Goal Scorers: Tom Gravenell (3), Danny Rowe, James Mercer.

A new season and a new home ground, situated at Kent Fire Brigade HQ at Godlands, Tovil. Only two players from last season opted not to sign up for this season, and we wish them all the best with their new clubs.

Welcome to Danny Rowe, hope you enjoy playing for us. In the next few weeks two more lads will be signing on to bring us back up to strength.

Unable to arrange any pre-season friendlies, this was our first match since the end of last season. It is always a good thing to start the new season with a solid win under your belt. What better than a 5 – 1 win! Kick off was at 2pm. 1 minute later Danny Rowe put his name on the scorecard, his first goal for the team. Play restarted and we immediately won the ball back. We appeared to have most possession in this first half, although Hollingbourne made a few breaks, they could not find a way past our solid defence line.

Goal number 2 came in the 11th minute when a long ball from mid-field found Tom Gravenell who cleared the Hollingbourne back line to plant the ball in the net. Hollingbourne came back into the game, and scored after a rare mistake at the back. James Mercer took the score to 3 – 1 after one of his speciality free kicks found the corner of the goal in the 26th minute. The first half was rounded off with goal number 2 from Tom Gravenell, headed in from a corner kick.

The second half saw Hollingbourne start far stronger than in the first half, and the game was more equally matched, going from end to end. Goalkeeper Warren Millen was kept busy and did not let a single ball by. Another James Mercer free kick narrowly missed the target, skimmed the cross bar and went out of play.

Tom Gravenell got his hat-trick 21 minutes into the second half. Far from giving up, our opponents dug in deep and pushed hard, testing and probing for a way through to reduce their deficit, right up to the final whistle. Everyone worked hard in this match, and it was felt appropriate that Man of the Match was awarded collectively to everyone.

For the first ten minutes it appeared that we were in control of the game when a sudden break by Staplehurst gave them the lead. Throughout the first half we had our chances to score but were unable to put the ball in the back of the goal. Two shots hitting the goal post and rebounding into play, with resulting crowded goal mouth activity by 21 of the 22 players on the pitch. End of the first half with the score being 0 – 1.

The 2nd half started spiritedly enough, but when Staplehurst scored again after breaking through the back four and wrong footing the keeper, and walking the ball into the goal, the game turned more to defence rather than getting after putting the ball into the Staplehurst goal to reclaim a point or take the initiative and turn the game around. We had opportunities throughout the match but were just unable to capitalise on them.

First round match of the Challenge Cup saw us take on the might of 1st Division leaders Bredhurst. The first half remained at 0 – 0 until the 29th minute when we put the ball into Bredhurst’s goal. Peter Thew put the ball in the back of the net following a sequence that started with a long throw-in parallel with the 18 yard line. That was certainly a wake up call for them. During those first 30 minutes both teams traded attacks and counters with end to end stuff.

Coxheath players held their stations well, moving the ball around, and taking the game to their opponents. Six minutes after we scored, Bredhurst claimed their first goal. It was a soft goal after a goalmouth scuffle after a corner when one of our own players lost his footing and tumbled in front of our keeper putting him off balance, and he was unable to move to the ball in time. Half time score was 1 – 1. A superb effort by all the lads. Bredhurst must have wondered what was going on. The second half started well enough, but it was obvious that Bredhurst had moved up a gear. The extra effort exerted was beginning to take its toll on our lads when Bredhurst finally got the better of us to take the lead after twenty minutes.

With the balance tipped in their favour, Bredhurst continued the relentless attacks, that wore us down. Three more goals by Bredhurst made sure there was no coming back into the game. We had a claim for a penalty disallowed that may have changed the scoreline. All in all, it was a very creditable performance against a superior league team. All the lads worked hard. The first half really showed what we are capable of. It would be a real bonus if we are able to maintain that level of performance for the rest of the season, now we know what we can do.

What a frustrating first Half! We just couldn’t get the ball into the back of the net. Had we, the first half score would have been at least 4 – 0 to us. As it was, none of our runs were converted into a recordable score. The ball was moved about accurately and with intent, producing an array of shots that went wide, over, or pushed away by our opponents Keeper. Park Regis had their chances but were closed down by our back four very effectively.

