Daish praises his "minnows" - Match reports from our top games

After his side’s comeback Gravesend & Northfleet boss Liam Daish looked as if his side had won their game against Exeter City at Stonebridge Road on Saturday.

Second half goals from Onomie Sodje, and Ross Smith’s header, stretches the Fleet’s unbeaten run to six games following the 2-2 draw.

Fleet boss Daish said: “I’ve got to be happy that we came back from 2-0 down. Our players were magnificent. Make no bones about it, Exeter are a good side, and we may have even nicked it at the end.

“At half-time I wanted us to be more aggressive in every department - heading, crossing, running.

“Their centre halves were enjoying the game as we made it too easy for them, but after the break we won our individual battles and were more aggressive all round the pitch. That was the difference for us.

“We are the minnows of the Conference in terms of crowds and budget but we’ve got a decent squad of players and they work hard and believe in themselves. At 2-0 down they showed belief in themselves.”

Meanwhile, Fleet fans were allowed to sit down at the revamped Northfleet End of Stonebridge Road.

The Fleet travel to Rushden & Diamonds on Tuesday night.


Welling United boss Adrian Pennock was pleased that his side “ground out” a 1-0 win over “bogey side” Sutton United at Park View Road.

Star striker Danny Kedwell netted his sixth goal of the season in front of the Wings’ highest crowd of the season of 634.

Sittingbourne have started this season with confidence and so were probably favourites to win this tie against Sussex County league opponents Hassocks and win it they duly did.

Although three goals were scored the score could have easily been something like 8-2 to the Brickies such were the chances created throughout the game.

Sittingbourne started brightly and on five minutes Mark Lovell's shot was deflected by Peter Lear for a corner.

Sittingbourne continued to press and on 14 minutes a floated ball into the Robins area was headed down by Kieran Marsh only for Chris Hewitt to handle.

Former Lordswood striker Andy Doerr who, scored from the spot in the midweek game at Croydon Athletic, repeated the feat by slotting the ball to the right of the diving Robins keeper Joel Harding and into the net.

Sittingbourne kept pressing forward and Steve Searle shot narrowly wide, Marsh just missed getting onto the end of a Doerr header into the area and Tristan Knowles slammed an effort into the side netting.

It was all one way and Doerr just beat the keeper to the ball but his shot rebounded for a corner. From the corner it looked odds on that Clint Gooding would score but his first time shot flew over the cross bar.

Joe Dowley, who had replaced Dean Stephens, fired a great ball into the area that Doerr just failed to get a toe to.

Then Hassocks came alive briefly and Matt Amoss shook off Toby Ashmore and Dowley before unleashing a terrific shot that Steve Williams magnificently turned over the bar, then Sam Fisk had an effort go just wide.

Sittingbourne regained their composure and on 44 minutes a Marsh shot proved too hot to handle for Harding, son of ex Chelsea Director Mathew Harding, but the Robins keeper grabbed the ball at the second attempt.

The first half ended in dramatic fashion as both sides missed what looked like almost certain goals.

First up was Doerr who blasted Ashmore's cross over the bar from just about a yard out, then at the other end Anthony Hibbert found himself with an open goal but he blasted his shot against the left hand post and the ball bounced away to safety.

Sittingbourne started the new half brightly and on 52 minutes Searle picked up a short corner and found Knowles who let fly with a thunderous shot that Harding did well to block.

As if to prove that one goal may not be enough for the Brickies Fisk hit an equally stupendous shot at the other end only for the magnificent Williams to make a great block.

It was see saw stuff and a minute later a Lovell pass found an unmarked Doerr but the Brickies top scorer failed to control the ball.

Sittingbourne's nerves were finally eased with two goals in as many minutes and it was an inspired substitution that did it as Lee Browning, who had only been on the pitch for five minutes, crossed to the far post where Marsh controlled the ball and then took it to what looked like an impossible angle but somehow he crashed his shot between the keeper and the post and the ball nestled in the inside of the far net for the Brickies second.

A minute later Doerr found an unmarked Lovell whose first shot was blocked by Harding but the ball bounced off him and back to Lovell who made no mistake.

Hassocks made two substitutions in an attempt to rescue the game but the Brickies were looking very dangerous now and Lovell's shot was spilled by Harding but the Robins keeper picked it up at the second attempt.

Once again it was end to end stuff and a Hassocks attack caused panic in the Brickies defence but it ended with a bad miss by Amoss who hit the Brickies post.

