Blackman: "We Can Win The Replay"

Interview with Dylan Smith 

Article by David Hansen

Captain Sam Blackman said the result on Saturday was “Disappointing” after the ‘Gate drew 2-2 with Folkestone Invicta in the FA cup 2nd Qualifying round but said it “speaks volumes” of the characters the players showed to come fight back twice to grab a draw.

“It's a bit of a double-edged sword because we felt we could have gone on a won the tie, but we are heading into the replay on Tuesday full of confidence and will be aiming to get through.”

Blackman went on to say how manager Reece Prestedge wasn’t worried at half-time as he believed Folkestone had already played all their aces, and that the ‘Gate could go out and play their game and get back in it.

“We went 1-0 down early from a mistake, but we started to take control in the 2nd half even before the Folkestone red card. We created plenty of good chances and the boys are disappointed we couldn’t progress on the day.”

Blackman was full of praise for attacking midfielder Antonis Vasiliou who grabbed his first goal for the club in front of the fans at Hartsdown Park, and said how he was “Lively and Sharp” and made a real difference maker in the 2nd half.

“When Vas came on, I thought he was excellent, he got on the ball a lot and looked dangerous going forward and deserved his goal and could have won it in the end, and obviously he’s disappointed about that but I told not to worry about it and that he was a real difference maker when he came on so I'm really happy for him”

Talking about going forward to the replay against Folkestone at the Alcaline Stadium on Tuesday evening, Blackman was “confident” after the 2nd half performance but knows it will be a tough place to go.

“It's a tough place to go Folkestone, they’ve got a massive pitch, grass pitch and another Kent derby, but it’s the FA cup, as a player you want to go on and win these games and we will do our best to try and get through”

The ‘Gate will be in action on Tuesday for that FA cup replay at the Alcaline Stadium under the lights looking for a place in the next round and the chance to face Chesham United away in the Third Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup.

Sam Blackman is sponsored by Toni Jones at Home, and James Green Away for the 2023/24 season.

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