GALLERY
22nd September
There were lots of cup games being played around the County this weekend. Our league photographer went to new club Greenway Aces to watch them play Peckham Town reserves in the Barry Bundock West Kent Challenge Shield. It was feisty affair resulting in the home teaming winning 2-0. The goal scorers were Karl Hotchkiss and Edvinas.
The Les Leckie cup was the game David Spring went to watch. He saw his team, Southborough beat Tenterden Town. The game was 3-0 at half time with two goals from Jack Parrot and one from Michael Powell. The home team managed to get two goals back but after ninety minutes the game finished 3-2 to Southborough.
Pictures from both games can be found on the gallery page
ANDREW GIDLEY’S WEEKLY ROUNDUP
NRG GYM ‘BILL MANKLOW’ INTER-REGIONAL CHALLENGE CUP
Otford United needed extra-time before getting past Halls 3-0 at Princes Park.
Rory Catt’s double and Harry Hudson saw off the plucky Division 1 West hosts in a closely fought tie. Lee Friend’s hat-trick helped Farnborough Old Boys Guild beat Welling Park 3-1. Friend completed a dual registration move to Southern Counties East League Division 1 Erith & Belvedere late last week. Frederick Agyemang’s first goal for the club, and Cameron Brodie clinched Tudor Sports 2-0 win at Fleetdown United.
PREMIER DIVISION
Four second half goals saw leaders Bromleians run-out 5-2 winners at Crockenhill, top scorer Adam O’Neill scoring twice as they made it seven out of seven. Kalem Summers and Kayode Adenusi had netted to give Crocks a 2-1 advantage at the interval.
Second placed Staplehurst Monarchs United were also 2-1 in front at Peckham Town, when the game was abandoned after 80 minutes. Lukman Mojeed suffered a serious head injury and was taken to hospital before being detained overnight. We wish him a speedy recovery.
A late equaliser earned Borden Village a point in their 3-3 home draw, denying Stansfeld (O&B) the chance of registering their first win. Three successive wins have moved Faversham Strike Force up to eighth spot. Jordan Simpson’s fourth of the season, and a first for Dinu Catalin clinched the 2-1 success at New Romney. Dan Melvin and Ryan Blake’s penalty secured Kings Hill’s win by the same score at Hawkinge Town.
Daudi Irakose scored twice on his first senior start this season as Metrogas claimed their first win, 5-1 at home to Bexley.
Manager Mark Warner said: “….a well deserved win….with a quality performance for 90 minutes – the hard work paid off.”
The top-two meet in the only game this weekend, as all other clubs start their Kent Intermediate Challenge Shield campaign.
Division 1
James Funnell’s first half double paved the way for unbeaten Central & East leaders K Sports Reserves’ 3-1 win over Wateringbury, a first defeat for the newly promoted villagers.
Emmanuel Abe hit two for Hollands & Blair Reserves in their 5-0 win at Burgess Hodgson. George Williams scored twice as Lordswood Reserves came from two goals down with half an hour left to win 4-2 at Guru Nanak. Ryan Easter netted two for Lydd Town Reserves as they won 3-1 at Margate Sports to secure their first win.
Substitute George Harris grabbed a hat-trick as Sydenham Sports ran out 6-0 winners over Chipstead. They trail leaders Ide Hill by a point, Ben Pearson converting two headers in their 3-1 win over Stansfield Reserves, despite trailing early on.
Division 2
Southborough have settled into their new surroundings quickly, following their switch from the Sevenoaks League.
They stepped up after winning the league and success in several cup competitions, and find themselves second in Central and East, following a 4-2 win at Bearsted Reserves, Jack Parrot’s hat-trick did the damage.
They are a point behind leaders Ashford who had Liam Sheldon-Smith to thank for the late winner as they came from behind to beat Rusthall Reserves 3-2.
Player-Manager Ryan Norman said: “I didn’t expect it (the winner), came from my centre back.
“Ten minutes were left on the clock…. he picked the ball up 40 yards out, wriggled past two players and from about 30 yards, hit the ball on the half volley into the back of the net.
Cue the celebrational scenes.”
Jake Fitzpatrick scored his first goals of the season with two in West Farleigh’s 6-1 win over AFC Ashford.
Harry Taylor hit 65 goals for Red Velvet last season, and has got 10 already this campaign, including four in two games, the latest coming in the 4-0 win at Drummond Athletic, two in each half-time and put his top of the West table.
He and Tom Bradshaw could be set for their own personal contest to win Sharpshooter of the Year this season, the latter on nine after two more in the 4-2 win at Orpington, their first defeat.
Division 3
New-boys Paddock Wood led early on against Tenterden Town only to concede eight in the second half in a 10-1 home defeat by Tenterden Town. Three of them came in stoppage-time as Ryan Vaughan and Jordan King completed hat-tricks.
Rochester City Reserves, Deal Town Rangers and Sturry boast 100% records after three games in Central & East.
Darwin Orizco also hit four in Equinoccial’s 5-0 home win over South East Athletic Reserves.