At the other end sponsors man of the match Marsh had a shot caught by the keeper after his first effort had bounced off him.

Hassocks had one more attack in them but a magnificent block by Williams thwarted Richard Thomas. The last shout went fittingly to the busy Marsh but his ground shot was easily held by Harding.

In the end then a comfortable victory for Sittingbourne and Steve Lovell won't be so worried about the golden opportunities missed because at least the team are making a host of chances.

Sittingbourne welcome Kentish rivals Ashford Town to Bourne Park on Tuesday night, 7:45pm.

Whyteleafe 1-2 Folkestone Invicta
FA Cup First Qualifying Round
Richard Murrill reports from Church Road

An 89^th minute penalty from Kevin Watson gave Folkestone Invicta their first victory of the season as Neil Cugley’s side came from behind to win Saturday’s FA Cup First Qualifying Round tie away to Whyteleafe.

Watson stepped up to beat goalkeeper Dean Rose from the spot after substitute Joe Neilson had burst down the right hand side before being brought down by defender Oliver Barrett.

Right back Watson has an FA Cup pedigree as he captained Team Bath in a televised First Round tie against Mansfield during the 2003-04 season.

And he held his nerve in front of the travelling away supporters after having to wait for over two minutes following the penalty decision as Barrett became the game’s only booking and the home side made a substitution.

It was the first time Invicta had been ahead in a game so far this season and having already conceded five penalties this season and going out of the League Cup in midweek away to Dartford on spot kicks, the manner of victory will have brought further relief to the Folkestone side.

The home side had opened the scoring at Church Road after 14 minutes through Richard Williams, but captain Adam Flanagan brought Invicta level with a 26^th minute header.

Following a week of comings and goings at the club, Invicta gave a first senior start to 19-year-old Ben Sly and only second starts to 18-year-old Liam Friend and new signing Samuel Kola Okikiolu.

Player-coach Mark Saunders was still missing with a leg injury, with the transfer listed Paul Jones and Lee Shearer on the substitutes’ bench along with latest signing Jimmy Corbett.

Defeat could have had serious repercussions on Invicta’s season and after a winless opening eight matches of the season, an away game on a terrible pitch against lower division opposition had potential upset written all over it.

And things went wrong for Invicta early on when, with no one around him, Matt Carruthers pulled up with a pulled groin whilst chasing a ball out of defence.

It got worse for the visitors as straight after Ellis Remy threw the ball out for a goal kick to return possession to the home side, Whyteleafe immediately launched the ball forward and opened the scoring courtesy of a 20-yard strike from Williams, the midfielder’s fourth goal already this season.

But centre half Flanagan headed home his second goal of the week to become Invicta’s early season top goalscorer when he peeled away to meet Micheal Everitt’s ball in at the far post following a short corner from Watson.

In the opening exchanges, right back Carlo Castrechino had fired wide across goal for Whyteleafe after nine minutes in a move also involving former England schoolboy international Ryan Rummery and Leon McDowell.

At the other end, home goalkeeper Rose kept out a Remy header a minute later when Watson sent over a high ball from the right after Michael Everitt had played the ball out right.

Following Flanagan’s equaliser, Steve Norman fired over at the far post after 31 minutes when the ball came over from the right again in another move involving both Watson and Michael Everitt.

Debutant Sly shot wide from the right hand side of the penalty area during first half stoppage time when a Watson throw from the right eventually fell to Flanagan.

But Invicta came under pressure at the start of the second half and Friend had to get across to clear in the 48^th minute when Jason Goodchild over-ran the ball as he threatened to break through the middle.

Big centre half and Whyteleafe captain Danny Arkwright headed against the post after 54 minutes but an assistant referee’s flag was already up following Tony Martin’s ball in and Invicta goalkeeper Tony Kessell comfortably dealt with Castrechino’s shot from just outside the penalty area three minutes later.

For Invicta, Watson whipped in a dangerous ball from the right just ahead of the in-coming Norman after 70 minutes and Whyteleafe goalkeeper Rose made a vital touch to deny Jones when a Friend ball out of defence put the Invicta substitute through two minutes later.

But it was the introduction of the Neilson which was ultimately to win the tie for Invicta at the first time of asking just days after the 20-year-old had himself been linked with a loan move to neighbours Hythe Town.

