TRAVELLING WITH TOWN -SEASON 2011-12
TUNBRIDGE WELLS - Umbro Kent Senior Trophy - January 14th 2012
WEATHER: Cold -damp
PITCH: Heavy - frost covered behind the clubhouse goal
ATTENDANCE: 191
GROUND: Wells appeal for volunteers to help the club stage their FA Vase tie the following week. Refreshments serves from a portakabin next to the boardroom was a new idea.
HALF TIME CUPPA: £1 - served from a portakabin next to the boardroom. A new idea probably introduced with an eye on a big Vase crowd the following week ( more than 400 - with plenty of support from winners St Ives.)
PROGRAMME: David Puttock has taken over as editor, but similar editorial to our last visit a fortnight earlier.
One interesting feature was headlined "How strong is the Kent League?" A question that has ben asked a lot over the years, and is even more relevant now, following the Football Association's recent announcement about planned changes at Step 5.
MATCH: Wells boss Martin Larkin missed this game - but was quoted in the Courier pre-match, saying it was the start of a "massive two weeks for the club, and if they go wrong then our season is pretty much over."
Assistant Bradley Sandeman was in charge here, and must have been happy with the first 87 minutes with them leading 2-1 against 10 men. Then Richmond Kissi and Michael Bishop (the latter with a bit of help from goalkeeper Mikel Czanner plunder two late goals to win the tie, and a place in the semi-finals for the second time.
Matt Bailey's penalty save from 100 game Wells midfielder Andy McMath was a key moment, after Mark Bishop's sending off early in the second half for bringing down ex-Sevenoaks man Perry Spackman.
Town had loud appeals for a first half penalty turned down by referee Steve Brown. who then awarded one to Wells - on the signal of his assistant, after debutant defender Tom Beckingham (19), and watched by his dad, ex- Holmesdale, Lingfield and East Grinstead boss Tony, brought down Spackman, earning him a yellow card.
Bishop apologised afterwards for his sending off, while skipper Tony Atkins emerged from a noisy happy dressing room to say "our season is still alive."
REFEREE: STEVE BROWN: A member of the Chippenham side, beaten in the FA Vase final defeat by Deal, and still talks to Tommy Sampson regularly.st Deal. He also played for Bath based Larkhall Athletic - Herne Bay's fifth round opponents before taking up the whistle.
Only he knows why he didn't give a penalty to Town at 0-0 - looked all set to blow, but chose to play an advantage which wasn't one
Everyone expected a red card for Mark Bishop, the midfielder was injured in the process of bringing down Spackman, and got to his feet following lengthy treatment from physio Emily Sawyer.only to see red. Had to hobble off after being sent off.
2012
b]TUNBRIDGE WELLS - Kent Hurlimann League Premier Division - December 27 2011[/b]
WEATHER: Cold and cloudy
PITCH: Heavy
ATTENDANCE: 262
GROUND:: Subtle little changes going on at Culverden Stadium. A new turnstile is one of the new features, as our West Kent rivals work hard on and off the field to increase the club's profile. another club enjoying a good FA Vase run.
The bottom end is still out of bounds to spectators, while most of the near 200 crowd watched from the clubhouse end.
HALF TIME CUPPA: £1
PROGRAMME: Sad not see editor and clubshop manager Dave Knell following his sad passing a few weeks earlier. A regular visitor to Greatness Park, and a man with strong local connections in Otford.
The front cover celebrates the club's 125 years of senior football with team pics from down the years. Plenty to read, lots of statistics, and plenty of advertising. Again a lot of Vase talk following Wells' win against VCD and the upcoming visit of United Counties League side St Ives from Cambridgeshire. Cost 1.50
MATCH:
As at Herne Bay in their previous away game, Town missed early chances which could have embarrassed Wells on the day. One mistake just before half-time gifted them the lead, and another error 10 minutes into the second half let striker And Irvine in for his second. James Golding cleared another another effort off the line two minutes later.
REFREE: STEVE FINNEGAN The Maidstone man is one of the familiar names on the Kent League list - but always seems to officiate games at arm's length.
