Category: News

Adrian Swan

VCD Athletic Youth 3 v 4 K Sports Youth *aet

0-1 Robinson (12), 1-1 Carey (13), 2-1 Vincent-Edwards (14),

2-2 Entwhistle (36), 2-3 Robinson (54), 3-3 Vincent-Edwards (79),

3-4 Morgan (104).

It took extra time to separate the sides in this enthralling semi final of the Kent Youth Cup with holders K Sports finally prevailing against a battling VCD Athletic team that gave their all but where undone by a goal of the highest quality from Harry Morgan.

Although there had been heavy overnight rain the pitch was in excellent condition for this important match.

However it was an overcast blustery day with occasional drizzle that greeted the teams and despite the windy conditions both sides kept the ball down and played some attractive football.

After an even start it was the hosts who had the first chance of the game on 8 minutes when their dead ball specialist Liam Spellward whipped in a cross from the left that flew across the face of goal to the far post where a diving Umar Odeyoola saw his header beat K Sports keeper Callum Foreman high to his left but rattle the bar before rebounding out to Ross Craig whose follow up header flew straight into the grateful arms of the visiting custodian.

Minutes later a neat passing move from VCD saw Spellward find the forward run of the tireless Thomas Cecil who in turn the laid the ball off for the impressive Dominic Vincent-Edwards who made space well on the edge of the box before hitting a low shot that flashed narrowly wide of Foreman’s right hand post.

The visitors then took the lead in the 12th minutes when Beau Landau’s through ball put the equally impressive George Robinson in on goal and raced into the box before coolly slotting home high to the left of home keeper Harrison Carnell-Davis.

However the lead did not last long as shortly afterwards VCD drew level when James Ashley’s pass put Joe Carey in on goal and he fired home from the edge of the box low to the left of Foreman.

Amazingly a minute later VCD took the lead when Spellward’s deft pass found Vincent-Edwards racing into the box and he scored with a neat finish low to the left of Foreman.

K Sports then went close to levelling on 19 minutes when James Geear’s throughball inside the VCD left full back put Robinson away down the right and he raced to the bye line before pulling the ball back across goal where Landau cleverly dummied it leaving the ball for Geear who had continued his run into the box but his rasping drive was blocked by a defender for a corner.

The visitors then went close again when Robinson made a mazy run into the box from wide right slaloming around a couple of defenders before hitting a fierce shot from an acute angle that forced Carnell-Davis into a good diving save high to his right.

The visitors then drew level on 36 minutes with a finely worked goal as Landau’s free kick from wide right found the run to the near post of centre half Freddie Entwhistle whose well directed glancing header beat Carnell-Davis high to his right. That was to be the last real chance of a breathless first half.

Early in the second half VCD went close to restoring their lead when a Vincent-Edwards pass put Ashley away clear down the right and he raced to the bye line before sending over a low cross that hit Craig charging in at the near post and flew narrowly wide.

On 51 minutes VCD went close again when Spellward’s 25 yard dipping free kick flew over the visitors defensive wall beating Foreman high to his left but crashed against the bar before flying out to safety.

Minutes later the visitors took the lead thanks to an excellent advantage played by referee Daniel Blades. Geear’s lofted ball forward saw Bevan Donohoe and Alfie Scully challenge for the loose ball with Donohoe showing great strength to win the ball and get away from Scully who was pulling him back.

Rather than blow immediately for a foul the referee allowed play to continue and despite being pulled back Donohoe managed to thread the ball out to Robinson on the right edge of the box and he hit a superb first time shot home high to the right of Carnell-Davis.

On 70 minutes the hosts went close to equalising when Cecil made a strong forward run to the edge of the box before hitting a low drive that Foreman saved down to his left for a corner.

K Sports’ Joe Wilson then tried a long range shot that flew just over before VCD went close again to levelling when Cecil made another good forward run before spreading the ball out to Spellward down the right who then whipped over a right wing cross that Foreman managed to divert away from goal to the far post where Carey had no time to react as the ball hit him and flew wide.

The play then quickly switched to the other end as Robinson’s pass put Geear in on goal but Carnell-Davis was quickly off his line to make a good close range block.

This save was even more important for VCD as a minute later Spellward’s excellent crossfield pass found the run of Vincent-Edwards down the right and he raced into the box before hitting a fierce drive that beat Foreman low to his right to draw the sides level. Into the final 10 minutes of the match K Sports had two good chances to win the tie.

On 82 minutes Morgan’s right wing cross found Robinson some 15 yards from goal and his powerful header across goal found Landau whose flicked header flew just over from close range.

Then on 88 minutes quick thinking by Robinson saw him take a quick free kick on the half way line finding Landau out on the right and he sent over a low cross that found the run into the box of Geear whose close range first time shot was well blocked by Carnell-Davis.

So to 30 minutes extra time. VCD had the first chance in extra time when Vincent-Edwards sent over a deep right wing cross to the far post where Alfie Rhodes sent a looping header back across goal forcing a back pedalling Foreman into a good save high to his left to tip the ball over for a corner. Minutes later it was the visitors who nearly took the lead when Entwhistle launched the ball forward from his own half up to Robinson who showed good control before turning and hitting a powerful shot that Carnell-Davis saved diving high to his left for a corner.

Then came the moment of magic from K Sports as Robinson’s right wing cross picked out Morgan on the left side of the area and he hit a stunning first time left foot cushioned volley that saw the ball fly home high to the right of Carnell-Davis into the top corner of the net.

Despite falling behind VCD kept going but it was the visitors who had the best chances in the remaining minutes to extend their lead.

Early in the second period of extra time Tom Goodayle’s pass put Robinson away down the right and he got to the bye line before crossing into Geear whose shot on the turn was well saved by Carnell-Davis diving high to his left for a corner.

The final chance of the game saw Goodayle’s long ball forward find Geear in the box but his close range shot was well blocked by Carnell-Davis.

Both team’s should be commended for the high quality of their football and for keeping going for over two hours in difficult conditions especially as both sides were depleted with VCD having no substitutes and K Sports only one.    

I feel that it is important to remind all who contribute to our twitter that any reference to Referee performances which are in any way derogatory are being monitored by the County Football Associations and those individuals posting these comments may find themselves facing a charge from County which is easily avoidable. 

If you have any issues about the performance of a Referee then these should be directed to the League’s Referee Secretary – Chris Myatt or to myself as Chief Executive. 

We will follow up on any reports we receive but I cannot continue to accept criticism of match officials as with everything that goes on in the League there are always two sides to every story. 

Our twitter account is still in the main almost 100% good positive stories about all the good things that happen on a Sunday and across the week. Please can that continue as we have some superb contributions week in week out and I really enjoy the interaction. 

I could fill twitter most weeks with those teams / clubs who perhaps don’t do things how we as a League would want – but it is far better to address privately with those who may need advice rather than in the public domain. 

Thank you all for your continued support. 

Ken     

Adrian Swan

VCD Athletic Youth 3 v 1 Cray Valley (PM) Youth

1-0 Rhodes (39), 1-1 Adeyoola (39) (og), 2-1 Vincent-Edwards (48),

3-1 (og) (51).

VCD maintained their recent good league form with this victory against visitors Cray Valley.

This was VCD’s third league win on the bounce and moves them up to third in the table.

After an even start to the game it was Cray Valley who had the first chance on 5 minutes when Ethan Okechukwu’s crossfield pass from the right found the run into the left side of the box by Samuel Blunden but stretching he sliced his shot wide of the target.

Minutes later VCD’s impressive wing back Dominic Vincent-Edwards made the first of many good forward runs down the right to the edge of the box before hitting a swerving shot that Cray Valley keeper Tommy Kemp held moving to his left.

Cray Valley then nearly took a fortunate lead on 11 minutes when Blunden’s cross to the near post was hacked clear by Liam Spellward but the ball hit Luca Phillip-Safari and rebounded back goalwards forcing home keeper Harrison Carnell-Davis into a smart save high to his left.

On 17 minutes VCD’s set piece specialist Spellward hit a dipping long range free kick that saw Tommy Kemp make a fingertip save high above his head to turn the ball over for a corner.

The visitors then had a good spell of pressure in which they had three decent chances to go ahead.

On 25 minutes Harry Kemp made a good run down the right before sending over a low cross to the near post where George Palmer’s shot on the turn flew over from close range.

Palmer then turned provider when his neat right wing cross found Blunden racing in on the left side of the area but his first time volley flew just over.

Palmer then made another good forward run into the box down the right but then chose to shoot from an acute angle rather that cross and fired over.

After this it was the home side who had the majority of the play for the rest of the half.

Just after the half hour mark Spellward’s raking crossfield pass found the run down the left of Alfie Rhodes who raced into the box before hitting a fierce shot that flew narrowly over.

VCD’s Thomas Cecil then hit a fizzing shot just wide before Cecil’s through ball found the run into the box of Vincent-Edwards whose low shot flew just wide across the face of goal.

However the deadlock was broken on 39 minutes when Spellward’s pass found Rhodes racing down the left and he then slotted home low to the left of Tommy Kemp.

However the lead was not to last long as two minutes later the visitors drew level when Jack Green whipped in a low right wing cross that Carnell-Davis diving to his right could not cut off, the ball then hit Umar Adeyoola and rebounded into the net.