After winning the decisive penalty, Neilson threatened to increase the visitors’ lead when he shot just wide across goal after being put clean through straight from a Kessell clearance.

Former Gillingham and Blackburn Rovers start Corbett made his first appearance in Invicta colours as a stoppage time substitute.

WHYTELEAFE: Rose, Casrechino, Goodchild, Barrett, Arkwright, Williams, Woods (Marshall 89), Martin, Rummery, O’Flaherty (Barry 87), McDowell. Subs: Hardy, Crofts, Douce.

FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Kessell, Watson, Norman, Flanagan, Friend, M. Everitt, J. Everitt, Sly (Neilson 78), Remy (Corbett 90), Okikiolu, Carruthers (Jones 15). Subs: Shearer, Hurley.

Croydon 2-0 Erith & Belvedere
Kent League
Thomas Hawes reports from Croydon Sports Arena

Erith & Belvedere’s miserable run of form continued on Saturday as Wayne Brown’s side slumped to defeat against a very average Croydon side at The Croydon Arena yesterday.

Wayne Brown’s injury decimated side controlled the game for large parts and dominated territorially and possession-wise.

Yet, without Leon Braithwaite or Anton Smith, Erith looked lightweight in the final third with Steve White and Daryl Wilson up front – both considerably below 6ft.

Despite controlling the game in midfield, Erith lacked creativity without the suspended Austin Berkley and Danny Beszant (released last week for disciplinary reasons).

As a consequence, the away side had to rely on the ever-reliable pairing Mark Nougher and Vinny Durrant to create opportunities. In truth, Erith should have created more chances for all their territorial domination.

The match started slowly, with both sides exchanging the odd attack. However, as the half wore on, it appeared as if Erith were the most likely to break the deadlock.

Therefore it was a surprise when Croydon took the lead, somewhat against the run of play.

The Erith defence failed to cope with a hopeful ball in the box at the first attempt and Rhoderique Davis was on had to nod a looping header past Darren Placid – with a little help from the post.

Davis’ 35^th minute header was enough to give the Trams the lead at the interval.

Just three minutes into the second half, the Deres had their best chance of the match so far.

Wilson played a perfectly timed through ball for White to latch onto. However, ‘Whitey’ isn’t as quick as he used to be and Croydon keeper Danny Harwood, whose played for the Deres and Bromley, was alert to the situation.

CHANCES:  Erith & Belvedere skipper Steve White had chances to score
as his side crashed to a 2-0 defeat at Croydon.
Photo:  Brian Dickie -  www.briandickie.co.uk

White and Harwood reached the ball simultaneously and the ball broke away into space. White was alert and all he had to do was get his shot on target to score, but the ex-Bromley man side-footed wide.

CLEAN SHEET:  Danny Harwood, Croydon's former Bromley goalkeeper,
kept a clean sheet against his former club Erith & Belvedere on Saturday
Photo: Brian Dickie - www.briandickie.co.uk

On 52 minutes, Rhoderique Davis was once again causing Erith problems. He latched onto a through ball and zoomed into the box unchallenged.

Davis rounded the onrushing Placid and fired his shot into the back of the net and was just about to reel away in celebration, when out of nowhere Matt Bedford pulled off a superb diving header to prevent the Trams doubling their lead.

White had another glorious opportunity to score after 56 minutes, but his shot flashed across the face of goal and out of play for a goal-kick.

Just after the hour mark, White could of scored again when he found himself one-on-one with Harwood after Nougher had fed him in, but White was ruled offside.

Erith’s injury woes continued when Wilson hobbled off with 20 minutes remaining. Anton Smith came on as a replacement to provide an aerial threat up top.

Wayne Brown could have scored an equaliser for his side after 76 minutes, but he saw his powerful volley go straight at Harwood.

However, Erith’s biggest chance of the match came five minutes later. Referee Paul Beadle spotted some shirt-tugging in the box and gave the Deresa penalty as a result.

But Tommy Martin’s penalty looked to be taken perfectly, but the ball rebounded off the post and Croydon cleared the ball away.

To compound Erith’s sorrow yet further, Croydon sealed victory with three minutes left courtesy of a neat finish from 18 yards out by substitute Emmanuel Quarshie.

Erith & Belvedere already find themselves ten points off the pace and any title aspirations look very distant now. Nevertheless, Wayne Brown’s side have the perfect opportunity to pick up three vital points as they face one of the three sides below them in the table – Erith Town at Erith Stadium on Monday night.