No real problems in this game - but it does seem the teams who shout loudest get the decisions, and Town are one of the quieter ones.
HERNE BAY - Umbro Kent Senior Trophy - Second Round - December 10 2011
WEATHER: Sunny - cold
PITCH:- Good
ATTENDANCE:
GROUND: See below
HALF-TIME CUPPA - 80p
PROGRAMME: The midweek win over Combined Counties League Hanworth Villa dominated the chat around Winch's Field, and plenty of editorial in the programme as Bay reflected on a fourth round draw away at Newcastle Benfield.
Two Kent Senior Trophy wins in 1978-79 and 1996-97 - their treble winning year under Tommy Sampson were also highlighted in the 125 year anniversary centre spread.
A colourful well presented programme, stands out among the best in Kent league. I am sure they have got something special planned for WHEN rather than IF they become Kent's latest Ryman League representatives. Excellent value for £1.50, and also able to get home and away Vase progs from Hanworth Vase ties.
MATCH: Bay are rarely beaten at home these days, this was only their second defeat of the season - so any visiting team going there and winning should be pleased. Town were no different.
Missed chances early on looked set to prove costly - before George Savage popped up with a late winner. Bay did rest several members of their Vase team, but boast a good enough, experienced squad to field a changed but never weakened side.
REFEREE: RICHARD JOSS: The Margate man is a referee who seems to prefer cards to conversation, seven yellows and a red here - with Bay's Jamie Maxted being sent off.
ERITH & BELVEDERE - Kent Hurlimann League Premier Division - November 26 2011
WEATHER: Cloudy -cold
PITCH: Good
ATTENDANCE: 54 - more atmosphere than usual provided by mascots from Crayford Arrows -under-8's who formed a guard of honour before the game and took part in a penalty shoot-out at half-time. Well supported by parents and family.
GROUND: See below
HALF-TIME CUPPA: - 80p
PROGRAMME- Another excellent production - should win recognition in end of season awards.
MATCH:;Even aredent Deres fans would admit Town dominated the second-half, but agan as in the League Cup meeting, missed chances proved their downfall. Micky Collins' side aspire to be Kent League title challengers, but one point from their previous two league games, was followed by a 4-2 defeat at Cray Valley PM the following week - another setback.
REFEREE: NICK IDDIOLS: A new name on the Kent League list, after starting in the South East Counties League and Bromley & District League, passing his referees test at the age of 13. A stint in the Army took him to Wiltshire where he officiated for the county and Army FA
Had a big decision to make in this game - going with assistant Louise Saunders who flagged Andy Constable offside.
Collins' programme notes described two decisions against his side in matches against Canterbury and Corinthian as "ludicrous and "worst I have ever seen respectively."
He wasn't happy here either and assistant Julian Leigh also chipped in with his views as well, but a quiet word seemed to have the desired effect.
HERNE BAY - Kent Hurlimann League Premier Division - November 12th 2011
WEATHER:]PITCH: [/b] Good
ATTENDANCE: 170
GROUND: Winch's Field has ground grading for Ryman League football, and many believe this is their year to become the latest Kent League club to make the step up.
Looks neat and tidy - with clubhouse, tea bar and well stocked programme shop. The dressing rooms are part of the main stand complex, which also includes seating area for directors and the respective dug-outs
Bay also plan to install new seating on the railway side. The seats were orginally in the Pier Pavilion on the sea front, which was closed ahead of demolition earlier this year.
The ground is also home to the town's community radio station, and the club also have strong connections with the Herne Bay Carnival.
Town's second of three visits this season, with Canterbury City replacing Norton (now Woodstock) Sports as tenants.
HALF-TIME CUPPA N/A
PROGRAMME: An issue big on colour, stats and history, with the club celebrating it's 125-year history this year. The centre spread included details of friendly games against Tottenham in 1954/55 and Leyton Orient in 1956/57.
MATCH: Town unlucky not to get something out of the game, which centred around Bay's controversial winner nine minutes from time involving Ben Brown's challenge on goalkeeper Matt Bailey. Town once again paid the price for missed chances, and Tony Atkins could have finished with a hat-trick.