The last action of the first half saw Spellward hit a 25 yard free kick that flew straight at Tommy Kemp. The hosts regained the lead early in the second half through a superb solo goal from Vincent-Edwards who made a surging run down the right to the edge of the box before rifling home high to the right of Tommy Kemp.

Shortly afterwards it was three as Vincent-Edwards again raced away down the right to the bye line where he sent over a low cross that was inadvertently turned home at the near post off a defender.

A neat passing move from VCD on the hour mark almost saw them increase their lead when a Vincent-Edwards through ball found Cecil who in turn played in Stacey Petrou whose low shot was well saved by Tommy Kemp to his left. On 65 minutes Cray Valley’s Harry Kemp made space well before hitting a rasping 25 yard shot that Carnell-Davis saved diving high to his right for a corner.

It was nearly four on 72 minutes when Vincent- Edwards hit a long range free kick from the half way line to the far post where an unmarked Petrou cushioned his header back across goal for Cecil whose shot beat Tommy Kemp to his left but was cleared off the line to safety by Cole Glazebrook.

Cecil then hit a long range effort narrowly over before the last chance of the game fell to VCD when the tireless Vincent-Edwards sent over a deep right wing cross that nearly caught out Tommy Kemp but back pedalling he just managed to get a hand to the ball and direct onto the bar and out to safety.        

Phoenix Sports Youth 0 v 3 Dulwich Hamlet ‘B’ Youth
0-1 Tayo (68), 0-2 Tayo (76), 0-3 Maryjo (91).

Despite the recent snowfalls the pitch was in excellent condition as league leaders Phoenix Sports entertained the junior of the Dulwich Hamlet teams. Unfortunately for the hosts, missing several players, their recent run of poor form continued as they fell to their third defeat in their last four league matches against a youthful Dulwich side. Both teams had early chances with Joseph Mortlock flashing a long range shot just wide for the home side on 3 minutes before the visitors went close minutes later when Gabriel Vallejo’s left wing cross flew across the face of goal to the far post where Sonny Hayter fired wide. On 10 minutes Phoenix’s Billy Mills sent in a left wing cross that Oliver Smith on the turn cleverly volleyed goalwards but the ball flew straight at Dulwich keeper Luke Godwin. After these early openings the game settled down with Dulwich having the lion’s share of possession as they strung numerous passes together but not being able to make any inroads into the well marshalled home defence.

Indeed the next chance of the game fell to Phoenix on 28 minutes when substitute Connor McCormack, with virtually his first touch of the game, hit a fierce shot from the edge of the box that forced Godwin into a good save low to his left to push the ball out for a corner. On 36 minutes Godwin was in action again holding George Jardine’s dipping 30 yard volley high to his left. Minutes later Dulwich’s midfield lynchpin Alpha Diallo threaded the ball through to Tyrell Tayo whose hooked volley flew narrowly wide before the last action of the first half saw Phoenix substitute Liam Murray rifle in a 25 yard shot that Godwin held moving to his left. Early in the second half Phoenix’s McCormack shot from the edge of the box flew just wide and then Dulwich’s Will Ajaero made a surging run at the heart of the home defence before hitting a low shot that flew wide across the face of goal. 

Open trials for this year’s Tonbridge Angels FC Academy intake are to happen at Hugh Christie School, White Cottage Rd., Tonbridge, TN10 4PU on Thursday and Friday February 21st and 22nd February from 10:00am to 1:00pm.

There will be training sessions together with small/larger sided matches so that students can showcase their abilities. We will then commence the process of selection for places in the new Academy year starting this September.

Our January Open Evening held at Longmead was very successful with over 25 students attending and finding out the benefits of being part of the Angels Academy.

However don’t worry if you missed out on this as there is still time to be involved through the Open Trials. Just go to http://form.jotformeu.com/90132443551347 or email tafcacademy@outlook.com as soon as possible.

The new Angels Academy has proven to be a massive success so far and will provide you with a chance to develop your footballing potential while at the same time providing you with nationally recognised qualifications (A Levels and/or a BTEC Level 3 in sport)and gaining your FA level 1&2 coaching badges.

Led by Tom Parkinson (UEFA A Licenced coach), club captain of Tonbridge Angels and Jamie Coyle (UEFA A Licenced coach & FA Tutor) manager of Dartford FC 1st team who currently compete in non-league’s second tier, National South, both Tom and Jamie have substantial experience in youth development and teaching. They will of course be supported by a top class educational establishment Hugh Christie School to provide that classroom backup that is so vital within a successful Academy.

As well as daily football training, Academy members will have the opportunity of being part of a squad competing in the National u19 youth  League or the Kent academies league as well as the prestigious FA Youth cup.

So far in this year in our 1st year of running the scheme our achievements to date are as follow;

* 100% pass rate at BTEC level 3 sport 
* 4 players making first team debuts vs Dartford FC and Ebbsfleet Utd
* 8 players progressing into our 23 side
* 1 player on trial at Premier League side Leicester City 
* 1 player on loan at Hythe Town

Don’t forget to apply via the link or email address and it could be your first step in obtaining a fulfilling and rewarding career in semi-professional football as well as further developing you academic profile.

Adrian Swan

West Wickham Youth 2 v 5 Dulwich Hamlet ‘A’ Youth

1-4 Carmago (69), 2-4 Airey (70), 2-5 Adeniran (79).                                                       

It was another very cold chilly day up at West Wickham and with a strong wind blowing freezing the spectators present.

However despite the difficult conditions it was a most entertaining game with visitors Dulwich Hamlet ‘A’ taking the points with a very competent display against a battling West Wickham side.

Dulwich, kicking up the hill in the first half with the gusty wind mostly at their backs, took an early lead on 2 minutes in slightly fortuitous circumstances.

Dulwich midfielder Breno Carmago’s defence splitting pass put Rowland Adedoyin in on goal and he raced through into the box before hitting a low shot that took a deflection off a home defender, totally wrong footing West Wickham keeper Loius Youles who was moving to his right as the ball flew home low to his left.

It was then two on 7 minutes when another superb Carmago pass found the run into the box of Hans Mpongo who brought the ball down well before smashing the ball home low to the left of Youles.

A minute later West Wickham almost pulled a goal back when Alfie Airey’s incisive pass put Freddie Yeats in on goal but Dulwich keeper Maxwell Williams was quickly off his line to make a good close range block on the edge of his area.

Dulwich then missed a good chance to make it three on 18 minutes when another good passing move saw Carmago spread the ball out to the right for Adedoyin whose low cross flew across the box to the far post where Henry Adeniran shot over from close range.

West Wickham’s Airey then tested Williams with a low shot from wide left of the box that the Dulwich custodian caught diving to his left.

The home side then reduced the arrears on 22 minutes when a misplaced pass was seized on by Charlie Smyth who ran in on goal and although his initial effort was blocked, the rebound fell back to him and this time he fired home low to the left of Williams.

Dulwich centre half Jamie Splatt then hit a long range free kick that flashed narrowly over the bar before a great bit of opportunism from Airey almost drew West Wickham level when he spotted that Williams was off his line and tried a 35 yard shot that had the Dulwich keeper scrambling back to save low to his right for a corner.

Dulwich’s Arthur Dornells then tried a shot from some 40 yards that flew just over before a dipping right wing cross from Dulwich full back Omarr Belhaj-Fahsi was clawed over by Youles high to his left for a corner.

Carmago then hit another long range shot that flew straight at Youles before Dulwich made it three on 31 minutes when Maliq Morris hit a powerful 30 yard shot that Youles moving to his right could only parry out to where Adeniran following up was able to slot home from close range.

On 38 minutes it was nearly four when Adedoyin made space well on the edge of the box before hitting a rasping shot that beat Youles high to his left but crashed against the bar before rebounding out to where a stretching Adeniran could only turn the loose ball over. West Wickham’s Airey then flashed a 25 yard free kick narrowly wide before in stoppage time at the end of the half he went even closer with another long range free kick, this time firing his effort high to the left of the diving Williams but against the bar and out to safety.

The second half took some to get going in the freezing conditions and it was not until the 66 minutes that there was a real chance when the impressive Carmago found the run of Adeniran down the left and he took a touch before hitting a dipping shot that beat Youles high to his left but clipped the bar and flew over.

However it was four on 69 minutes when Carmago danced his way through the West Wickham defence into the box before shooting home high to the left of Youles.

However the home side hit back immediately as straight from kick off the ball was played to Airey, who again spotting Williams off his line, tried another of his audacious long range shots that had the Dulwich keeper scrambling back but being unable to stop Airey’s superb effort from beating him as it flew into the net to his left.

West Wickham’s Matthew Doyle then flashed a low shot across the face of goal before the visitors made it five on 79 minutes.

Adeniran’s clever pass put Mpongo in on goal and although Youles made a good close range block the rebound fell out to Mpongo on the left of the area and he quickly crossed the ball over for Adeniran to touch home from close range.

Dulwich continued to create chances in the final minutes with Carmago putting Mpongo through on goal but his shot flew straight at Youles before two Dulwich substitutes combined to nearly make it six when Jude Wasdell-Harris sent over a deep right wing cross that found Malachi Morris whose hooked volley on the turn was acrobatically tipped over by Youles moving high to his left.