LONDON JUNIOR CUP
Sam Townson scored all the goals for Long Lane as they went through 4-3 at home against Essex Alliance League Puma Kings.
Liam Johnson scored both in Club Langley’s 2-0 win over Eltham Town. HFSP & Ten Em Bee and Danson Sports both won away to progress.
FIXTURES
We are now releasing the fixtures for October 2018 for all divisions. Please note that some fixtures will be scheduled after completion of early round of various cup competitions.
To view the full list click here to download, or view the Forthcoming Fixtures page.
Level 1 Winter Pitches: In Season (Maintenance) For football
Why can’t the grass be greener on the other side?
The Kent FA are delighted to have teamed up with the Institute of Groundsmanship to offer those who maintain and care for football pitches in Kent the opportunity to gain a greater insight into maintaining football pitches throughout the winter months.
They will be hosting an IOG Level 1 Winter Pitches Course which will cover key subjects from the assessment and aeration to mowing and line marking. The one day course will be held at the Kent FA on Wednesday, 7th November.
The course will feature a productive presentation, plus turf care theory and practical working demonstrations. Students will learn what is involved in preparing and maintaining a surface that allows for maximum playability.
• Definition and assessment of surface.
• Sequence of in season annual maintenance.
• Mowing, scarification, verticutting and harrowing.
• Fertiliser application and top dressing.
• Line marking: setting and marking out.
• Turf problems: weeds, pests and diseases.
• Safe and effective use of equipment.
The course is ideal for volunteers, new employees or just as a refresher for an established employee to develop their knowledge of the latest best practices and explore the requirements needed in order to optimise playing surfaces.
The course is £100 per person and includes lunch and is limited to 12 places.
Don’t miss out and book your place today by clicking here.
For more details on our Pitch Improvement Programme please email Football Development Manager, Lee.Suter@kentfa.com.
KENT FA PITCH IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME
The FA Pitch Improvement Programme (PIP) will deliver improvements to more than 200 grass pitches across Kent over the next three years.
Kent FA is committed to improving pitches and supporting ground staff across Kent.
With this in mind they are introducing a monthly blog aimed to provide an insight into the world of Groundsmanship, while providing tips and advice to help pitches across the County flourish.
The blog is written by multi award winner and K Sports Head Groundsman, Scott Byers.
In his first blog Scott provides an overview and tips as football pitches experience drought conditions this summer.
To view the blog click here.
If you would be interested in the Pitch Improvement Programme email Lee Suter at the Kent FA by clicking here.
LEAGUE CUP DRAWS
We are delighted to announce that NRG Gym have confirmed they will continue to sponsor our three League Cup competitions for the coming season. We are most grateful for their continued support.
The draws for each of the League Cups have now been made and the opening round for each is as follows:
BILL MANKLOW INTER-REGIONAL CHALLENGE CUP sponsored by NRG Gym
First Round – To be played on or before 29th September 2018
Halls AFC v Otford United
Bexley v Club Langley
Fleetdown United v Tudor Sports
Farnborough OB Guild v Welling Park
Burgess Hodgson v Holland & Blair Reserves
Rolvenden v Lydd Town Reserves
Byes: Chipstead, Sydenham Sports, South East Athletic, Crockenhill, Long Lane, Stansfeld (Oxford & Bermondsey), Peckham Town, Ide Hill, Bromleians, AFC Mottingham, Metrogas, Sutton Athletic Reserves, Faversham Strike Force Seniors, Lordwood Reserves, Margate Sports, Staplehurst Monarchs Utd, Cuxton 91, New Romney, Rochester City, Kings Hill, Wateringbury, Guru Nanak, Borden Village, Ramsgate Reserves, K Sports Reserves, Hawkinge Town
EASTERN SECTION LES LECKIE CUP sponsored by NRG Gym
First Round – To be played on or before 29th September 2018
New Romney Reserves v Bearsted Reserves
Margate Sports Reserves v Rusthall Reserves
Faversham Town Reserves v Deal Town Rangers
Tenterden Town v Southborough
Snodland Town Reserves v Punjab United Reserves
Larkfield & New Hythe Wanderers v Canterbury City University
Rochester City Reserves v University of Kent
Bromley Green v Sturry
Byes: Tonbridge Invicta, Aylesford, Paddock Wood, AFC Ashford Athletic, Ashford, West Farleigh, Woodnesborough, Staplehurst
BARRY BUNDOCK WEST KENT CHALLENGE SHIELD sponsored by NRG Gym
First Round – To be played on or before 29th September 2018
Farnborough OB Guild Reserves v Tudor Sports Reserves
Long Lane Reserves v Drummond Athletic
Bridon Ropes Reserves v Johnson & Phillips
Belvedere v South East Athletic Reserves
AFC Lewisham v Fleetdown United Reserves
Orpington v Halstead United
Dulwich Village v Bexley Reserves
Greenways Aces v Peckham Town Reserves
Equinocial v Welling Town Reserves
Bye: Metrogas Reserves, Sporting Club Thamesmead Reserves, Crayford Arrows, Parkwood Rangers, Danson Sports, HSFP Ten-Em-Bee, Bromleians Reserves
Full draw details of each competition can be viewed by clicking here
The draws for both the Senior and Junior Divisions of the Hospitals Charity Cup have been drawn and can viewed by clicking here. On this page teams can advise their Team Administrators for this competition and non Kent County League teams can register players.