REFEREE: NICK HARNETT: Showed inconsistency early on, choosing not to punish a nasty first minute challenge on Joe Nwoko, and then book Town skipper Chris Steadman for his first offence 13 minutes later.
Booked four Bay players in the space of 21 minutes in the second half, as the home side became increasingly frustrated, but the big moment was the goal as Matt Bailey's protests fell on deaf ears.
ERITH & BELVEDERE - League Cup- November 5th 2011
WEATHER: Cloudy
PITCH Excellent surface - advantage of ground-sharing with Welling United
ATTENDANCE: 45
GROUND: Park View Road has been home to The Deres since 1999 - since moving in after selling their former home next to Belvedere Station.
A suspicious fire in September 1997 destroyed the main stand, and although they continued to operate from portakabins for two seasons, they agreed a groundsharing deal with Welling United and continue to operate from one side of the ground. A new main stand, with
dressing room underneath with an adjacent clubhouse. Former top boxing referee Larry O'Connell is the club president.
HALF-TIME CUPPA: 80p
PROGRAMME: £1.50 Martin Tarrant and Brian Spurrell are long-serving experienced editors, and although more expensive than most KL issues, nobody I am sure minds paying the extra 50p.
A glance at the previous season's offering shows little has changed regarding the presentation, it still boasts the same glossy cover, strong advertising and good editorial.
MATCH: Again a lack of firepower proved the Town's undoing. They played some good stuff in the first half, but the final ball, and finishing let them down badly.
Matt Bailey's first half saves kept the game goalless, but he had little chance with the first, was beaten from a rebound, after a good block from Marcus Cassius for the second, and Jamie Wood's third was just a good finish.
Opposite number Richard Stroud went the wrong way when Richmond Kissi struck a post with a late penalty, and a double-save earned the former Chatham Town stopper a second clean sheet in the tie.
REFEREE: Mark Scott - the bald and burly man in black kept a firm hold on the game. Sent off Aaron Guard at half-time - Town's third red card in the two games and their sixth of the season. Had already had a word with the young midfielder earlier in the game. Bookings for first scorer Lee Coburn (E&B) and Ryan Palmer.
CRAY VALLEY (PM)- October 22nd 2011
WEATHER: Sunny and Chilly
PITCH: Dry
ATTENDANCE: 70 (including several groundhoppers including one who had travelled from Peterborough)
GROUND: Cray Valley (PM) were promoted to the Kent League when Sporting Bengal's move back to the Essex Senior League was confirmed. Former and very successful members of the Kent County League, they were already earmarked for a switch to the new Kent Invicta League.
The club play at Badgers Sports Ground in Eltham, a ground that has taken on a distinctive new look, with around £400,000 spent on improvements so far, including major rebuilding works on the clubhouse and dressing rooms. Floodllights and a new stand are planned to be installed by March 2012. The car parking area has also been extended and improved.
The bar is situated behind the committee room, with the refreshment hut nearby.
HALF-TIME CUPPA: N/A
PROGRAMME: £1. Colourful, easy on the eye
MATCH: A victory notable for goals by JJ Naiwo and Tony Atkins just before half-time. Again Town had chances to add to their lead in the second half, with Cray Valley finishing the game with 10 men, Joe Matthews sent off in stoppage-time for two bookings.
REFEREE: MARTIN LEHANE Like Mike Marsh, he officiates in a quiet manner, I think assessors call it "controlled game management" - Matthews was on his way even before the red card came out.
WOODSTOCK SPORTS - October 8th 2011
WEATHER: Overcast and Chilly
PITCH: Dry
[b]ATTENDANCE: 53
GROUND: Norton Sports changed their name to Woodstock Sports this season as a result of moving to the home of Woodstock Park, who play in the Kent Invicta League.
Town's visit last season, almost a year ago to the day, was Norton's first game at their new ground. The WEM Stadium is part of the Kent Science Park complex on the outskirts of Sittingbourne. once used by Gillingham as their training ground.
Floodlights were installed during the summer, and used for the first time against Canterbury City earlier this season.