From the corner taken by Thomas Chambers a stretching Splatt volleyed over. Adeniran then sent over a left wing cross that found Malachi Morris in space but his low shot flew wide across the face of goal.

The last chance of the game saw another good pass from Carmago find Mpongo whose shot on the turn was well saved by the busy Youles low to his left.

This was a very good performance from Dulwich which keeps them hot on the heels of leaders Phoenix Sports, four points behind but with two games in hand.                              

Adrian Swan

0-1 Williams (20), 1-1 Godwin (97).

On a very cold chilly day, West Wickham scored with virtually the last kick of the game to snatch a point against their visitors Metrogas.

West Wickham were not their fluent selves today perhaps suffering the after effects of their splendid 6-0 win against Dorking Wanderers in the Presidents Cup on Friday night.

Metrogas had defensive problems being short of a keeper but outfield player Kenneth Kerr did an admirable job as a stand-in.

It was the home side who had the first chance of the game on 2 minutes when Ben Mortimer’s lofted pass found Freddie Yeats but he sent his volleyed effort over the bar from close range.

Minutes later Metrogas had a great chance to open the scoring when Chaikib Bellamine’s excellent through ball put Finley Williams in on goal but as he got to the edge of the area and tried to dribble around the advancing West Wickham keeper Louis Youles, he was upended by him and a free kick on the edge of the box awarded.

Surprisingly no action was taken against the home keeper for the foul and the free kick came to naught.

The home side then nearly took the lead when a Joseph Boss right wing cross flew across the face of goal to the far post where a stretching Michael Godwin could only touch the ball wide.

They had another chance on 11 minutes when Charlie Smyth’s left wing cross found the run of Alfie Airey into the box but his header flew over. On 19 minutes Metrogas’s Williams hit a long range shot that Youles held high to his right before the visitors took the lead shortly afterwards when Khalifa Dieng’s right wing cross was met by a powerful header from Williams that beat Youles to his left but the ball rattled the post before rebounding back out to Williams who was able to slot home from close range.

The visitors then had a good spell of possession with Bellamine having a shot on the turn fly straight at Youles before Williams had a long range effort fly over.

On 40 minutes West Wickham might have pulled level when Matthew Doyle’s left wing cross found Airey but he sent his header straight at Kerr.

Metrogas then had a chance when Amin Hamouchene turned well on the edge of the box but his shot flew straight at the home custodian.

Just before half time the home side went close again when Robert Hinkley’s shot on the turn flew just over before in stoppage time Yeats had a shot blocked by a Metrogas defender that sent the ball into the path of Doyle who fired over when well placed.

The home side dominated the early part of the second half and almost drew level on 52 minutes when Mortimer made a good run down the left before whipping over a low cross that Yeats turned narrowly wide.

Smyth then hit a dipping free kick from wide left that Kerr did well to save at his near post.

On 55 minutes the home side changed their keeper with the injured Youles being replaced by Joseph Barnes.

On 66 minutes West Wickham went close again to levelling when Matthew Odolan’s right wing cross was volleyed over by Yeats.

Minutes later Metrogas were unlucky not to double their lead when Bellamine’s lofted pass saw Jay Reed reach the ball on the edge of the area just before the on-rushing Barnes and send his header over the keeper but the bounce of the ball saw it bounce up and fly over the bar.

On 89 minutes it looked as West Wickham would finally draw level when Airey’s pass put Yeats through on goal but his fierce close range shot was well saved by Kerr who managed to push the ball over for a corner.

Then on 94 minutes another fierce Smyth free kick from wide right forced Kerr into another good save tipping the ball over for another corner.

Then on 97 minutes just as it looked as if Metrogas would hold on for all three points their resolve was finally  broken when a lofted ball into the box found Godwin who scored with a powerful close range volley smashing the ball home high to the right of Kerr.                   

Our Academy can heighten your game and give you those important educational qualifications (A Levels and/or BTEC level 3 sport

What has a football club got to do with gaining important and vital educational qualifications? Well in the case of Tonbridge Angels it provides the answer to providing formal football training to enhance your game combined with a curriculum for students to excel in academic qualifications.

Now planning in its second year the Academy working with its partner Hugh Christie College, has already established itself within the West Kent educational environment.

You can be part of our successful academy from this September 2019 and to find out more please come along to an open evening at Longmead Stadium, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge, TN10 3JF on Wednesday 30th September. To book your place please go to  http://form.jotformeu.com/72962217180355 or email tafcacademy@outlook as soon as possible.

The new Angels Academy has proven to be a massive success so far and will provide you with a chance to develop your footballing potential while at the same time providing you with nationally recognised qualifications (A Levels and/or a BTEC Level 3 in sport)and gaining your FA level 1&2 coaching badges.

Led by Tom Parkinson (UEFA A Licenced coach), club captain of Tonbridge Angels and Jamie Coyle (UEFA A Licenced coach & FA Tutor) manager of Dartford FC 1st team who currently compete in non-league’s second tier, National South, both Tom and Jamie have substantial experience in youth development and teaching. They will of course be supported by a top class educational establishment Hugh Christie College to provide that classroom backup that is so vital within a successful Academy.

As well as daily football training, Academy members will have the opportunity of being part of a squad competing in the National u19 youth  League or the Kent academies league as well as the prestigious FA Youth cup.

So far in this year in our 1st year of running the scheme our achievements to date are as follow:

• 100% pass rate at BTEC level 3 sport 
• 3 players making a first team debut vs Dartford FC
• 8 players progressing into our 23 side
• 1 player on trial at Premier League side Leicester City 
• 1 player on loan at Hythe Town

Don’t forget to apply via the link or email address and it could be your first step in obtaining a fulfilling and rewarding career in semi-professional football aswell as further developing you academic profile

Maidstone United Football Academy

If you’re in Year 11 and love football but haven’t made your mind up about what do after your GCSEs, why not trial for a place at the Maidstone United Football Academy?

Based at the Gallagher Stadium, the club and Cornwallis Academy offer a two-year programme that combines academic sports studies, alongside football matches, training and qualifications.

If you would like to swap school for the stadium, apply online and attend the trial onTuesday 19 February between 3 and 5pm..

Two academy squads compete in the National League Under 19 Alliance – one of the largest leagues in the country – featuring academy teams backed by professional or semi-pro clubs. Academy students also represent the club in the prestigious FA Youth Cup.

A number of players have been called up to the first team squad, with several others dual-registered with clubs in the Isthmian and Southern Counties East leagues.

As well as being successful at the trial, applicants will need to gain at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, ideally including English and maths. An interview will also take place in the summer.

To apply, visit www.maidstoneunited.co.uk/academy2019

Adrian Swan

Holmesdale Youth 3 v 3 Dulwich Hamlet ‘A’ Youth

0-1 Adedoyin (13), 1-1 Lewer-Smith (51), 2-1 John (54), 2-2 Mpongo (84), 

2-3 Mpongo (86), 3-3 Belazregue (90).

This topsy-turvy encounter saw Dulwich Hamlet ‘A’ team drop their first points of the season.

Both sides had led during this entertaining match but hosts Holmesdale snatched a dramatic equaliser in the 90th minute to dent Dulwich’s perfect league record.

After an even start it was Dulwich who had the first chance of the game on 7 minutes when Maliq Morris was unlucky not to open the scoring.

Having made a strong run from the half way line he unleashed a fierce 25 yard shot that deflected off a Holmesdale defender sending the ball spinning over home keeper Daniel Mamas high to his left but onto the bar and out to safety.

On 12 minutes it was the turn of Holmesdale to go close when Ryan Brown’s excellent through ball found the run into the box of lively forward Nathan Lewer-Smith but Dulwich keeper Tom Wray was quickly off his line to make a good close range block.

A minute later the visitors took the lead when Hans Mpongo’s pass found Rowland Adedoyin on the left side of the box and he coolly slotted home low to the right of Mamas.

Holmesdale almost drew level a few minutes later when Isaac John made space well before firing in a dipping shot that Wray held moving to his left.

Dulwich then nearly made it two when Jargal Enkh made a powerful run down the left to the bye line before whipping over a low cross that was met at the near post by a clever flick from Henry Adeniran but Mamas made a good block with his legs low down at his near post to deflect the ball away for a corner.

After this Dulwich continued to control proceedings for most of the remainder of the half with Morris hitting a 25 yard free kick narrowly over on 26 minutes before another strong forward run by Enkh down the left saw him burst through into the box but his low shot was well saved by Mamas diving to his left. On 35 minutes Mamas was in action again saving high to his left to keep out Adeniran’s shot from the edge of the box.

Just before half time Holmesdale also hit the woodwork when Omar Belazregue’s free kick from the edge of the box curled over the Dulwich wall beating Wray high to his left but struck the angle of post and bar before flying over.

Lewer-Smith then had an effort fly just over before the last action of the half saw Dulwich’s Thomas Chambers hit a dipping long range shot that Mamas saved well diving low to his left for a corner.

Dulwich then went close to increasing their lead early in the second half when Breno Carmago hit a powerful shot that had Mamas diving full length to his right as the ball flew narrowly wide.

Holmesdale then drew level on 51 minutes when William Keene’s right wing cross was flicked on by George Squires-Clark into the path of Lewer-Smith who fired home low to the right of Wray.

Dulwich centre half Jamie Splatt then tried his luck with a long range free kick that Mamas saved high to his left before Holmesdale stunned their visitors taking the lead on 54 minutes.