At the recent Hospitals Cups Annual General Meeting a letter from the Executive Director of the Kent Air Ambulance thanking the Competition for a donation of £1,250.
REFEREES ONLINE APPLICATION 2018-2019
The online application form for Match Officials for the 201-19 season is now open, please click here to complete and submit.
BECOME A KENT REFEREE!
The Kent FA are holding a number of ‘Get into Refereeing’ Workshops from May to August 2017 at venues across the County. In addition the Kent FA are looking to encourage those players approaching the end of their careers to take up the whistle and are offering a special discount on the referee course fees, which could be as low as £50.00!
For further information email the Kent FA, Referee Development Officer, Nick Dunn by clicking here
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
TONBRIDGE INVICTA – Looking for manager/coaching staff for their new development squad.
PLAYER SEEKING CLUB – 19 year old right winger/right back looking for a club.
WATERINGBURY FC – Are looking for a good quality winger to add to their squad
PLAYER SEEKING CLUB – Left Back looking for a new team
PLAYER SEEKING CLUB – 18 year old attacker / wide player (Maidstone scholar) looking for a county team.
ORPINGTON FC – are looking for a new Reserve Team Manager
PLAYER SEEKING CLUB – I’m a 29 years old experienced attacking mid fielder (centre or wide), looking for a team in the south London area.
CRAYFORD ARROWS – Goalkeeper wanted for their first team – Div two west.
BEXLEY FC – are looking for players for their First Team and Reserves Team playing in the Kent County Premier and Division 2
TONBRIDGE INVICTA – Looking for the last few players to finalise the squad for this season. Defenders and wide players needed.
GOAL KEEPER WANTED – Orpington FC are looking for a keeper for the new season.
PLAYERS SEEKING CLUB – a midfielder and a left sided defender looking for a Vets team in the Peckham/Dulwich area.
AFC MOTTINGHAM – Goal Keeper wanted.
CROCKENHILL – Looking for experienced Kent County League Players.
AFC LEWISHAM – New players wanted for their team in the Kent County league Division 3 West .
BEXLEY FC – players wanted in all positions for their Kent County Premier First Team and Division 2 for their Reserves team.
PECKHAM TOWN – Are you looking for a Home Ground for the 18 / 19 Season?
ORPINGTON FC – are looking for players of a good standard in all positions but particularly at centre back to add to both our their first team and reserve team squads for the 2018/19 season.
BEXLEY FC – FIRST TEAM – looking for pre-season friendlies and new players to strengthen their team. Also a match day physio and kit man.
BEXLEY FC – RESERVE TEAM – are also looking for pre-season friendlies and new players They are also looking for an assistant referee to help on home and away matches.
PECKHAM TOWN FC FIRST TEAM – looking for an experienced goal keeper and striker.
TONBRIDGE INVICTA – Looking to strengthen their squad for the new season.
ROCHESTER CITY – New players wanted for the new season.
CROCKENHILL FOOTBALL CLUB (PREMIER DIVISION) – under new management and looking for new experienced players.
PLAYER SEEKING CLUB – A strong and technical centre back or right back. looking for a new team to start the season.
AFC MOTTINGHAM – Are looking for reliable and committed players in all positions to come along to pre-season.
PLAYER SEEKING CLUB –I play as a left back or left winger and looking for a club to improve me as a player.
BEXLEY FC – Playing in the Kent County Premier Division are looking for a first team manager/coach for season 2018/2019.
BEARSTED FC RESERVES – Are looking for a part time, match day Physio on a voluntary basis.
PLAYER SEEKING CLUB – I am looking for a club to play local to Medway and Meopham area. I am 21 years old and a midfield player.
KEEPER WANTED! – Johnson & Phillips FC are seeking a new Keeper for the 2018-19 season.
PLAYER SEEKING CLUB – I’m a right winger but I can play either side or down the middle.
WEST FARLEIGH – Are looking to welcome new players to their well established club.
IDE HILL FC – Looking to recruit good quality players.
GOALKEEPER SEEKING CLUB FOR 2018/19 SEASON – I’m 20 years old and been playing in goal for 8 years.
METROGAS – Metrogas 1st team are looking for committed Step 5/6/7 level players to join their club for the 2018/19 season.
BELVEDERE FC – under new management for the 18/19 season and invite players of all abilities to attend pre-season training.
MANAGER/COACH SEEKING CLUB – 15 seasons as a manager with 5 clubs all in the county league.
DIARY DATES
Saturday, 1st June 2019 – Kent County Football League Annual Presentation night at the Mercure Hotel, Maidstone, Kent.ME17 1RE