The second half started with Park Regis making the more concerted effort. What took us by surprise was the power of their Keeper, able to almost kick from one end to the other, our back 4 found themselves in the thick of it and what didn’t help was the low sun right down the pitch, making it difficult to see the ball in the air. It was from one of these kicks that Park Regis scored their first goal, when the ball went sailing into the top of the goal as a Regis forward tapped the ball on from 25 yards, partially blind siding our keeper until it was too late. Their second goal came from another long ball, helped by a bad bounce that caught our defence wrong footed. This time the forward got in close and finished it off with power that our keeper could not get a hand to.

As we came to the last 5 minutes the lads suddenly realised the urgency to get back into the game. All too late they pushed up with a renewed intent. Playing some excellent football, passing and control to keep the pressure on, resulting in a goal two minutes from time. Put in the back of the net by Peter Thew. Time ran out for a chance to retrieve a point.

Goal Scorers: Thomas Ferguson – 3 (4 mins, 71 mins and 75mins), Peter Thew – 3 (50 mins, 52 mins and 62 mins), Dominic Bailey – 2 (3 mins and 15 mins), Chris Feltham – 1 (14 mins), Thomas Gravenell – 1 (73 mins), Chris Mercer – 1 (57 mins).

After a two week break, we headed to Sittingbourne. Looking for Three points. Weather stayed fine, considering the amount of rain we have had in the last week. Welcome to Aaron Taylor and Dominic Bailey who were playing in their first league match for the team. The only player missing was Johnny Cooke who is out with a suspected stress fracture of his foot. Captain Chris Feltham won the toss and elected ends, so we were playing with the strong breeze in the first half. You could tell all the lads were well and truly fired up this week. We quickly took possession and moved the ball around, looking to open our account. Not to be disappointed, goals started coming. Racking up four by the time the whistle was blown at the end of the first half. Not to have it all our own way, Sittingbourne did make some spirited runs only to be closed down by the back four. Our Goalkeeper was hardly taxed at all.

Although we added another seven goals to our tally in the second half, Sittingbourne did not seem dispirited, they stayed positive, pushing on and making us work to keep possession, trading runs from end to end. As our score kept rising, Sittingbourne eventually were rewarded by scoring. At 8 – 1, we did not start to play defensively, but continued to play decisive football and put another three goals on the card. We had expected to win this week, but what was pleasing was the way that all the lads put in such a positive effort. All aspects that go to make up a good performance could be seen in action today. Well done lads, good teamwork, lets keep this going now to get some more good wins under our belt.

Goal Scorers: James Mercer (18mins). Peter Thew – 2 (25 mins and 44 mins).

At 12 o’clock the heavy rain ceased and the sun came out, making for a pleasant afternoon. The pitch at Godlands had drained well, making the going good, albeit on the soft side by the time of the kick off. The first half was probably some of the best football we have played for quite a while. Not only was it of a high standard of play, it was entertaining to watch. Although it appeared that a lot of time was spent in our opponents half, Longfield also had runs that challenged our defence and keeper, who coped admirably when put under pressure. As if subconsciously sensing a weakening in Longfield’s game, we started pushing harder. Three corners were conceded by our opponents in straight succession. It was after the third that was not so successfully cleared and had come back towards the goal mouth that James Mercer found himself unmarked after a flurry of activity in the six yard box, and was able to turn with the ball and tap it into the back of the net. Elation and celebratory pats on backs not withstanding, we still hadn’t reached half way through the first 40 minute period. We continued moving the ball about with intent.

The second goal came twenty five minutes into the game when keeper Warren Millen sent the ball over to Danny Rowe who flicked it on to Adam Osborn who was out on the right wing near the half way line. Adam picked out Peter Thew waiting somewhere around the 18 yard line, who after dealing with two defenders planted the ball fairly and squarely in the goal mouth. Longfield had many of their runs thwarted by solid defending. Chris Feltham and James Hopkins held station as centre backs and made their presence felt all too often for Longfield’s liking. Their frustration was beginning to show. Joe White was kept busy on the left intercepting and playing the ball deep to gain distance before laying off to colleagues. With only minutes left of the first half, goal number three was on the scorecard. Another one off the foot of Peter Thew. The ball had been won from a throw-in and had been passed around trying to find a way round the Longfield defence. Through solid passing and control the ball was being moved closer towards our target. Seeing his opportunity tapped the ball in, as he cut in from just on the edge of the goal area. In total contrast, the second half was to prove to be somewhat of an up hill struggle. Longfield raised their game, putting us under pressure. We managed to hold it together for the first fifteen minutes, then a determined break saw us concede a goal as an unstoppable free kick about 25 yards out grazed the underside of the crossbar. Play continued end to end. Trying to regain some composure midfielders Aaron Taylor and Dominic Bailey pushed forward to feed the ball up early, but luck was not with us as we hit the goal post twice and shot wide on numerous occasions. Even a penalty kick wouldn’t go our way as the keeper read the shot right and saved it. Longfield had a second goal disallowed when the referee deemed the player concerned offside: A shot was blocked by Warren, but fell at the player’s feet who tapped in.