This time it was a great crossfield pass from the back by Belazregue that found the run inside the full back of Keene down the right and he took a touch before sending over a low cross that was touched home from close range by John.

It was then nearly three for the hosts as Lewer-Smith made a great turn in the box before hitting a low shot that Wray managed to block with the rebound falling back to Lewer-Smith who then tried to lift his follow up shot over the prone keeper but sent his effort crashing against the bar and over.

Just after the hour mark Holmesdale went close again when John turned well down by the bye line before hitting a low shot that Wray saved well down at his left hand post for a corner.

Dulwich finally started to get back in the game and on 69 minutes went close to drawing level when Adeniran’s right wing cross found Mpongo whose shot on the turn was saved by Mamas low to his left.

Adeniran then had a rasping drive fly just wide across the face of goal before on 75 minutes it looked as if the visitors had equalised when a Chambers inswinging free kick from wide right beat Mamas but Belazregue was covering to hook the ball off the line to safety.

Arthur Dornells then fired an effort at Mamas before Dulwich finally drew level on 84 minutes when Adedoyin’s right wing cross was headed on by Adeniran to Mpongo who scored low to the left of Mamas from close range.

Worse was to follow two minutes later for the home side when Carmargo’s lofted pass over the Holmesdale back line saw Mpongo race through on goal before shooting home low to the left of the exposed Mamas.

However the drama was not over yet as on 90 minutes Holmesdale were awarded a free kick some 30 yards from goal.

This was taken by Belazregue who drilled in a low shot that was dummied by Brown as the ball whistled through his legs leaving Wray unsighted as it flew home low to the right of the keeper.

The Dulwich defenders appealed to their linesman for an offside decision but he stated the Brown was onside when he jumped out of the way of the ball and the goal stood.

However deep in stoppage time the visitors missed a glorious chance to win the game when a neat passing move saw Mpongo’s pass find Dornells who swiftly found the run into the box of Adedoyin who fired over with only Mamas to beat.

A minute later he almost redeemed himself when his clever pass put Dornells in on goal but Mamas made a good close range block to preserve the home sides point.            

Margate FC and Herne Bay High are delighted to invite players to our first trial for The Gate’s Boys Academy on Thursday 21st February 2019 from 10am to 12pm at Hartsdown Park. 

If you’re looking at your post-16 education options, why not come down and find out more?

The academy is unique in that it offers footballers the chance to train and play full-time without making any compromise on their academic ambitions.

Players have a wide selection of A levels and BTEC qualifications to choose from with 42 different courses on offer for Academy players, which surpasses the offer from many other local Sixth Forms. 

Alongside this, the squad of players will compete at the highest level outside of the professional game in compete in the National League U19 Alliance League.

Any player interested should register for the trial via footballacademy@hernebayhigh.org

Full applications can be made now via www.kentchoices.com. Our online application window opens from 22nd November 2018 – 1st February 2019.

Click here for further information. You can also call 07395 791761 or email footballacademy@hernebayhigh.org.

Dover Athletic Football Club in partnership with The Abbey School 6th Form.

GET REWARDED

–  Fifty per cent of our Sixth Form gained university places in 2010

–  Highest number of top grade GCSE’s with 36% of students achieving GCSE grades A*-B

–  Vast choice of academic and vocational studies appealing to a wider range of student skills and abilities.

BEYOND THE SCHOOL DAY

–  Extra curricular activities including sports clubs, music, performing arts, computer clubs and the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme.

–  Extensive visits and journeys programme within the UK, Europe and America

–  Community Sports Centre for student and community use open 7am to 10pm.

PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS LINKS

–  ‘Football Academy’ status in partnership with Dover A.F.C raising standards of football coaching in the medium and long term.

–  Industry Standard restaurant open 2 days per week, overseen by highly qualified chefs supporting students through their BTEC.

–  Four business incubator units used by local businesses supporting the GCSE and A level lum with their expertise.

WHAT NEXT

–  On site Connexions Kent & Medway careers advisors

–  Aim Higher programme to help young people get into higher education

–  High quality care and guidance provision.

–  6th Form College offering . ……  in conjunction with….

Football Academy trials

Wednesday 20 February 10.30am

• The Football Academy represents Dover Athletic FC in the National Youth league, the highest league outside professional status.
• Coaching from UEFA ‘A’ licensed coaches
• Train everyday
• Academy players study a range of courses alongside their football commitments
• Excellent progression routes
• Wide range of A Level, BTEC or International Bacclaureate courses
• Opportunity to take additional Coaching and Fitness Instructor courses
• Study 3 A levels/ BTEC’s or GCSE subjects depending on your GCSE results
• Excellent academic results
• Travel grants available to all students living outside Faversham.

If you are interested in attending the trials please email:

msandmann@abbeyschoolfaversham.co.uk or call the school on 01795 532633 

Adrian Swan

Phoenix Sports Youth 2 v 3 VCD Athletic Youth

1-0 Debenham(28), 2-0 Holland (35), 2-1 Akram (51), 2-2 Akram (72)

2-3 Baldwin (86).

Despite the recent wet weather the pitch was in excellent condition for this local derby between Phoenix Sports and VCD Athletic.

This game was the proverbial game of two halves with the home side leading 2-0 at half time but three second half goals from their near neighbours saw them take the points and the local bragging rights.

With the slick condition of the playing surface both sides resorted to taking pot shots from distance and both keepers had to be alert to this danger.

On four minutes the hosts went close to opening the scoring when Frankie Holland squared the ball across to the edge of the box where Jake Thornton’s fierce drive had visiting keeper Harrison Carnell-Davis diving full length to his left as the shot flashed narrowly wide.

Minutes later VCD’s Liam Spellward hit a long range effort over before shortly afterwards his 25 yard free kick hit the Phoenix defensive wall and nearly wrong footed Phoenix keeper Harry Hepworth who had moved right but quickly adjusted his feet and saved well diving low to his left.

On 19 minutes Phoenix’s Holland tried a long range shot that Carnell-Davis held moving to his right before another long range free kick for the visitors from Spellward forced Hepworth into a save catching the ball high to his right.

Phoenix then made the breakthrough on 28 minutes when Holland’s low free kick from wide right was turned home by Ryan Debenham low to the left of Carnell-Davis.

Phoenix then made it two on 35 minutes when a long ball forward from Thornton eluded Alfie Scully and fell to Holland who raced through on goal and slotted home low to the left of Carnell-Davis.

The visitors almost hit back immediately as Stacey Petrou made space well on the edge of the box but his low shot was saved by Hepworth diving to his right.

Minutes later Phoenix went close to increasing their lead when a long ball forward from Jimmy Grant released Holland in on goal but this time his rising drive was saved by Carnell-Davis diving high to his right and pushing the ball out to safety.

On the stroke of half time VCD had a half chance when James Ashley’s right wing cross was well brought down by Petrou on the edge of the box but his shot on the turn flew just wide of the target. 

The visitors then reduced the arrears early in the second half with a rather scrappy goal when Ashley’s left wing corner was missed by Hepworth as the ball flew to the far post where it was knocked back into the crowded box where Jeshurvn Akram forced the ball home from close range.

VCD were then unlucky not to draw level on 55 minutes when Petrou’s 25 yard free kick flew over the Phoenix defensive wall beating a stretching Hepworth high to his right but clipped the bar before flying over.

Suddenly it was all VCD as they searched for an equaliser and they went close to scoring again when the skilful Ross Craig’s through ball found Petrou’s run into the box but his low drive was well saved by the finger tips of Hepworth diving to his left for a corner.

Petrou then forced Hepworth into another save when his back header from Ashley’s free kick saw him stretching high above his head to catch the ball. Harrison Baldwin then tested Hepworth with a long range shot that the home keeper held moving to his left before he made an even better save high to his right to palm over Craig’s powerful long range dipping shot.

However from the resulting corner again taken by Ashley from the left, the visitors drew level when the ball flew over to the far post where it was nodded back into the crowded box where again Akram was first to react to force the loose ball home from close range.

VCD having drawn level had their tails up and went in search of a winner but were unlucky to hit the bar again when almost straight from the re-start they won the ball back which was quickly played up to Baldwin on the edge of the box. He took a touch and then hit a rasping drive that beat a diving Hepworth high to his right but rattled the woodwork before flying out to safety.

Phoenix then had their first shot on target in the second half when Grant hit a long range shot that Carnell-Davis held moving to his left. Into the final minutes of the game both sides had chances to take the points.

On 81 minutes the lively Petrou made space well before hitting a 30 yard shot that Hepworth held moving to his left. The home sides Holland then tested Carnell-Davis with a long range effort that the VCD keeper pushed away diving to his left.  VCD then went closing to taking the lead when another fine pass from Craig put Petrou in on goal but Hepworth was quickly off his line to make a good close range block.

VCD’s holding midfielder Thomas Cecil then forced Hepworth into another save when he dived to his right to parry his shot from the edge of the box.

However VCD’s pressure finally told on 86 minutes when another deft pass from Craig put Joe Carey away down the left and he pulled the ball back across goal where Baldwin slotted home from close range.

The last chance of the game fell to VCD’s Petrou when he had another low shot saved by the busy Hepworth.

