of the season, something I'm convinced we can do.

"Going into the final stretch of the campaign it's about building momentum and finishing positively. Then we can take stock over the summer, perhaps bring in a few more faces and look forward to next season.

"I've signed some very decent players over the last few months and they've come to the club because of what we're trying to build long term."

Of more pressing concern for the Oystermen is the visit of play-off contenders Whitehawk this Saturday.

The big-spending Brighton-based club drew 2-2 on Saturday at home to fellow high-flyers Worthing, one of just two Division One South games that survived the big freeze, and aware of his side's lack of football Luchford is hoping a hastily arranged friendly against Dover, played last night (Wednesday), will help Town's cause.

"We've done our homework on them," said Luchford of Whitehawk. "We plan to take the game to them. We're at home and we're not going to play for the draw.

"Our confidence is high at the moment and we don't fear anybody. They've got some decent players, but so have we.

"I think they are beatable. We will be positive."

Whitstable's two postponed games have now been rescheduled. They will entertain Godalming Town on March 6 and now travel to take on Corinthian Casuals on March 20.

Next up for Town: Feb 18 - Whitehawk (H); Feb 25 - Worthing (A); Mar 3 - Chipstead (H).