After the game the Referee did admit that he got it wrong, and went to speak to the Manager to apologise. In summary, it was a tough match. Neither team wanted to concede the points today. At times it got rather scrappy, a player from both sides was shown a yellow card. The controversy over the disallowed goal didn’t help. For us, the first half was an excellent performance, plenty of passing, and ball control. What was also good was to actually hear the lads communicating with each other on the pitch.

The second half we only just hung on, things just did not gel or synch as they had in the first, but as we often get near the finish line only to have it taken away from us, we’ll say thank you very much that will do nicely.

Goal Scorers: Peter Thew – 2 (8 mins and 53 mins). Chris Mercer – 1 (70 mins).

Yet again after a week of wet weather the rain finally stopped on Saturday morning. By the time Sunday afternoon had come round the pitch had drained well enough to play on, albeit it being heavy going as the muddy patches from all the sliding tackles started to scar the surface. Johnny Cooke returns from injury, while Adam Osborn misses this week due to illness. Play commenced, and just like last week, the game was soon being played at our opponent’s end of the pitch. Moving about and accurate passing allowed us to keep the pressure up, forcing Vinters to concede 4 corners in a row. In front of the goal, no one was able to put the ball into the net, with all the jumble of legs scrambling for ball, to be sent sailing over the top of the crossbar. Having allowed Vinters a quick break from the goal kick down to our end, the ball was intercepted by defence, again working with the mid-field to get the ball back up to Vinters end. Again, conceding two more corners. Our first goal came from a move that started with the second corner. Initially cleared by Vinters only to be brought back into the goal area, tapped across the goal mouth by various players, intercepted by Peter Thew who turned and struck it just out of reach of the keeper into the bottom right corner of the goal. Four minutes later due to a rare mistake by defence, Vinters equalised. The remaining 28 minutes of the first half saw both sides’ trade attempts on goal but neither were unable to change the score line. Tom Ferguson nearly made it onto the score card for two more goals, but was not to be.

The second half was as strongly charged as the first, with a couple of changes being made to the line up. These were as much to allow all the lads to participate as for tactical reasons. Again, solid play by both sides continued on for fifteen minutes. Our game had now concentrated on runs down the wings, as these seemed to be the most successful way to get around Vinters mid-field. The second of our goals – and Peter’s second of the match came from and initial run down the wing that had been countered, intercepted and passed across the field. Tom Gravenell found himself unmarked, chipped the ball onto a waiting Peter who had lost his marker, and struck the ball into the net from eighteen yards out. Fifteen minutes later, Chris Mercer chipped the ball over the Vinters keeper’s head, to make it 3 – 1. Aaron Taylor had delivered the ball into the goal area from another corner kick, where it was headed down to be met by jostling feet intent on clearing. Up steps Chris to lob the ball over the keepers head. Note must be made of James Hopkins stirling performance at the back. We were also awarded a penalty, which was saved by the Vinters keeper. The only thing to mar this half was the arguing with the Referee by our opponents which resulted in two separate yellow card incidents. In summary, today’s match has shown the resurfacing of confidence following on from our wins over Sittingbourne and Longfield. All the lads played with total commitment and contributed to the end result. Accurate passing, standing up to an oncoming opponent, strong tackling and constantly communicating between each other was the order of the day. Also what was observed was the encouragement by various members of the team to their fellow players to battle on. Midfield partnerships have gelled well. Defence solidly capable. All in all a very watchable football match.

Well done.

Goal Scorers: Chris Feltham – 1 (58 mins). Dominic Bailey – 1 (74 mins).