Adrian Swan

Kent FA Youth 4 v 0 Jersey FA Youth

1-0 Kingsford (50) (pen)), 2-0 Ishola (70), 3-0 Kingsford (88), 4-0 Isola (89).

Kent maintained their perfect start in this year’s South East Counties ‘under 18’ Youth Championship with an excellent win against previously unbeaten visitors Jersey to put themselves in a strong position to qualify for the knock out round of the competition.

Despite the recent wet weather the 3g pitch at Sevenoaks Town was in fine condition and played well throughout.

The first half was a tight cagey affair with not much to choose between the teams but a few tweaks from the Kent management at half time meant that Kent dominated the second half for long periods and ran out worthy winners.

It was the visitors who had the first shot on target on 4 minutes when Thomas Harris fired in a 30 yard shot that Kent keeper Ben Folkard took comfortably. Minutes later Kent’s Freddie Entwistle tried his luck from a similar distance but his shot whistled over the bar.

Kent might have taken the lead on 14 minutes when another fierce drive from Entwistle deflected off a Jersey defender into the path of Ryan Kingsford who with only Jersey keeper Josh Jehan to beat dragged his shot wide of the target.

After this the game settled down to a bit of a midfield stalemate. Jersey then had a couple of chances on the half hour mark when firstly Sol Solomon curled a 25 yard free kick over the home defensive wall that Folkard moving to his right was able to claim before Harris made a strong forward run at the heart of the Kent defence evading a couple of tackles before hitting a low shot that flew narrowly wide of the target.

Just before half time Kent also had a couple of chances from left wing corners taken by Jacob Gilbert, the first of which was pulled back to the edge of the box where Harrison Pont volleyed wide and the second sent deep to the far post where a stretching George Porter could only turn the ball over.

Kent started the second half brightly and were awarded a penalty on 49 minutes when Pont’s run into the box was halted when he was up-ended by James Sunley.

Kingsford took the spot kick firing home low to the right of Jehan, who dived the correct way but was beaten by the power of the shot.

The hosts almost made it two shortly afterwards when Gilbert’s free kick from wide right found Pont rising highest in the box but his towering header was held by Jehan high above his head.

Another  fine Gilbert delivery from a right wing corner then picked out Cameron Williams whose header flew straight at Jehan.

Just after the hour mark the Jersey defence were giving their first indication of the searing pace of debutant Hamid Ishola when he raced through onto Pont’s lofted pass over the visitors back line, easily outpacing the covering central defenders, as he made his way into the box and although his low shot beat the advancing Jehan to his left it ran just the wrong side of the post.

Minutes later Entwistle’s pass found Ishola down the left and he again engaged the after burners as raced away from the covering defenders into the box but this time Jehan was quickly off his line and managed to make a good close range block for a corner.

Jersey’s Solomon then made space well on the edge of the box before drilling a low shot narrowly wide before Kent got their second on 70 minutes with a fine solo goal from Ishola. Picking the ball up on the half way line he pushed it beyond his marker and raced through on goal, leaving several desperate Jersey defenders in his wake, before calmly slotting home low to the right of the advancing Jehan.

It was now all Kent as they pushed their dispirited visitors back. Entwistle’s left wing cross found Kingsford in the box but his header flew over before Kingsford tried his luck with a curling free kick from wide left of the area that Jehan saved moving to his right.

The icing was then put on the cake for Kent as they scored twice in the dying minutes.

On 88 minutes Scott Jarvis’s free kick from the half way line found Kingsford in the box and rising highest he scored with a trade mark centre forwards header guiding the ball back across goal and home low to the left of Jehan.

Then a minute later it was four as Beau Landau’s through ball put Ishola  in on goal and although Jehan managed to block his initial shot on the edge of his area, the ball spun up and Ishola off balance then showed great skill and awareness to hook the bouncing ball over the stranded keeper into the net.

Adrian Swan

Holmesdale Youth 2 v 3 Metrogas Youth

1-0 Lewer-Smith (5), 2-0 Stevens-King (53), 2-1 Williams (74),

2-2 Williams (86), 2-3 Hamouchene (87).

This match was really a tale of the goalkeepers.

In the case of the visitors Metrogas, their keeper Pedro de Silva had a superb game making numerous saves to keep his side in the game whilst the home side Holmesdale, were lacking  a keeper and utilised two of their outfield players during the match.

The first of which was totally competent but his replacement was not so and was culpable in all three of the visitors goals.

Holmesdale started the game with their Captain and midfield maestro, Omar Belazregue donning the gloves and he was largely untroubled during the first half as the home side dominated proceedings.

They took the lead after only 5 minutes when William Keene’s through ball found the speedy Nathan Lewer-Smith who raced through on goal before calmly slotting home low to the right of the exposed de Silva.

Minutes later the same combination almost created a second goal when Keene’s left wing cross found Lewer-Smith at the far post but his hooked shot on the turn flew narrowly over.

On 11 minutes another fine crossfield pass from Keene released Lewer-Smith down the right and he cut into the box before having his close range shot blocked by de Silva diving low at his right hand post for a corner.

Shortly afterwards Holmesdale missed a glorious chance to make it two when a lofted pass from Reece Stevens-King over the Metrogas back line put Lewer-Smith in on goal but with only de Silva to beat he fired wide of the target.

It was then the turn of the lively Keene to go close when he made space well on the edge of the box before hitting a low shot that de Silva blocked to his right with his legs for a corner.

Keene then tested de Silva again minutes later with a rising shot that the Metrogas custodian saved high to his right for another corner.

Keene’s pass then put George Squires-Clark in on goal but de Silva made yet another good save this time low to his right to deny the Holmesdale player.

Keene was then put through on goal himself by a Squires-Clark pass but also shot wide when well placed. This profligacy in front of goal from Holmesdale was to come back and haunt them later in the game when the visitors took full advantage of the few chances they created.

However on 19 minutes it looked as if the hosts would finally get their second when Sulaiman Bangura’s close range shot was blocked by de Silva with the rebound falling to Lewer-Smith who swept the loose ball goalwards beating the visiting keeper to his right only for Donovan Gabriel to clear it off the line to safety.

Lewer-Smith then got through on goal minutes later but again de Silva made another good close range block to thwart the Holmesdale striker.

Holmesdale then decided to make some substitutions to give everyone a game but the changes seemed to upset their rhythm.

For the visitors their chances in the first half came from long range shots from Amin Hamouchene and Jay Reed both of which were comfortably saved by Belazregue.

The final chance of the half on 43 minutes fell to the home side when Ryan Brown’s pass sent Lewer-Smith away down the left and he raced through before cutting back into the box and hitting a fierce drive that de Silva saved superbly diving high to his left palming the ball onto the bar and over.

Holmesdale continued on the offensive in the second half and doubled their lead on 53 minutes when Keene’s left wing cross fell to Stevens-King at the far post and he tucked the ball home low to the left of de Silva.

At this stage the home side were comfortably in control of the game but then came the turning point.

Again to give everyone a game Belazregue swapped goal keeping duties with one of his colleagues and from then things unfortunately went wrong for Holmesdale albeit not immediately.

On 61 minutes Belazregue’s deft pass put Squires-Clark in on goal but de Silva produced another good save low to his right to turn the ball out for a corner.

However on 67 minutes it should have been three when Keene got through on goal only for his close range shot to be blocked by de Silva but the rebound fell kindly for Kane Black who with an open goal at his mercy fired over.

More substitutions were made by both sides but suddenly it was the visitors who took control of the game.

On 73 minutes Khalifa Dieng hit a swerving 25 yard shot that the stand-in home keeper missed high to his left but fortunately for him it crashed against the angle of post and bar before flying out to safety.

Clearly the Metrogas players noticed his nervousness and adopted an almost shoot on sight policy.

Hamouchene drilled in a low shot that the Holmesdale keeper unorthodoxly kicked away to safety before they scored on 74 minutes.

Hamouchene’s free kick from wide right to the far post was headed back across for Finley Williams to tuck home from close range.

Metrogas kept pounding the home goal but the hosts stood firm until the 86 minute when a long ball forward from Ken Kerr was headed on by Reed for Williams to again score from close range.

However worse was to follow for Holmesdale a minute later when there was pinball in the home box before the loose ball finally fell to Hamouchene who drilled in a low shot that the stand-in keeper dived over as it flew into the bottom corner of the net.

The crest fallen keeper was immediately replaced by Belazregue and despite Holmesdale pumping several balls into the visitors box they stood firm to record their first victory of the season.                

Adrian Swan

On a bright sunny if chilly day at Corinthian FC, Kent won their opening game in the South East Counties ‘under 18’ Youth Championship against a battling London side.

Kent dominated the match for long periods and might have won by a far greater margin if it hadn’t been for some profligate finishing and good goal keeping from London keeper Tommy Kemp.

Kent playing down the slope in the first half had their first chance on 8 minutes when Jake Sunborg’s in-swinging corner from the right found the head of Baily Sinnock in the crowded area but his downward header  was cleared away off the line by a London defender guarding their right hand post.

A minute later another Sunborg right wing corner flew through to the far post where Cameron Williams rising highest nodded narrowly wide.

A good interchange on 12 minutes from Scott Jarvis and George Robinson saw Jarvis’s through ball put Robinson in on goal on the right side of the area but his low shot flew wide across the face of goal.