The main pitch has been separated from others on the far side which include the dug-outs. with seating at one end - and others installed on the clubhouse side, which includes the dressing rooms, two bars, tea hut and entrance[/u].
HALF-TIME CUPPA: 60p
PROGRAMME: £1 Very similar to last season's issue, plenty of colour and stats -
MATCH: Town came strong in the second half - and should have won by a bigger margin than 2-1, Woodstock scoring with almost the last kick of the game. Tom Skelton also missed a penalty.
REFEREE: MIKE MARSH Ruled out Joe Nwoko's effort after two minutes for a push, but continued to officiate in his usual unassuming manner.
Dismissed Woodstock defender Fraser Rogers in the 70th minute incident leading to the penalty, and booked three other home players.
CORINTHIAN - September 27th 2011
WEATHER: Warm evening as the Indian summer continues - misty at times - but perfect evening for football
PITCH: Without doubt one of the best in the Kent League - both teams enjoyed the experience.
ATTENDANCE: 43
GROUND: One of the most rural grounds in the Kent League - tucked away in the village of Fawkham between Longfield and Brands Hatch.
Excllent facilties at a club, which used to be Maidstone United's training ground in their short-lived days as a Football League club. The dressing rooms and boardroom/tea bar are housed in a small building adjacent to the pitch,
The clubhouse bar is excellent - with indoor and outdoor training pitches.
Fawkham Manor Golf Club is situated next door, and once during a Kent Junior Cup final a few years ago, a miscued tee shot or drive, disected both dug-outs (now no longer used) and landed on the pitch.
HALF TIME CUPPA 70p
PROGRAMME: Satisfactory effort including lsiting the distances travelled to other Kent League clubs, VCD are the closest (nine miles) and Deal Town the furthest (64,1)
MATCH: Lee Barnett's well taken goal three minutes from time won the game, killing off Town's hopes of an away point. Hard on goalkeeper Matt Bailey who pulled off some fine saves, but given no chance with the goal, the ball nestling in the far corner.
REFEREE: PETER CRUISE:
Set his stall out with a harsh first booking for Tom Skelton.It was Town's first foul of the game, one of five bookings in the game.
The clumsiest challenge of the night by a Corinthian defender on Richard Morgan went unpunished.
THREE BRIDGES - September 24th 2011
WEATHER: Sunny and warm
PITCH: Well grassed and played well - although Sevenoaks didn't on the day
ATTENDANCE: 64
GROUND: Sevenoaks Town have visited Jubilee Field several times over the years.
Always well presented, with good facilities, and plenty of parking inside the ground.
The club now have neighbours Crawley in the Football League, and newly promoted Crawley Down in the Ryman League Division 1 South.
HALF-TIME CUPPA 75p
PROGRAMME: Alf Blackler must be one of the longest serving programme editors in the non-league game. Plenty to read - a 20 page pinted insert wrapped around plenty of adverts, colourful, and excellent value for a £1.
A glance inside the front cover details more than 70 people involved at all levels at the club club, from the Chairman to the Car Parking Officer. and also the 10 leagues in which Three Bridges field teams.
MATCH: Personally I was really looking forward to this one. Sadly, Sevenoaks never got going, after conceding a goal in the opening minute. Only two real chances in the game falling to Scott Manzi and James Golding.
REFEREE: DANIEL DODD: Seemed to officiate a low key Vase tie in the same way. Nothing controversial to concern him, but the first yellow card handed out to Bridges striker Elliott Romain was harsh. Booked three Sevenoaks players - two for dissent - but not a difficult afternoon for the Walton on Thames based official.
b]GREENWICH BOROUGH - September 13th 2011
WEATHER: Clear but chilly - full moon
PITCH: Good condition - as it was against Holmesdale on the opening day of the season.
ATTENDANCE: 27
GROUND: Town's second visit of the season to face ground-sharers Borough. Floodlights were poor - with large areas in semi-darkness.
Pitch looked in excellent nick, plenty of grass and a surface that Darren Anslow was looking forward to playing on again. This time the result was also better than last time (Gary Davies later parting company with Holmesdale - September 2011).
