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Andrew Gidley’s FA Inter-League Cup Preview

Mike Langston admits Darren Phillips is a hard act to follow as manager as he prepares for the FA Inter-League Cup first round tie against the Hertfordshire County Senior League at Letchworth on Saturday.

The Otford United boss steps-up from his role as No.2 to Phillips, after he decided to step down after guiding the side to the last four last season.

Wins against Dorset at Swanage and in Jersey – laid the foundations for an excellent run – ended by a semi-final exit against the York League on a wintry day at Harrogate Town FC in March last year.

Langston has trimmed his original selection down to 17 – including a host of new call-ups with only two players remaining from last season – Otford pair Rory Catt and Sam Truman.

Langston said: “Taking over from Darren was a big task as he did such a great job. Being his assistant has given me a good insight into the job in hand.

“My first task was to build a new squad due to many players leaving clubs, while teams like Greenways and Kennington earned well deserved promotion to the Southern Counties East League.

“ I also had to get my management team together. I was pleased Jack Deans decided to carry on as coach.

“He is Mr Kent and loves his roles, and being able to watch games at all levels.

“Naming my assistant was also something I had to address – I had offers from several managers, but am really pleased to have Luke Wallond from Staplehurst with me.

“He has vast experience of KCL Premier Division football which has been a big plus.

“ I know Staplehurst didn’t get the promotion they deserved but being selfish that has worked out well for the Rep team.”

He added: “With Jack, Luke and myself’s knowledge of players, it has been quite difficult to name the final squad who represent eight clubs.

“Hopefully we can get through this first round, see which players do well and carry on looking at others -the door is never shut.

“New chairman Gavin Hoare has also been a big help, having to fill Cyril Windiate’s big shoes while also continuing as secretary.

“I would like to thank all the clubs for the use of their players and their help – lets hope we can pay them all back with a win!”

FA Inter-League Cup – Saturday 21^st September

Message from our Chairman

“We begin our campaign again in the most prestigious cup competition for non- league football. This is the only competition that at end, you will wear the England Shirt and represent England in the Finals.

Last year we made it all the way to the semi- finals and lost in extra time, in a game we had all but won in 90 minutes, despite the most atrocious weather. To get there we took a scratch team to Dorset and won. We went to Essex in a protracted event, that after an FA hearing we played and won. We then went to the favourites back garden and won a great game off shore in Jersey.

We seem to do well when we are under the cosh. Mike and Luke have done a great job getting a squad together. We have a new kit and an away trip to Hertfordshire, where I am sure we will make some new friends.

Thanks to all the clubs for their support and good luck to the Squad for Saturdays game.”

Gavin Hoare

League Chairman.

The game will kick off at 3pm at The County Ground, Letchworth, Herts, SG6 2EN

Andrew Gidley’s Weekly Roundup

Premier Division

Eight games – five away wins – 37 goals.

Marcus Black netted the day’s only hat-trick in Peckham Town’s 5-1 win at Crockenhill.

Two-goal Omar Elmantawy helped leaders Staplehurst Monarchs win 4-1 at Farnborough Old Boys Guild.

New signing Barry Ryan made it four in five games in Ide Hill’s 3-0 victory at Stansfeld.

Fleetdown United complete the top three, a month into the new season – continuing their good start – Dom Falzon on target again in the 2-1 win over New Romney.

Manager Jimmy Martin tells us: “Like last season we have started pretty well but I’m not getting carried away.

“We lost a few vital players last year and struggled after that but we have added to the squad and it’s fair to say we have got no weak links this season.

“A physically tough game away at Tudor which I always expect down there, ended

0-0 – probably a fair result, and I was happy with the clean sheet and point away from home.

“We followed that with a fantastic performance at home against New Romney. The score line didn’t do us justice as it could of been four or five against a good Romney side.

“We now go into a cup game and three massive league games. – after that we will see what sort of side we can be this year! “It’s a real good group of players and the attitude has been spot on so far as long as that continues I can see us having a decent season.”

Elsewhere Dino Catalin hit two as Faversham Strike Force lived up to their name beating Hawkinge Town 6-1

Connor Cheek marked his first start for K Sports Reserves with the opener as they won for the first time – 3-2 at Borden Village.

Manager Mark Warner said: “ Very pleased our win against a very strong side, with a team including eight players under 19-years-old.

“Leading at half-time, we showed great character to keep the lead – even playing the last 35 minutes with 10 men.”

Kent Disability Football League – A new season begins

The 2019/20 season got off to a bright start on Sunday 15th September at The Abbey School in Faversham where 35 teams took to 6 pitches with over 3 hrs of football.

League Chairman Gavin Hoare and Julie went along to this remarkable event as representatives of the new sponsors of the KDFL Premier league. They watched teams from clubs such as Maidstone United FC Raiders, Charlton Athletic AC FC, Bromley Green Valiants, Faversham Town Youth FC, Canterbury City FC, Milton and Fulston, and Swanscombe Tigers Fc amongst many more. All teams fielded players with varying disabilities in divisions that are ability based.

These first round of games are used as a grading event to make sure they have the correct teams in the correct divisions for the remainder of the season. The games all kicked off at 10am and finished at 1pm with a total of 90 games being played over the 6 pitches. Gavin Hoare said “ its amazing seeing all these players being able to play football in this environment. They are all very friendly and even though we were here for the first time today we were welcomed by all. The committee are doing a wonderful job in providing football in this way.”