Minutes later another incisive pass from Jarvis inside the full back found the run to the bye line of Robinson whose cross flew through the box to the far post where Sunborg laid the ball back to Ryan Kingsford who in turn found Beau Landau who fired over when well placed.

Another chance went begging for the home side on 20 minutes when Freddie Entwistle’s ball over the London back line was seized upon by the speedy Robinson who then raced into the box but in trying to chip the advancing Tommy Kemp, he sent his effort over the bar.

Just before the half hour mark Landau’s free kick from wide right found the run of Robinson to the near post but his header flew just wide of the target.

Kent finally made the breakthrough on 36 minutes when again good work by Jarvis and Robinson down the right saw Jarvis play the ball up to Robinson who initially turned to his right deceiving two London defenders before playing a delightful back heel flick onto the run of Jarvis who ran through on goal before neatly chipping the ball over the advancing Tommy Kemp into the net.

Just before half time it was nearly two when good passing and movement from Kingsford and Robinson saw the latter find Landau whose fierce drive on the turn was well saved by Tommy Kemp high to his left for a corner. This was taken again by Sunborg and found the run of George Porter to the near post but his powerful header was kept out by a combination of Tommy Kemp and a defender low at their left hand post.

London kicking down the slope in the second half had their first shot on target on 46 minutes when Omar Belazregue hit a long range shot straight at Kent keeper Wayne Everest.

On 52 minutes Kent’s Harrison Pont tried a 35 yard shot that flew just over before London might have equalised on 59 minutes when Belazregue’s pass found the lively Nathan Gale who in turn found the run down the left of Tafari Jallim.

He powered into the box but with only Everest to beat he sent his shot into the side netting when well placed. This miss proved doubly costly as Kent scored their second just minutes later when Jacob Gilbert’s cross field pass found the run into the box on the left side of the area of Craig Appleby and he scored with a tidy lob over the London keeper into the net.

London tried to hit back immediately with Gale having a shot on the turn held by Everest moving to his left.

It was then the turn of Kent to go close to increasing their lead when Kingsford’s through ball put Entwistle in on goal on the left side of the area but his rising shot was well pushed over by Tommy Kemp diving high to his left. London then had a good spell of pressure going close to scoring on a number of occasions.

Reuben Matheson’s right wing cross found Belazregue in the box but his powerful low shot on the turn was well saved by Everest down at his left hand post.

Then Matheson’s pass found Jallim racing in on the right edge of the box but his rasping drive from an acute angle flashed wide before Gale’s through ball found Lekan Orimousi, who had only just come on and with his first touch fired a shot just wide.

On 73 minutes Orimousi took a 25 yard free kick that Everest saved well diving low to his right.

However having survived this spell of pressure Kent then managed the remainder of the game well with a series of substitutions taking the sting out of the London attack.

Indeed the last chance of the game on 89 minutes fell to the home side when Gilbert’s free kick from wide right to the near post was met by a stooping header from Robinson that brought out a good diving save from Tommy Kemp low at his left hand post.                    

Adrian Swan

This was a tightly contested match in the first round of the Kent Youth League Invitational President’s Cup which saw the visitors VCD Athletic prevail by a single goal against hosts Cray Valley on a misty night at Badgers Sports Club.

Both sides worked hard throughout to create openings but for the most part both defences reigned supreme.

VCD ‘s Thomas Cecil had the first real chance of the game on 14 minutes when spotting home keeper Tommy Kemp off his line, he tried an audacious shot from all of 40 yards that had the Cray custodian back pedalling towards his line as the ball drifted narrowly wide of the target.

Cray had a chance themselves on 19 minutes when a Lewis Cotter free kick from wide left of the area was cleared out to the edge of the box where Ethan Okechukwu’s shot on the turn flashed just wide of the goal.

The first meaningful save of the evening came on 28 minutes when Cray’s Bruno Ribeiro hit a dipping shot from wide left of the box that forced VCD keeper Harrison Carnell-Davis into a good diving save low at his right hand post. On 38 minutes VCD’s Harrison Baldwin tested Tommy Kemp with a shot on the turn that he held comfortably before minutes later Stacey Petrou’s long range effort was more challenging for him, bouncing just in front of him forcing him to parry the ball away before pouncing on the loose ball. The home side started the second half brightly and had two early chances to take the lead.

Oladipo Ogunmeakan did well to win the ball in midfield and then quickly play the ball up to Okechukwu who raced through on goal but with only Carnell-Davis to beat he sent his shot skimming over the bar.

Minutes later Eddie Nwafor’s pass put Okechukwu through on goal again and this time he tried a low shot but it flew narrowly wide across the face of goal.

These missed opportunities were to come back to haunt the home side as on 54 minutes the visitors scored what was to prove to be the winning goal when a Dominic Vincent-Edwards right wing cross found Cecil on the edge of the box and he took a touch before calmly slotting home low to the right of the diving Tommy Kemp.

On the hour mark it was nearly two for the visitors when their dead ball specialist Liam Spellward curled a 25 yard free kick over the home defensive wall and beat a diving Tommy Kemp high to his right but the ball smashed against the bar before rebounding off to safety.

The home side then had a good spell of possession but could not make any in-roads against the visitors defence in which centre half Umar Adeyoola was immense. Into the final minutes of the game the hosts went close to taking the game into extra time when Samuel Blunden’s right wing corner was met by a close range downward header from Mineh Orogun that forced Carnel-Davis into a low save to his left parrying the ball away to safety.

Then into stoppage time a breakaway from the visitors saw Cecil put Joe Carey through on goal but he dragged his shot wide when well placed before Cecil tried along range shot that flew just over.

With six minutes of stoppage time played the home side’s last chance of the game saw Morgan Clarke try a speculative long range shot that Carnell-Davis saved high above his head.  

The Kent Youth League is proud to join the Kent FA, Premier League and The Football Association to once again take part in the Stonewall Charity campaign running from 17^th November until 2^nd December.

The campaign’s purpose is to amplify the conversation around making football inclusive for everyone; whether you are a fan, player, manager, coach or referee.

Please see below ways you can you get involved:

• Most colourful football session: Take a picture of your rainbow sessions and get it on social media remembering to tag @KentFA  and #RainbowLaces.
• Most colourful football match day: Challenge your clubs to can get as many rainbows shown during one of the 3 activation weekends (17^th/18^th November, 24^th/25^th November or 1^st/2^nd December).
• Pledge your support: Get your staff, coaches, managers, players and parents/spectators signing the ‘Let’s make sport everyone’s game’ pledge which can be found in the attached documents.
• Educate everyone: See below link to Stonewall’s Rainbow laces tool kit which is a brilliant resource you can share with officials, club & league staff, players and parents/spectators to educate on LGBT issues and how to make your club more inclusive:

https://www.stonewall.org.uk/resources/rainbow-laces-sports-tool-kit

Resources available to you:

• Opportunity to have your badge ‘rainbowed’ for social media purposes via the twibbon using this link (please only do this once the campaign has started on 17^th November):
• You can request an activation pack from The FA by emailing charlotte.richardson@kentyouthleague.co.uk for you to use and share to help with amplifying support for activities.
• Click here for access to more digital resources to download.

Adrian Swan

This was an excellent victory for Glebe against K Sports in the second round of the KitToFit Challenge Cup and although the final result looked comfortable for the home side they were pushed hard throughout by their opponents.

After an even start it was the home side that took the lead on six minutes through a stunning strike from midfielder Zak Emmings, who picking the ball up on the wide left some 30 yards from goal, he cut inside and then unleashed a powerful dipping shot that flew over the outstretched arm of the back pedalling K Sports keeper Nicky Tolhurst into the net.

K Sports tried to hit back immediately with midfielder Charlie Roberts firing in a low drive that flew straight at Glebe keeper Ted McDonald before minutes later Roberts hit a long range free kick that McDonald gathered moving to his left.

A neat pass from Emmings then put Jack Porter in on goal but Tolhurst was quickly off his line to make a good block on the edge of his area.

A mistake in the home box then nearly gifted the visitors an equaliser when an attempted clearance was deflected straight to Jack Ward some 25 yards from goal. He controlled the ball well on his chest before hitting a first time volley that flew narrowly wide of the target. Glebe almost increased their lead on 19 minutes when Oscar Powell did well to win the ball on the edge of the visitors box and run through on goal, but spotting Tolhurst advancing off his line, he tried to chip on the on-rushing keeper but had insufficient height on his shot and Tolhurst was able to make a catch.

After this early excitement the game settled down into a bit of a midfield stalemate.

It was not until the 33rd minutes when there was another real chance of note and that was when K Sports’ Ward hit a swerving shot from wide left of the area that McDonald held moving to his left.

The visitors then pulled level on 39 minutes when Morgan Tasker turned well on the edge of the box and drilled home a low shot that beat McDonald to his left with the ball entering the net off the post.

K Sports then took the lead early in the second half when a Jake Bates corner from the right found the head of Sonny Cook rising highest in the box and although his powerful header beat McDonald high to his left, it rattled the bar sending the ball flying out to where Alex Selntigia was able to tap home from close range.

Glebe then went close to equalising on 56 minutes when McDonald’s long goal kick was headed into the path of Porter who raced through on goal but he hit his low shot too close to Tolhurst who was able to make a close range save.