Playing Hollingbourne on their home ground at Sutton Valence School brought us to our first return match of the season. A lacklustre performance in the first half could so easily have gifted Hollingbourne with the belief that there were points there to be had. There were 3 distinct periods of play in the first forty minutes. From the kick-off we pressed forward wanting to make our presence felt early on, but were unable to find a way to goal. Hollingbourne parried, and made several runs only to come up against our impregnable wall of defence. During this first period, midfield started to contain play in our opponent’s half but we were unable to press home an advantage, shots went wide on at least four occasions. Even when Hollingbourne conceded corner kicks, no one succeeded in putting the ball into the net. In frustration, strikers were finding themselves caught offside with regular occurrence. The second phase was a more evenly matched occurrence with the ball going from end to end, played out on the wings and crossed in from the deep positions, to be countered. Both sides were using the same tactics, and had an answer for each advance. The third and the most frustrating phase of this half of the match saw Hollingbourne sense they were easing out a slight advantage as they pressed us into conceding space in our own half. Fortunately having given away a string of corners we managed to clear the ball and counter attack, holding on for the half time whistle to go.

The half time pep talk had the desired effect. From the restart we moved the ball around more controlled, and with intent. What was hampering the lads was the heavy going of the pitch. It still took eighteen minutes before we put the first goal onto the score sheet. Play had slowly been progressing closer towards our opponents end. Hollingbourne were forced to push the ball behind for a corner. Captain Chris Feltham came up from his usual defenders position to add strength to the attack, a well placed delivery was fed in, but needed additional work in goal mouth before Chris pressed home the goal. Undeterred, Hollingbourne fought to get back into the game and narrowly missed equalising when they drew our keeper out, but failed to get the ball in the net. All legs were becoming tired, having to work to move the ball around the heavy cloggy ground. Pace slowed a bit and the ball was tracking back and forth. A concerted effort six minutes from full time bore fruition. Having got the ball close to Hollingbourne’s goal, but not seeing a clear way through, we passed the ball around on the wing and back into the centre again. Seizing the moment, Dominic Bailey volleyed the ball home from about eighteen yards out, to give us a two goal cushion. At the whistle, eleven weary lads walked off relieved to have kept a clean sheet.

Four wins on the trot as we head into the three week Christmas break.

Goal Scorers: Peter Thew (3), Chris Mercer (2), Adam Osborn, Thomas Gravenell, Thomas Ferguson.

Both sides were hampered by the heavy going. Although the sun shone today, lashing rain had softened it during the week. Add to this, the pitch had been played on this morning. Passing had to be very precise to ensure the sticky surface did not allow the ball to fall short of its intended target leaving it free to be picked up by the opponent. The match started pretty much like the game against Hollingbourne; slow and laborious, with most of the attacking play being made by our opponent. In the first ten minutes it appeared we had not woken up. Slowly but surely, everyone started to come to and take control, forcing Barming to make errors. The first half score could have been four or five goals to us had we been able to make more of the corners Barming conceded. The deliveries were good, but a rush to finish it sent the ball flying over the top of the goal, or a goal mouth scuffle let Barming off the hook. Two goals by Peter Thew well into this first half finally gave us the psychological advantage, boosting the lads game. The shot that created the first goal was taken on the volley, lobbed over the keeper into the back of the net from twenty yards out. The second goal was set up from an interception by defence, that was sent up the right wing, crossed into the middle and planted into the goal by Peter who had lost his marker, found space on the left of the goal area, tapped the ball into the top right corner.

The second half was a fast and furious affair, producing six more goals. Peter Thew got his hat-trick. Frustration was creeping into Barming’s game, which we were able to capitalise on.Chris Mercer, twice added to his tally, while Tom Ferguson, Tom Gravenell, and Adam Osborn each scored, ensuring the game was beyond retrieval by Barming. A break by Barming narrowly missed them scoring when the ball hit the crossbar, rebound out to a Barming player, the shot back in hit the right goal post, luckily it was then cleared out of the goal area and sent back down the pitch. There was no clock watching in the second half hoping for the whistle to go. Time Flew by as the goals kept coming. This result came from one of the most complete team efforts of the season. Every single player put his heart and soul into the game.

Well done lads, you know what you are capable of, let’s keep it going.

Goal Scorer: Dominic Bailey (15mins).

