22ndaug04

Sevenoaks enjoy their home comforts

SEVENOAKS Town manager John James is pleased to keep his unbeaten home record in tact, following their 2-1 win over local rivals VCD Athletic at Greatness Park on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

Although their season started with a defeat on the road, going down 3-1 at current Go Travel Kent League leaders Hythe Town, James’ side created enough chances to win the game after striker Andy Constable, signed in the close season from league rivals Whitstable Town, had given the visitors an early lead.

Their first home league game, Sevenoaks were held to a 1-1 draw in an entertaining clash against local rivals Tunbridge Wells, who were forced to play with nine players after Barrington Beaney’s red card in the 70^th minute was followed by Daniel Barham with thirteen minutes to go.

Constable scored his first goal of the season in this game, and his strike partner Richard Bryce scored twice as they defeated Martin Ford’s VCD Athletic at Greatness Park.

James, managing the side for only the third time, after taking over the reigns as first team manager in the close season, said: “The win over VCD has lifted us after we played well at Hythe and against Tunbridge Wells but never got our rewards, so it was nice to pick up three points and keep our home record intact.”

Bryce opened his account for the season after 30 minutes from a 25-yard strike and after the visitors levelled proceedings on 70 minutes, the game looked like it was going to be a draw but Bryce had other ideas.

A scissor kick from 18 yards found the top left hand corner to beat the impressive visiting goalkeeper Brown.

Sevenoaks can now look ahead to next Saturday’s trip to Thamesmead Town – a side who have disappointed so many this season, and have only one win against their name to show for.

James added: “This win now leaves us in good heart for the trip to Thamesmead next Saturday.

“But the most pleasing thing for me was we are unbeaten at home in two games.

“We can be strong at Greatness Park and look forward to the visit of Ramsgate.”

The game against Jim Ward’s much fancied Rams is on Saturday 11^th September, and James admitted he will be looking to impress at home so they can enjoy their away trips.

“If we can keep a good strong record at home, we can go away from home and play with no pressure,” he said.

And speaking about his two strikers, he added: “Now Richard Bryce and Andy Constable have two goals each, they are both starting to feel confident with their play.”

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