Interestingly Borough use the dressing room in the outdoor portakabin, while Town used the facilties in the clubhouse (it's the reverse for Holmesdale's games).
HALF-TIME CUPPA: 60p (thanks Gordon).
PROGRAMME: Not available. Disappointing, considering that despite all their problems Borough have issued one of the best in the league in the last couple of seasons, due to the good work of long serving editor Keith Harmer.
MATCH: Town were two-up early on, but survived a plucky second-half display for the new-look home side, followinging the departure of the former manager and players to Fisher in the summer - Borough now under Gerry Cox and John Cumberbatch.
They improved dramatically in the second-half, and Town were indebted to a fine dis play from debutant Matt Bailey. The youngster has played a couple of games for Lewisham Borough this month, keeping two clean-sheets, and thoroughly deserved this one, highlighted by a second-half penalty save.
REFEREE: CHRIS MYATT: Slightly delayed start due to problems with the netting at the Bromley end of the ground.
Little to concern him in the first half, apart from a late tackle by a Borough player whose second foul earned him the first of four yellow cards in the match, two to eahc side just after the break.
No arguments about the Borough penalty award - Bailey's save probably denying Borough the way back their second half improvement deserved. All in all a fairly quiet night for the man in black.
CANTERBURY CITY: - August 27th 2011
WEATHER: Sunny and warm - after heavy morning showers
PITCH: Well grassed but bare patches on railway side touchline
ATTENDANCE: 106
GROUND: Winch's Field at Herne Bay is City's temporary home - still looking to move back to Canterbury in the not too distant future. They started out in the Kent County League at the Bridge Recreation Ground - where Sevenoaks FC - our reserve side -started their Division Two East season against fellow new-boys Greenhill.
A move to Hersden Recreation Ground followed, before they moved in at Bay last season , when former ground sharers Norton Sports (now Woodcock Sports) returned to Sittingbourne.
Town will face two trips later in the season - against Bay in the league and Kent Senior Trophy.
Well stocked programme shop, refreshments and bar. Benfits from having a Ryman League grading.
HALF TIME CUPPA N/A
PROGRAMME: £2
MATCH: Another early goal for Richmond Kissi, against a City side who made a sluggish start - Renford Tenyue was a constant threat throughout for City, with his pace and ability to cross the ball.
Scored the first after an acrobatic goaline clearance by Michael Aikens, made the second, and scored a fine individual effort for the third. Town had their chances as well, Lloyd Boateng missed a one-on-one with the keeper that would have sent them in 2-1 up at the break.
Two other efforts were hacked off the line - and Joe Nwoko missed a great opening late on rounding the 'keeper. but blasting wide.
REFEREE: PHIL ROWLEY A late change replacing the named official Ben Wesley. An official who talks his way through a game, always keen to keep it as free-flowing as possible.
Town's two efforts hacked off the line looked mighty close, but no signal from assistant who was seemingly well placed to see if they were in.
HOLMESDALE - August 13th 2011
WEATHER: Overcast and Warm
PITCH: Lush
ATTENDANCE: 47
GROUND: The first of two visits again this season as Greenwich Borough continue to groundshare at one of the the Kent League's most rural settings -horses grazing in fields nearby -despite being on the outskirts of Bromley, and within sight of Canary Wharf.
Planes landing at nearby Biggin Hill taking part in the Eastbourne Airshow added further interest. One change this season - dug-outs moved to clubhouse side of the ground.
Holmesdale included former Sevenoaks defender Micky Mullane at left back, but Ossie Bayram who did feature in pre-season wasn't involved.
HALF TIME CUPPA: £1 - expensive
PROGRAMME: £1
MATCH: A good start by Sevenoaks- especially first 45 minutes which forced Holmesdale to alter formation and tactics before and again at half-time. Second half was totally different - two quick goals, two red cards and a serious injury.
REFEREE - LEE DYSON - Decided against sending off Holmesdale keeper Chris Arnold in first half - despite professional foul on Richmond Kissi -showed yellow instead.
Letter of the law led to red cards for Aiden Sherlock and Liam Geering.
Kent Hurlimann League Prem Division