Because of the subsequent abandonment of this match, it would not be right to comment on the events that occurred off the pitch. Therefore this brief report only covers the boys efforts. Having won the toss, we elected to change ends. Longfield kicked off. Coxheath had the slower start. We started to move the ball around and able to make ingress into our opponents half. Coming closer to getting the ball into the net, James Mercer had the first clear shot on goal, nearly succeeding with the ball just glancing the top edge of the crossbar. Fifteen minutes into the game, Dominic Bailey scored. The ball had been played up the right wing following a throw-in, passed from Tom Gravenell up to Danny Rowe who crossed it to the Dominic who had positioned himself out on the left. He cut inside two Longfield defenders and tapped the ball over the goalkeepers foot, almost at dead pace, to go into the bottom right corner of the goal, the ball rolling so slowly, we thought that someone was going to clear it off the line. Two minutes later Danny Rowe was hacked down by a late tackle. In the next five minutes we force them to concede four corners, but were unable to make anything more out of them. In a turn of events, Longfield applied the pressure, forcing us to concede two corners. The second corner resulted in a goal mouth scramble. The ball rolled loose past several players and was snatched up by Keeper Warren Millen from behind. Longfield thought they had scored. The adult Longfield entourage launched a verbal tirade directed at the referee. The game continued with a goal kick, as the ball reached the half way line the referee blew the whistle to end the game following the continued shouting of verbal abuse.

The match had lasted just twenty five minutes. It is now up to the League and FA administration.

Throughout the whole fracas, I am pleased to say that our boys behaved impeccably.

Coxheath took the game to Staplehurst and were rewarded by taking points off the League table leaders with a 0 – 0 draw. What must undoubtedly be the strongest showing this season by Coxheath, gave notice of how the team has improved. Neither side were prepared to give an inch in the first half. Attacks and counters were how it panned out. All Coxheath players did their jobs, and held Staplehurst at arms length. Swapping the game play on the fly so some runs went down the left, then changing the play to the other side kept our opponents on the hop, as they were unable to determine who was going on the offensive and who they should mark. Not that this was a deliberate game plan, but rather just how things panned out for the first twenty or so minutes. Staplehurst’s defenders were difficult to get by, most of the shots on goal were opportunistic and hurried because of the strength of the defenders, and the goal keeper was easily able to pick deal with them. We did force our opponents to concede corners, but none were to lead to a decisive conclusion. Just as importantly, we had not allowed them to have a full run of the park.

With the game being so tight, the second half started off at the same pace. It was obvious that Staplehurst were out to score a psychological early goal. The lads resolve strengthened. The game was being played the entire length of the pitch. Pressure from Staplehurst led to a run of corners kicks, all of which were dealt with efectively. About twenty minutes into the second half, we started to sense that the game was definitely turning to our advantage. A lot more action was happening down in front of Staplehurst’s goal area. Frustration was creeping into our opponent’s game, with wild roundhouse kicks that went skyward and a few bad tackles showed we had rattled them. What we were unable to do though, was put the ball in the back of the net. Staplehurst changed tactics by using the long over the top ball, up to their striker. Again and again they tried this, but were effectively shut out by our back four. Probably the best spectator match of the season for us, and definitely the best earnt point of the season considering who we were playing. Every single boy went out there today and put his heart and soul into this game. Let’s hope they have left enough for the rest of the season. Well done boys. A word of appreciation must be said for Staplehurst’s spectators today.

A very sporting and affable bunch of people.

Goal Scorers: Dominic Bailey 3; Chris Mercer and Peter Thew.

Another slow start by Coxheath led to a few scrambles early on in the first half with Wateringbury pushing on and testing our defences. Play settled down as Coxheath settled in and started to look more alert. Yet again we were able to force our opponents into conceding corners, and yet again, we were unable to capitalise on the advantage gained as James Mercer ably placed the ball in front of the goal mouth. Wateringbury took the lead nineteen minutes in the game after a mistake by defence left the ball loose to be picked up by our opponents and scored from close distance. Four minutes later Dominic Bailey scored his first goal of the match to bring us back in the running. In the space of ten minutes the score went from 1 – 1, to 2 – 1, to 2 – 2, to 3 – 2. Each time Wateringbury had the lead we answered with a quick reply. Our second goal coming from Peter Thew, to add yet another goal to his tally this year, this time from a scramble in the goal mouth following a corner that was not cleared by Wateringbury strongly enough. He was able to intercept the ball, turn and tap it into the goal, even though he was six foot off the goal line. Twice Tom Gravenell came close to scoring. The first narrowly skimmed the outside edge of the post, and the second shot was blocked by the keeper. The third goal; the second by Dominic Bailey was a result of only four Coxheath players touching the ball. From a goal kick by Warren Millen that was received by Adam Osborn, passed up the right wing to Danny Rowe, who crossed the ball over to Dominic waiting in a forward position on the left flank. Keeping the ball under control he started his run forward toward the goal, losing two defenders in the process, then passing the ball across in front of the keeper to place it in the right corner. Two more runs by Wateringbury were thwarted effectively to hold off any more advances as we went into half time.