However minutes later the hosts were level when Powell’s teasing cross from the right was bravely headed home at the far post from close range by a diving Jonas Whitmore low to the right of Tolhurst.

Just after the hour mark Glebe went ahead when Emmings played a free kick onto the run of Porter on the left side of the box and he took a touch before hitting a deft shot from an acute angle that flew across the face of goal, beating Tolhust to his left as the ball found the bottom far corner of the net.

Glebe’s Emmings then scored another spectacular goal as he picked the ball just outside the area and then drifted passed two defenders before calmly slotting the ball home low to the left of Tolhurst.

On 69 minutes the visitors went close to pulling a goal back when Bates whipped in a dipping free kick from wide left of the area that McDonald bravely diving forward managed to parry in the crowded box but the loose ball fell to Sam Newland whose hooked volley flew narrowly over the bar.

Glebe then promptly made it five on 72 minutes when Whitmore’s fierce free kick was parried by Tolhurst into the path of Porter who slotted home from close range.

Minutes later it was nearly six when Whitmore’s right wing cross was turned goalwards by Nathan Agyapong but Tolhurst managed to block his effort with his legs before the ball was cleared to safety.

Emmings then went close to completing his hat trick when he spotted Tolhurst off his line and tried an audacious shot from a 40 yard free kick that saw the ball sail narrowly wide as Tolhurst scrambled back to his goal.

The visitors then went close to reducing the arrears in the final minutes of the game. Selntigia had a low shot flash narrowly wide across the face of goal before on 86 minutes a Roberts free kick from wide left found Cook whose powerful header was well saved by McDonald diving high to his right, turning the ball over for a corner.

It was then the turn of Glebe’s Porter to go close to completing his hat trick when he had two chances late on in the game.

On 90 minutes he got onto the end of Whitmore’s right wing cross to hit a fierce volley that Tolhurst did well to save diving to his left before deep in stoppage time he did well to win the ball in midfield and then race through on goal but his rasping drive was well saved by Tolhurst diving high to his right for a corner.                          

First Round Draw

Dorking U18 v West Wickham Junior – 19:45 – 22/11/2018     

Three Bridges  v Whyteleafe FC – 19:45 – 30/11/2018   

Chatham Town Youth  v Sittingbourne – 19:45 –  27/11/2018                 

Faversham Town FC v K Sports Colts – 19:45 – 21/11/2018     

Margate FC  v Dover Athletic FC – 19:45 – 02/11/2018                     

Sittingbourne Youth FC  v Bromley – 19:45 – 6/11/2018                   

Cray Valley (PM)  v VCD Athletic FC – 19:45 – 15/11/2018     

Second Round Draw

Glebe U18 V Dorking U18  or West Wickham Juniors U18                                

Three Bridges U18 or Whyteleafe U18  v Cray Wanderers                     

Ramsgate FC U18  v Sittingbourne Red       SITTINGBOURNE WITHDREW – RAMSGATE BYE         

Chatham Town Youth U18 or Sittingbourne U16 v Faversham Town U18 or K Sports Colts U18      

Folkestone  v Margate FC U16 or Dover Athletic FC U18                                  

K Sports Youth v Hollands & Blair – 22/11/2018                    

Sittingbourne Youth U18 or Bromley U18 v Cray Valley (PM) U18 or VCD Athletic FC U18 

Margate FC U18 v Ramsgate FC U16

Adrian Swan

West Wickham eventually ran out comfortable winners against visitors Thamesmead Town on a wet and windy day at their Corkscrew Hill ground.

Despite rain falling almost continuously throughout the game, the pitch played very well and an exciting match of attractive football ensued which was well officiated by Referee Paul Agboola.

West Wickham playing down the slope and with the wind at their backs had the first chance of the game on 2 minutes when Ben Mortimer hit a long range shot just wide.

The visitors then took the lead on 6 minutes with their first attack when

Lewis Armstrong raced away down the right before whipping over a low cross that was flicked on by Jerrell Watkins into the path of Ryan Solan who slotted home low to the right of home keeper Louis Youles.

Minutes later it was nearly two when Ben Fridd’s free kick from wide right found the run to the near post of Axel Ahouzan whose glancing header deflected off a defender for a corner.

On 10 minutes West Wickham’s Charlie Smyth played a clever lofted pass onto the run of Tyler Dobson into the box. He showed good control to bring the ball down with his first touch and then with his second send the ball fly low to the left of Mead keeper Jordan Ireson but narrowly wide of the target. Mortimer then tried his luck with another long range shot that flew straight at Ireson.

Mead’s Jack Kelly then had a shot on the turn flash wide before the hosts drew level on 19 minutes through a spectacular goal from Smyth. Picking the ball up on the left edge of the Mead box he hit a rasping drive that flew like an arrow high to the right of the diving Ireson into the top corner of the net.

West Wickham then had a series of corners that the visitors managed to defend until the 25th minutes when Mortimer’s inswinging corner from the left was headed home from close range by Oliver Denham low to the left of Ireson.

Shortly afterwards with the rain having stopped briefly and the sun shining brightly, West Wickham scored their third with another spectacular goal from Smyth.

Receiving the ball just over the half way line he raced forward and then, perhaps spotting Ireson slightly off his line and with the sun in his eyes, he hit a dipping 35 yard shot that flew over the outstretched arm of the back pedalling Mead keeper into the net.

The visitors then reduced the arrears almost immediately scoring just after the half hour mark when Armstrong’s excellent defence splitting pass found the run into the box of the speedy Solan, who outpaced his marker as he raced into the box before neatly tucking the ball home under Youles from close range.

A minute later though West Wickham restored their two goal cushion when another excellent pass from Smyth put Dobson in on goal and he again showed good control before smashing the ball home high to the left of Ireson.

It was nearly five on 35 minutes when Robert Hinkley’s deep cross from wide right found the run of Mortimer to the far post who stretching could only divert the ball into the side netting. The last chance of the first half saw Dobson’s shot on the turn fly just wide.

After the all action first half the second took time to get going as the rain came back with a vengeance.

Unfortunately the first thing to note was on 55 minutes when Mead’s Luke Bollington stretching to make a tackle appeared to twist his knee requiring lengthy treatment.

After a 5 minute delay he had to be carried off the field on a stretcher with an ambulance arriving subsequently to treat him.

Back to the match it was the visitors who then had a good spell with Ahouzan’s through ball on 65 minutes putting Watkins in on goal but Youles, spotting the danger, was quickly off his line to make a good close range block on the edge of his area.

On a day for spectacular goals it was the Mead who got the next one on 71 minutes when Cole Gordon’s fierce 35 yard shot beat Youles high to his right to put the visitors right back into the game.

However any thoughts of a comeback were firmly squashed in the 78th minute when the hosts made it five when Smyth’s free kick was turned home by Mortimer high to the left of Ireson.

Into the final minutes of the game West Wickham scored twice more to put the icing on the cake.

On 87 minutes a neat passing move involving Smyth, Denham and Jonathan Kwakwa saw the latter set up Freddie Yeats to score from close range and then a minute later another deft pass from the impressive Smyth put Mortimer in on goal and he showed good composure to beat two defenders before firing home low to the left of Ireson.

Adrian Swan

Maidstone United Under 16’s continued their impressive start to the season with their fourth consecutive win defeating hosts Holmesdale 6-1 in the second round of the League Cup.

After an even start to the match it was the home side who had the first chances of the game.

On eight minutes Suhuyini Osman’s through ball had put Dennis Osei in on goal but his fierce shot was well saved by Stones keeper Liam Northwood for a corner.

From this taken by Lucas Torre the ball was cleared out to the edge of the area where Bethel Gboda struck a low effort narrowly wide. The visitors then started to get their passing game going and went close to taking the lead on 16 minutes when the lively Danny Partis made space well on the edge of the box before hitting a low shot that was well saved by Holmesdale keeper Jake Hennis.

Minutes later Hennis made an even better save to thwart Partis, after he had been slipped through on goal by a deft pass from Joshua Strouts, when he dived low to his right to turn the ball out for a corner. From this taken by Strouts the ball fell to Alfie Eyles whose shot on the turn flew just over.

On 22 minutes a great run by Sam Green almost gave Holmesdale the lead when he made a powerful mazy run at the heart of the Stones defence evading at least three tackles and getting through on goal but Northwood, spotting the danger, was quickly off his line to make a good close range block diving low to his left.

A minute later Holmesdale’s Osei hit a long range effort narrowly over before the hosts took the lead on 29 minutes from the penalty spot after Osman having got through on goal was upended by Ike Orji.

Osman took the spot kick himself and was fortunate to score as he scuffed his effort and although Northwood dived the right way low to his left he allowed the ball to bobble over him into the net.

Incidentally this was the first goal the Stones had conceded this season. However the lead did not last long as almost straight from the re-start Charlie Meade’s excellent low cross from the right flashed across the face of goal to the far post where it was tucked home by Bashri Ryan high to the left of Hennis.

Worse was to follow for the home side seconds later as from the kick off the ball was lost to Jack Palmby whose astute through ball put Partis in on goal and he made no mistake firing home low to the left of Hennis.

It was nearly three for the visitors on 39 minutes when Joe Abraham made a good run down the left before whipping over a low cross that Partis fired over.

In added on time at the end of the first half Holmesdale went close to drawing level when Osei made a strong forward run into the box, leaving Orji in his wake, but with only Northwood to beat his low shot flew  just wide of the target.