A few pictures from this game can be found by clicking here but please visit the KDFL website for more photos and information from the whole event.

Gallery

14 September

This weekend cameras were out in force and five games were covered.

Jane Hobart was with Welling Town Reserves who played Farnborough OB Guild reserves in the Kent Junior Cup – Group A game. This game ended 5-2 to Welling.

Alan Curnick was at the Premier Division Game between Crockenhill & Peckham Town. This game ended 5-1 to the visitors

Tenterden played West Farleigh in the Division Two Central & East League game and Paul Roth was there to watch. This game ended 4-1 to the home side

David Spring was at the Tonbridge Wells charity cup game between Blackham & Ashurst & Southborough. At the final whistle it was a 4-2 win for the KCFL side.

Julie Hoare managed to get to the 2^nd half of the Div One C&E game between Cuxton 91 & Hollands & Blair Reserves. It was 1- 0 to Cuxton when she arrived but it ended 1-1 after the visitors were awarded a penalty.

Pictures from all games can be found on the Gallery page or by clicking here

League Secretary wanted.

Your County Needs You!

The Kent County Football League is seeking applications for the post of the League General Secretary.

Ideally the applicant should have good administration skills and be able to attend regular meetings and events.

The league secretary is the focal point for most things relating to the running of the KCFL. He or she would work directly with the League Chairman and other senior officers of the league so being a team player is essential.

Being able to prioritise and to delegate work is also a worthwhile asset.

Whilst the role is voluntary, out of pocket expenses are met.

If you are up for a challenge and have football in your blood and would like to apply please contact the League Chairman on the following contact details: (H) 01634 726111 (M) 07941 800032, Email: gavref2@gmail.com

SPECIAL OFFER FROM ACS

The League’s sponsor has a special offer for the Joma Iceberg II match ball. This ball is the official match ball of the Premier Division, it is highly regarded and offers excellent quality and value. With the offer the price of each ball is just £17.42 each!

To place your order now click here

It is also worth checking out the the Joma Dali training ball, available in three sizes and five different colours. They are priced at only £7.80 each.

Click here to visit the The official online store for the Andreas Carter Sports Kent County League.

Get Into Refereeing – Become a Kent FA Referee

In order to qualify to attend a Referee Course, the ‘Get into Refereeing’ Workshop is a pre-requisite and forms Unit 1 of the Course. All Candidates who are 17 and under MUST attend with a Parent/Guardian, and the Parent/Guardian must remain for the duration of the Workshop. Please find below a list of venues/dates of the forthcoming workshops (the ‘BOOK HERE’ type is hyperlinked to the relevant booking forms).

Thursday 10th October – Deal Town FC – Book Here

Monday 4th November – Colfe School (London ) Book Here

To enrol, you must enter your own FAN number, or create one if you do not have one. If you are booking on behalf of somebody else, please ensure you enter the details of the Candidate who wishes to enrol onto the course, and not your own!

Each workshop will begin at 18:45, with each space costing £12.50; payment being made through the online booking link only. All workshops subject to run, providing a minimum number of Candidates enrol. Referee Course dates WILL NOT appear on our website, but dates and venues will be provided only to those who attend. Only those who have attended a workshop will be permitted to enrol onto a Referee Course.

Please do help us to share this information with anyone else who may wish to become a Kent FA Referee. Whilst we do encourage players to ‘take up the whistle’, we expect all trainee referees to sign up to a League to gain independent appointments and not to officiate solely for one Club; if an individual is still playing, they may need to make a decision as to whether they continue to focus on this route in football, or indeed sacrifice this to focus on being a referee…it is difficult to balance both commitments.

For more information on refereeing and the courses – please click on the following link:

get into refereeing

SITUATIONS VACANT & FRIENDLIES WANTED

Do you need new players or volunteers? After some pre-season matches? The latest vacancies and requests are listed below. For full details click here

19th September

PARKWOOD RANGERS – Looking for senior players to help with younger team recently promoted

1st September

BEXLEY FC – Looking for players

BEXLEY FC– Looking for a young Level One Coach

19th August

HAWKINGE TOWN FC – Are looking to increase their squad

JOHNSON & PHILLIPS FC – Are looking for a goalkeeper

16th August

LOKOMOTIV CANTERBURY – Re looking for new players

10th August

SNODLAND TOWN FC – Looking to Strengthen their squad

GOALKEEPER – Looking to play again

6th August

MANAGER LOOKING FOR NEW CHALLENGE – Have worked at Kent County Level

BROMLEIANS FC – Are looking for some one to join their management team

30th July

PLAYER LOOKING FOR CLUB – Central midfielder who can also play centre half

28th July

SNODLAND TOWN RESERVES – are looking for a new manager

12th July

ROCHESTER CITY FC – Looking to add some attacking players to their squad.

PLAYER LOOKING FOR CLUB – Has played in KCFL premier Division

5th July

BELVEDERE FC – Looking to strengthen their squad. following promotion last season. Specifically looking for centre forwards and wingers. The club are also looking for an assistant manager and a coach to join the management team. Please contact Danny Hill on 07713113279 or twitter @hillsy1975 or the club directly @Belvedere_FC

4th July

CROCKENHILL FC – Looking for a goalkeeper and central defender

FLEETDOWN UNITED FC are looking to strengthen their Kent County first and reserve team squads for the 2019/20 season.

FLEETDOWN UNITED FC RESERVES are looking for friendlies on 3rd, 10th and 24th August.