The second half turned into a very scrappy game. Wateringbury were getting very frustrated. This boiled to the surface as two Wateringbury players were booked for dissent towards the referee. Dominic got his hat-trick fifteen minutes into the second period. Having kept the ball down at our opponents end, they were having trouble clearing it, Dominic swept in for a run down the centre, passed the ball off to Tom Ferguson, cleared his marker, received the ball back from Tom, went in close to goal and planted the ball into the back of the net. James Hopkins and Chris Feltham, held station as central defence, which allowed Joe White on the left and Johnny Cooke on the right to play slightly further up field, to feed more balls back up the field. Chris Mercer scored our fifth goal of the match, having only been on the pitch for five minutes. From an advance that had started out on the right wing, we had been pushing up, the ball was cleared, and intercepted by Johnny, sent back up to Adam, who chipped it up to Chris. As the keeper was advancing on him he tapped the ball into the goal. As the game progressed we went into a retaining defensive mode, happy to hold on to the three goal lead than run the risk of conceding any more goals.

We probably made hard work for ourselves today, but finally got it together to celebrate another win.

Goal Scorers: Thomas Gravenell – 4 (39mins, 53mins, 62mins, 71mins); Peter Thew – 3 (7mins, 25mins 50mins); Dominic Bailey – 1 (17mins).

Having had a considerable deluge of rain over the last week, we were pleased to see that the pitch up at Godlands was still playable, albeit rather sticky around the centre circle and in front of the goals. Our last match was on the 4th of February, so we were keen not to let the fixtures fall behind, and become rusty from inactivity. It was obvious even before the match started that the boys were fired up for our return match with Park Regis as they had beaten us 2 – 1 earlier in the season at their home pitch. As the lads arrived, they got down to the business of warm ups and ball control exercises unprompted, which goes to show how disciplined they have become. Park Regis have a game in hand over us so everyone knew it was vital to make a good showing and start positively. And so it was to be, from the kick off. The lads were determined to stamp their authority on the game. Only four minutes into the game Peter Thew racked up the first of his goals. More incursions followed as we sought to find different routes past Regis’s defence, forcing several corners. On at least two occasions Regis’s keeper was deservedly applauded by all spectators for making a spectacular save. Our opponents made counter attacks, but were held at bay by our back four; as ever, ably controlling their area. Seventeen minutes into the first half, Dominic Bailey scored from a position twenty five yards out on the right with a perfectly struck cross that sailed into the top left corner leaving the keeper no chance to intercept. Five minutes later Peter Thew was on the score sheet again. Play settled down, with Park Regis pushing on bringing more play down our end, we also conceded a couple of corners, but we defended them well, clearing the ball away from the goal mouth out to mid-field. A change of tactic by Regis as they tried the long ball over the top, but struggled to remain onside. With barely a minute left of the first half, Tom Gravenell, having received the ball from a clearance by Regis following goalmouth scramble after a corner, blasted the ball just under the crossbar into the goal from twenty yards. A very pleasing 4 – 0 scoreline at half time is actually more than we had anticipated.

The beginning of the second period was very evenly matched with attacks and counters from both teams. We started to move the ball fluidly around, keeping possession. Peter’s hat-trick of the game opened our second half account ten minutes in. Three minutes later Tom Gravenell put the ball into the net again. Two minutes later, Park Regis struck back with quick goal, taking the ball all the way from their midfield up the field and through our lines to tap the ball past our keeper. Sensing a change in their fortunes Regis pushed on to reduce their deficit. Warren had to deal with two or three more shots on goal, making two fine saves and pushing another over for a corner, that was successfully cleared down to the other end that was to give Tom Gravenell his hat-trick in the sixty second minute. Play seemed to intensify down both wings. Seeing some very good ball control and passing. Tom Gravenell tapped in another goal, taking his tally to four for the day. The ball had been crossed from the right wing over to the left of centre in front of Regis’s goal, with so many bodies in the goal mouth they were unable to clear the ball and Tom tapped the ball home. Not to be outdone Park Regis staged another charge three minutes from full time culminating in a shot that went straight into the bottom left corner of the goal. There was possibly nothing Warren could have done to stop it as it came in so quick. It may have been stated before but for sheer effort, this has to be one of the best games we have had this season. Definitely our skill level has increased over the span of this season. All the lads gave 100% effort, and when they came off at the end they were still buzzing. Quite simply put we outplayed our opponents today. Clean crisp passing, making space, communicating between each other all the time and strong tackling. It probably seems unfair to just mention the goal scorers as everyone contributed to the goal scorers efforts. From a spectators view Joe White deserves a mention. Not one of the biggest lads on the pitch he excelled himself on numerous occasions taking the ball off his opponent in his defence position, getting around various attempts to steal the ball back then heading off up the pitch to feed the ball to our forwards.