The Dockers lost to Sporting Bengal United 3-1 on Saturday and will be looking to get their season kick-started.

A moment of madness eight minutes from time cost Rusthall another two points when Andy Myles, on as a second half substitute, handled at the far post when under no pressure to gift the home side a penalty and a share of the points that they did not deserve as the Rustics totally dominated the second half.

On an excellent surface both sides played good passing football from the kick off, but it was a soft goal that broke the deadlock on 14 minutes.

A free kick from wide on the right caught the Rustic defence napping and Norton’s striker looping header gave Phil Hawkins in the Rusthall goal no chance.

Dave Burren should have equalised for the visitors on 27 minutes but the ball bobbled up in front of him and his weak shot from 6 yards was well saved by the home keeper. Half time came with Norton still leading and in truth probably deserved the lead at the interval.

Rusthall started the second half well and put the Norton goal under early pressure and felt they should have had a penalty on 52 minutes when Perkins went down in the area after a strong challenge from behind when through on goal.

The visitors were rewarded for their pressure on 62 minutes, Norton failed to clear a cross from the left and last seasons leading scorer Rob Perkins made no mistake from close range.

From this point there only looked to be one winner as the Rustics put the home side under pressure, Martin Millins was creating havoc wide on the right and it was from one of his many crosses that Rusthall took the lead, again Rob Perkins was the scorer with a header from close range.

After the disappointment of losing a 3-0 lead last week the Rustics were determined to gain the three points this week and were unfortunate not to increase their lead on several occasions.

Then with time running out disaster struck, a corner from the right looked to going beyond the far post for a goal kick when Myles had a mental block and jumped with a hand raised and palmed the ball away.

The referee pointed straight to the spot and the resulting penalty gave Phil Hawkins no chance from the penalty spot.

Rusthall have now drawn three of their first five games and will be hoping to improve that record when Bromley Green visit Jockey Farm on Saturday.

Attendance: 57

Greenwich Borough 1-0 Beckenham Town
Kent League Premier Division
Barry Feist reports from Harrow Meadow

A neatly placed goal by Harbingi Grant on the hour mark, gave Borough their second consecutive home win, which now pushes the Harrow Meadow side into the top six of the Kent Football League.

Beckenham tried to take the early initiative when on three minutes Tony Sinclair's shot flashed wide of the home side's goal.

But Borough came straight back and on seven minutes Richard Radbourne's header sailed over the bar following a free-kick from the left flank.

Beckenham then began to push forward more but Peter Smith, playing at centre-back, put in some excellent tackles to thwart Beckenham's attacks.

Then on 12 minutes, a free-kick by Becks Charlie Hawkes was comfortably collected by Michael Holder and two minutes later, Borough's Koutsoudis saw his shot go a foot the wrong side of visiting keeper Alan Brooks upright.

Beckenham pushed forward but could find no way past the solidity of the Borough defence as time and time again Williams, Waters, Smith and Samuel harassed and frustrated the Beckenham forwards.

Then on 25 minutes Sinclair had to make a last ditch tackle on Koutsoudis as the midfielder shot at goal, after skipping into the box unchallenged.

Beckenham took control of the last 15 minutes but Cable and Hart saw their efforts go wide of Borough's goal and then Carew and Hawkes both blasted over before the half-time whistle.

The second-half started at the same pace as the first-half but it took 13 minutes before either side had a shot on goal.

The visitors gained a direct free-kick on the edge of the Borough box but Ashley Carew's shot deflected off the Borough wall and was easily saved low down by Holder.

A kick out of defence by Peter Smith on 60 minutes found the hardworking Steve Wade who turned delightfully on the ball and played an inch perfect pass through the Beckenham defence leaving them flat-footed.

The pass found Grant who had raced through the defence undetected and he kept his cool to slot home past Brooks and take his goal tally to three in three matches.

Dave Hassett, back from suspension, made a brief entry to the game when he replaced Grant with ten minutes remaining.

Beckenham were shell-shocked having had the best of the play and began to push forward but every time they did come forward the Borough defence held strong.

In fact the only real chance the visitors had in the second-half came on 85 minutes when Carew's opportunist effort from 20 yards was tipped round the post by Holder. Holder then produced another quality save from the corner, but this was to be last bit of action of the game as referee Paul Kelly blew for full-time.

Beckenham, who have now lost four successive games, travel to Thamesmead Town on Tuesday night.