Early in the second half the speedy Abraham made another good run down the left before sending over a low cross that Meade fired into the side netting. Another good pass from Palmby then sent Abraham free down the left and he raced in on goal but his low shot was saved by Hennis diving to his right for a corner.

However Hennis was powerless to prevent the Stones going further ahead on 51 minutes when Scott Sanders hit a stunning shot from all of 35 yards that flashed home high to the right of the home keeper.

On 53 minutes the Referee Roger Wells, who officiated the match well, played a fine advantage allowing Ryan to continue his run through on goal after he had been fouled but Ryan’s shot flew narrowly wide of the target.

The Referee then booked the offender before restarting play. A minute later another slide-rule pass from Palmby put Partis in on goal but his low shot flew wide of the target. Partis then went even closer on 56 minutes when another fine Palmby pass put him in on goal but this time although his shot beat Hennis to his left the ball hit the post and bounced out to safety.

On 72 minutes Partis did get his second from the penalty spot after he had been brought down in the box by Mason Rutherford, converting the spot kick low to the left of Hennis who dived right.

Minutes later Strouts found the run into the box of Meade whose close range shot was blocked by Hennis.

Holmesdale’s George Olayanji then had a close range effort blocked by Northwood before the visitors added two further goals in the final minutes.

On 76 minutes Palmby’s pass put Meade through on goal but as he tried to dribble around Hennis he was fouled resulting in the award of another spot kick.

This was again taken by Partis, who slotted home low to the left of Hennis as the home keeper dived right, to complete his hat trick.

A minute later it was six as another Palmby through ball found the run of Meade who fired home high to the left of the exposed Hennis.

The Kent Youth League is delighted to announce it will be joining the Kent FA, The Premier League and The Football Association to once again take part in the Stonewall Charity campaign Rainbow Laces.

Taking place Mid-November to early December, the League is inviting Kent Youth League sides to join us by donning their Rainbow Laces to amplify the conversation around making football inclusive for everyone; whether you are a fan, player, manager, coach or referee. 

Any Kent Youth Leagues wishing to take place should register an interest by emailing charlotte.richardson@kentyouthleague.co.uk with the following information.

Club contact name:

• Club name:
• Number of laces required:
• Fixture laces will be worn for:
• Age group:

Clubs are requested to submit their interest by Friday Thursday 18^th October. We apologise for the short turnaround time but this is the deadline requested by The FA.

By Adrian Swan

By Adrian Swan

By Adrian Swann

Thousands of young footballers across Kent kick-started their seasons playing in the Kent Youth League on Sunday afternoon.

To mark the occasion, the county’s leading youth league teamed up with sponsors Stagecoach South East to gift each of the 199 League teams with a free Nike football.

Stagecoach South East is part of the Stagecoach Group and is one of the main bus operators in Kent.

They operate local bus services across the county and their services play an important role in helping people in rural and urban areas access work, education, health, shopping and leisure.

Thanks to Stagecoach’s generous support, each League team received their football ahead of the 2018/19 campaign. Including Margate FC and Folkestone Invicta Under 14s who came together before their game at Hartsdown Park.

Kent Youth League Chief Executive, Ken Brooke expressed both his delight and gratitude to Stagecoach.

“I am delighted to confirm an initial one-year sponsorship deal with Stagecoach for season 2018-19. Stagecoach have kindly agreed to purchase a Nike match ball for each team in the League which is a great idea to support all clubs and teams across the County.”

“Stagecoach are celebrating 25 years as a business in the county and I would like to thank Matthew and his excellent marketing team for making this possible. It is fantastic recognition for the League.”

Ahead of another exciting, new season which will see hundreds upon hundreds of talented young players across the county compete, the Kent Youth League is delighted to announce the first of our major 2018/19 sponsors.

Stagecoach South East is part of the Stagecoach Group and is one of the main bus operators in Kent.

They operate local bus services across the county and their services play an important role in helping people in rural and urban areas access work, education, health, shopping and leisure.

Thanks to Stagecoach’s generous support, each of our 199 League teams will be gifted a Nike match ball.

Kent Youth League Chief Executive, Ken Brooke expressed both his delight and gratitude to Stagecoach.

Former Kent Youth League striker, Louis Collins, achieved something most young players across our League dream of: signing a 2 year scholarship at Scunthorpe United.

Having learned his bread and butter playing in the Kent Youth League, where Louis picked up the prestigious golden boot award – not once, but twice – we caught up with him to find out what life as a promising young pro is like.

Going right back to the beginning, Louis said:

“I started playing football when I was five years old. I went into my school football team and then played for Sevenoaks from u11s to u12s. I then got picked up by Millwall FC and signed for them after a six-week trial. I was at Millwall from u13s to u14s.”

“When I was there we won the national cup. I left there and went to Ebbsfleet U15s playing in the South Division. I was there for a year and scored 47 goals in 23 games. The next season I went to Bromley in the North Division which proved to be slightly harder, I finished top goal scorer and we won the league.”

“After that I was on trial at Charlton for six weeks and had the choice to go to Scunthorpe for a trial and signed for them as a scholar.”

The Kent Youth League proved to be a valuable platform for Louis, who looks back fondly on the seasons he enjoyed playing across the county.

“My first team in the KYL was Ebbsfleet. I had just come out of academy football and was looking to get my confidence back up and start enjoying my football more, this helped me to improve and score more goals as the season went on.”

“The next season I pushed to challenge myself a little more and played in the north league. This involved a little more travelling but was well worth it, as it added that physically aspect to my game that also allowed me to improve and score more goals.”

Louis’ goal-scoring in the League saw him pick up the KYL’s Golden Boot award for two consecutive years. It was an achievement that set the tone for Louis’ future ambitions.

“The first year I won the golden boot, it elevated me to make me want to win it a second year running. This definitely made me a lot more ambitious and confident that I can score more goals than the year before.”

“I think it put me in a better position going forward and gave me something else to look and work for to succeed in. It is good to be competitive as it can give you an extra push towards the final result and allows you to enjoy it a lot more”

All Louis’ hard-work and travelling led to a two-year scholarship deal in the Football League and he credits the experience within the League to assisting him settle back into life at a professional club.

“I had been at a professional club before but the years I spent in the Kent Youth League were vital for me to get my confidence up and start enjoying my football properly. Going from this back into a professional set up was ideal for me and was what those years I worked hard led to.”

“The leap can be quite big if you are not familiar but not if you work as hard as other players and make yourself to be better than them.”

Living his dream of learning day in day out, Louis’ hard work within the game shows no signs of stopping.

“At the moment I am building my own skills that I would like to take into professional football, a dream is to play as high as possible but an aim for me is to be in professional football full time soon.”

“When I first went into the Kent Youth League, I felt like being a professional footballer was so far away because I had started the journey that every big football player has ever started. The main way I felt that made me the player I am today was in my mind I wanted it more than anyone else and had no doubt that I would do it.”

“Now I am one big step closer to getting that end goal because I didn’t give up in those years and enjoyed my football to an extent where it made me better.”

“I would say to other players make sure you enjoy your football and learn new things to adapt your game to become the best you can be.”

With sound advice like that, we’re sure young Louis’ promising football career offers lots of inspiration to other young players across the League.

We look forward to watching Louis’ career progress with great pride.

The Kent Youth League is delighted to announce it will be sponsor of the South East Counties Youth Championship at U16 and U18 Representative football for another season.

The League is dedicated to supporting any opportunities for young players to develop and enjoy their football which made the decision to renew sponsorship a relatively easy one for Chief Executive Ken Brooke, who said:

“I’m delighted to announce the Kent Youth League will be sponsoring the South East Counties Youth Championship for another season. The League passionately believes in supporting opportunities for young players to progress and this competition is a prime example of one of the most successful methods.”

“My committee and I look forward to attending matches and keeping a keen eye on the progress made by teams across the age groups. I wish everyone involved a successful and enjoyable season with the Kent Youth League’s full-hearted support behind them.”

Pre-season is a key time for players of all ages and abilities, in and out of the professional game, to prepare physically and mentally for the campaign ahead.

Former Kent Youth League player and now professional goalkeeper at Gillingham FC, Tom Hadler works for Rob Horswell Training and is offering KYL teams the chance to have the best preparation possible.

Tom and a team of highly qualified Strength and Conditioning coaches are supplying and delivering sessions to teams across Kent.

Whilst helping players, they provide support to coaches who utilise their expertise to get the best out of their pre-season work.

They have devised a pre-season package to support KYL clubs across the grassroots and professional game, adult to youth, who want to hit the ground running.

The package includes a structured programme to cover the whole of pre-season; pay £250 for 5 sessions to be delivered to your team of up to 20 players.

Sessions will be devised to match the age of groups and teams, planned around the five basic principles:

1) speed
2) power
3) strength
4) endurance
5) agility

Besides planning sessions, the team deliver and ensure participants are given correct nutritional information focused on:

Key age groups
Performance
Recovery
Health and wellbeing

Tom and other trainers at Rob Horswell Training have worked with professional and semi-professional teams including Gillingham FC and Maidstone United.

To make an initial enquiry, please contact Tom Hadler via email at tom@robhorswelltraining.co.uk or phone on 07807093473

*Sessions to be used by 11 August