Last mention must go to the Park Regis team for their sportsmanship.

Goal Scorers: Peter Thew – 2 (6mins, 38mins-Pen); Tom Ferguson – 2 (31mins, 81mins); James Mercer – (9mins).

Fine dry weather for the last four or five days, combined with the grounds men rolling and spiking the pitch to allow it to drain made for a firmer playing surface this week, on what was our last home league match of the season. Going on current performances we should have cruised this match, but we made hard work of it. The first half started off fine, gaining possession quickly after Sittingbourne kicked off, we pushed play up into their half moving the ball into spaces and across the pitch. It took six minutes before the first goal was scored, tapped in by Peter Thew from close quarters. Three minutes later James Mercer put goal number two on the score sheet, yet again play was concentrated in front of goal and Sittingbourne were unable to clear it before James got a clear space and tapped the ball in. A barren twenty minutes ensued. Time and time again we broke away and made runs up and across the pitch but were just not able to get another goal on the scoreboard. We forced our opponents to concede quite a lot of corners, none of which were converted. Eventually a corner paid off for Tom Ferguson who was able to score goal number three off the back of a corner kick in the thirty first minute. Sittingbourne staged a bit of a counter attack getting the ball right down our end and forcing us to concede a couple of corners both of which were cleared out of harms way. The fourth goal was scored from the Penalty Spot by Peter Thew. Play had pushed up from a quick break to within twelve yards of Sittingbourne’s goal when it was deemed that their last man had impeded our attacker and brought him down. First half came to an end standing at 4 – 0.

Play restarted and continued where it left off. We made most of the running but could not finish it off. Sittingbourne lifted their game and made more runs as they received the ball from their goal kicks and pushed up trying to gain an advantage by putting the ball over the top of our back four and trying to chase it down. Warren Millen had stationed himself well forward in his area and was able to deal with these long balls before they became a real threat. As the two centre backs had everything under control, the outer backs pushed on into a midfield position allowing us to move everyone further up. We were able to contain much of the play into Sittingbourne’s half but were just not able to finish off. Tom Ferguson finally scored in the closing minutes of the game. Coming from another build up on the right wing and being crossed to the centre where it was chased down and tapped in. In summary we let Sittingbourne off the hook today. While we were in no danger of losing the match we did not press home our advantage. With the opportunities we had we should have had at least another six or maybe seven goals.

It was obvious Sittingbourne were pleased with the result as they had conceded lots more goals in their other matches.

Goal Scorer: Tom Ferguson.

Due to the fixtures being rearranged by the league we took on Vinters Park at their home ground instead of travelling up to Longfield. Still awaiting a decision on the abandoned consolation cup match, it appears we are being kept apart. Weather conditions have become more wintery than of late, with a chilly wind blowing, the game kicks off just as the rain comes down, but it doesn’t last for long. Slow off the mark lets Vinters make the first charge on goal, but putting their striker under pressure by our defence forced him to take a shot from twenty yards out which went wide for a goal kick. The ball is soon down in Vinters half as we started to apply some pressure, quickly forcing two corners that were delivered by James Mercer. The first was cleared behind by the keeper, the second hit the cross bar from a deflection off Adam Osborn. After the initial exchanges to exert a psychological advantage ended in stalemate, the game settled down. We had more possession, but could not get the ball in the goal. Vinters made quick dashes up the pitch but were kept at bay and had to take chances with long shots. Good marking by Vinters meant we had to move the ball about to advance. As the first half progressed we were making more in-roads but were just not able to finish it off with a goal. Vinters pushed up and we were forced to push the ball out behind for a corner from either side of goal, both being dealt with ably by our keeper, sending the ball quickly on its way back up the pitch. The score remaining 0 – 0 at the half time whistle. Just edging out an advantage of possession, but not being able to capitalise on it.

