(Photo http://wearesophoto.com/tunbridge-wells/)
Ahead of Saturday’s all-important FA Vase Fourth Round Replay at home to Highworth Town (kick-off 3pm), www.tunbridgewellsfc.com caught up with first team boss Martin Larkin to find out how preparations have been going as they attempt to reach the last 16 of the competition.
TWFC: Last weekend, you noted that you’ve never seen your players so focused after a game of football. What’s the mood been like in the camp this week in the build-up for Saturday’s replay?
ML: We brought the boys in on Monday night for a recovery session, and it was soon apparent they wanted to get on with it - so it turned into a good keep-ball and pressing session; all the stuff we are good at but didn't quite show on Saturday. There was no real chat about the draw for the next round. It was all about this Saturday which was good. The boys are very focused…
TWFC: You’ve guaranteed no repeat performance from last weekend. What was lacking, and what have you seen since then to show it’s going to be there in abundance this weekend?
ML: If you put it into context, we were away from home on a horror of a pitch against a team that had made it to the last 32 of the Vase and who had won their last three games without conceding. On the day they were excellent, so if you ask what was lacking it was us closing the game out having taken the lead. But we defended for long periods well and we made sure as a group we were in the draw on Monday.
We now have them back at our place to go again where we are comfortable and will have the full force of a large crowd behind us. We trust the boys and are excited about seeing how they perform this week.
TWFC: Big gate needed! What can supporters expect on Saturday from both sides, and what would you say to anyone wavering over coming along or not?
ML: We’re desperately hoping for the 1,000 mark to be broken. We had it last year with the Crowborough game and two years ago in the Quarter- and Semi-Finals, and it's great for one reason: the noise when goals go in.
If there’s anyone sitting on the fence about coming on Saturday, it's pretty simple: we gave 13,000 people a great day-out at Wembley two-years ago and now we need you again to help us try and get back there.
Local lads like Jason Bourne, Joe Fuller, Danny Powell, Jake Beecroft, as well as club heroes like Perry Spackman, Tom Davey and Lee Radford are all ready to put it in for you.
This is also Paul Booth’s first home game for the club and Brad Potter, Tom Bryant and Brendon Cass are all desperate to experience their first real big Vase game at home. The link between the fans and players at this club is special and we all want to experience it again this Saturday!
TWFC: So there it is. Do you know anyone who’s still weighing up whether to come or not? Are your friends and family at a loose end? Bring them to Culverden to add to the support!
- COYW!
Saturday 24 January
Tunbridge Wells v Highworth Town
FA VASE FOURTH ROUND (last 32)
Kick-Off 3pm
Admission: Adults - £7; Concessions - £4