As the second half commenced the weather brightened up, but the wind also became gusty and variable in direction so that neither team had an overall advantage. Vinters made the better start and pushed forward. Having settled in, we then started to get together some excellent runs, to within twenty yards of goal, but there was no power in the shots that were launched at goal. Ten minutes on we were awarded a free kick five yards in our own half. Taken by Danny Rowe, the ball was pumped into midfield about fifteen yards in front of Vinters goal, where it was flicked on to Tom Ferguson who cleared the last two defenders, beat the goalkeeper and tapped the ball in the net. Having found a way through we tried the same moves again, only to be closed down as Vinters learned from their mistake. Play again moved back into our half as Vinters pushed on, but were themselves stopped by a solid wall of defence neutralizing their main forward’s efforts. Our opponents were started to get frustrated and rattled and their play was becoming erratic, conceding free kicks including a tackle from behind on Joe White that sent him sprawling to the ground, unsure what had happened. Happily not hurt. As the time ticked away it was just a matter of maintaining our composure and pushing on, not playing defensively to protect our goal advantage but carrying on trying to put it out of reach of our opponent. A charge up the wing left us no option no but to push it behind for a corner. Vinters had all ten men up for the corner, but after a goal mouth tussle, the ball was eventually cleared. That was to be their last concerted effort as we were able to contain play away from our end moving the ball around pushing for that second goal. A hard fought match came to an end with just the one goal. Although we were still not playing at the same level as we attained against Staplehurst, Park Regis and Wateringbury, it was still an excellent result ground out against an improving opponent. Note must be made to the sterling effort made by James Hopkins in defence who literally locked the Vinters Striker out of the game, frustrating him every which way.

Well done James definitely Man of the Match.

Goal Scorers: Dominic Bailey (2), Peter Thew, Tom Ferguson, James Mercer.

Our penultimate league match of the season took us on our first outing to Barming Heath, Barming Blues home pitch. It was probably the narrowest pitch we have played on all season, and made it hard for us to play our usual game. We needed a settling in period, after which we started to find our feet and move the ball about. Barming surprised us a bit by their agility and speed chasing down every loose pass. When we were able to keep the ball on the ground we progressed up the pitch, but play around the middle of the pitch was not of our usual calibre. Barming played a very forward defence line that kept catching us out, but once the boys worked that out, more and more runs encroached on their goal area. It took twenty eight minutes to put our first goal on scoreboard. Tom Ferguson received the ball from Danny Rowe about sixteen yards from Barming’s goal, cleared the last two defenders and beat the keeper tapping the ball over the keeper’s outstretched leg. Just a minute later we had our second goal. A mistake by Barming’s defence left a loose ball in front of their goal mouth, their keeper came out to retrieve it but Peter Thew got there first and lobbed the ball past him. First half ended 0 – 2.

The second half started with Barming making a quick run in an attempt to put a goal on the board early but was out done by Warren Millen coming out early to retrieve the long ball. In reply the ball was sent back up the pitch, played out onto the wing by Danny Rowe to Peter Thew who ran forward with the ball at pace, cleared two advancing defenders, his shot rebounded off the cross bar to James Mercer who headed the ball back in glancing off the left goal post for a goal kick. We started to apply pressure, keeping more play in our opponents half. Another shot by Tom Ferguson hit the framework and stayed in play to be picked up by the keeper. The first of Dominic Bailey’s goals came in the sixteenth minute, the ball had been passed to him halfway up Barmings end, as sets off towards the goal, the ball is intercepted by Barming, immediately retrieved by Dominic, now close enough to draw the keeper out, taps the ball into the bottom right corner of the goal mouth. On the restart Barming get the ball down to our end, and it goes out for a goal kick. The ball gets up to the halfway line but is tapped back by Barming, in the resulting tangle in the goal area Barming are awarded a penalty when Warren Millen was deemed to bring down their player. As the kick was taken Warren went the right way and got a hand to it but was not able to deflect the ball enough to go off target. 1 – 3. The lads realised they needed to raise their game and did just that, moving the ball around to keep possession more and forcing our opponents to concede ground. We had a series of corners but they came to nothing. Dominic Bailey Scored his second goal in the thirty second minute, having broken away from his marker, he charges forward with the ball from eighteen yards out in front of Barmings goal, lays the ball off to his left, receives it back after going around a defender, closes in to goal, finds a line through a crowded goal mouth and plant the ball into the back of the net. 1 – 4. In the closing minute of the game we were awarded a penalty when James Mercer was brought down twelve yards from goal with a clear shot on goal. James stepped up to the ball and made no mistake putting the ball into the net out of the reach of the keeper.

Final score 1 – 5.

Consolation Cup Semi Final on neutral ground - Eccles FC.