SOCCER SHORTS:

EBBSFLEET UNITED

www.ebsfleetunited.co.uk

Ebbsfleet United secretary Roly Edwards has issued a rallying cry ahead of next Saturday’s FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie against Exeter City.

Liam Daish’s side welcome the former Football League club to Stonebridge Road, knowing they’re just one win away from a lucrative first round date.

It will be the first FA Cup tie for the Fleet on home soil, and club officials are aiming to attract their largest crowd of the season to watch their first home FA Cup tie for four years.

“Please help to make this a special day by encouraging your neighbours, family and friends to The Fleet,” he said.

“It is very encouraging that some of (our loyal fans) can clearly understand where we are as a club and have even gone into print for the local newspapers.

“This can only help our cause and we would encourage more of you to become active in whatever way you can to help us.

“We do strive tirelessly both on and off the pitch but it needs to be understood that our resources in terms of people and finance really are restrictive and many of the ideas are truly pie in the sky.”

He added: “The club can be criticised in many ways but what cannot be denied is that the current Board have brought this borough a better standard of football over a longer period than anyone before them.

“If there is anyone who wishes to offer their services, loads of money, please do not hesitate to get back to me at the club.”

Meanwhile, on Sunday (21^st October), Ebbsfleet United is opening its gates for a Family Fun Day in support of The Mayor of Gravesham’s chosen local charities.

Tickets on the day cost just £2 (adults) and £1 (concessions) and turnstiles open at 12 noon.

Activities include a Circus Workshop, penalty shootouts, and a match on the Stonebridge Road turf between a GBC Mayor’s Charity XI and an Ebbsfleet United XI, which will kick off at 2pm.

The club’ bar will be open for refreshments, and catering will also be available inside the ground.

And the Blue Square Premier club is pleased to announce the addition of Michael O’Keefe and Derek Page to the backroom staff at the club.

Michael has recently taken up the role of club safety officer, and Derek has joined as match day secretary.

Chairman Jason Botley said: “Both Michael and Derek will bring substantial experience to the club. We look forward to them enhancing our match days and the professionalism that we continue to strive for off the pitch.”

FISHER ATHLETIC

www.fisherathletic.co.uk

With Andre McCollin now dual registered with landlords Dulwich Hamlet, Fisher Athletic manager Wayne Burnett was once again busy in the transfer market, bringing in Charlton Athletic academy player Kieran Murtagh.

The 18-year-old is best described by the Addicks as a cultured midfielder but is equally comfortable on the right-wing.

A tall, powerful player, who has represented the Republic of Ireland, Murtagh made three appearances for the Charlton Athletic under 18s last season.

The Blue Square South club have also signed defender Darren Ebsworth, 17, and midfielder, Michael Noone, 17.

A club statement said: “The club would belatedly like to welcome Darren Ebsworth and Michael Noone to the fold.

“Both players have already made a positive impression on the supporters, both performing well in the recent away victory at Bognor Regis Town and Noone excelled on the left wing playing against Margate (in the FA Cup).

“The promising young players are currently on loan from near neighbours Millwall and are part of a work experience programme between the two clubs.”

The Fish have also completed the signing of Essex born centre back, Stevland Angus.

Chairman Mr Martin Eede said: “This is a great signing for the club, despite great progress made this season by our young team it was felt by the manager that we lacked a little bit of experience.

“With Stevland coming on board, we feel we've now addressed that problem. We hope with bolstering our defence in this way the team can find a little more consistency.

“Credit must go out to the manager for making such an ambitious acquisition, and with the recent capture of Wes Thomas I believe we now have a team that can match anybody in this division.'

Asked on the clubs ambitions for the season, Fisher's Chairman added: 'With our recent transfer activity, the club has sent out a message to the league that we are ambitious. We're on the fringes of the play-off's and we want to build on the progress made so far.'

The player has played for West Ham United, Bournemouth (loan), Cambridge United, Hull City (loan), Scunthorpe United (loan), Grays Athletic, Barnet (loan), Torquay United and Barnet.

BROMLEY

www.bromleyfc.net


Firstly it would be good to hear from the Hayes Lane club so www.kentishfootball.co.uk can cover their matches again!

Jerome Sobers has rejoined the Blue Square South club having recently been released by Braintree Town.

The central defender was part of Bromley’s promotion winning squad last season before leaving in the summer to sign for the Cressing Road side.

He has gone straight into the squad for the club's first ever trip to Dorchester Town tomorrow.

Sobers’ arrival comes in the wake of Junior Kadi’s departure to Ryman League Division One North outfit Dartford.

Kadi had been dual registered with the Darts but decided to cut his ties with Bromley shortly after last Saturday’s FA Cup clash between the two clubs, to sign a contract at Princes Park.

Bromley’s injury problems have eased during the past few days with the majority of the squad completing Tuesday night’s training session.

Both Nic McDonnell and Simon Glover remain doubtful with groin strains but Mark Corneille and Simon Osborne should be involved at Dorchester tomorrow.

Ali Chaaban and Gareth McCleary should also be fit after shaking off minor knocks.

RAMSGATE

www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk

Managing Director of Airport Connections, Foy Manoharan-Turner, has joined the Board of Directors of Ramsgate Football Club after a series of fruitful discussions with Chairman Richard Lawson.

Airport Connections has been one of the principal sponsors of Ramsgate for the past few years and Mr Manoharan-Turner has a good understanding of the club and its aims.

He said: "I am proud to be joining the board of the club, which has obviously enjoyed a resurgence of success in recent seasons, and am looking forward to playing a full and active part".

This is the first in a number of appointments that Richard Lawson is looking to make this year to ensure the club can continue its rise in fortune, and he is currently in discussion with a number of other parties to further strengthen the core of the Club.

In making the announcement, Mr Lawson added: "It's a coup for the club to attract someone of Foy's calibre and I am delighted that he has accepted the appointment.

“The success of his business shows he has the qualities that will play an essential part in driving the club forward and in safeguarding its reputation as a successful, locally-focussed enterprise".

TONBRIDGE ANGELS

www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk

“Circumstances beyond the club’s control” has forced the cancellation of Malcolm MacDonald’s visit to Tonbridge School tomorrow night.

If you have purchased tickets the club suggest keeping these until the new date is announced or alternatively speak to a club official at tomorrow’s home FA Trophy tie against Harrow Borough.

Ware Football Club have announced their admission prices for next Saturday’s FA Cup fourth qualifying round clash against Tony Dolby’s men.

They have been increased to £8 (adults) and £4 (concessions), but the Angels will be backed by hundreds of fans.

A coach will be leaving Longmead Stadium at 11:30am to go to the game. The cost is £15, which will be reduced if the coach is fully booked.

Fans are advised to contact Pam Watson on 01732 357 993. To secure your place the full price must be paid to Pam at tomorrow’s game.

SITTINGBOURNE
www.sittingbournefc.co.uk

Sittingbourne would like to remind fans that their Kent Senior Cup first round tie against their Ryman League Division One South rivals, Whitstable Town has been pencilled in for next Tuesday, 23^rd October (7:45pm).

However, this game will be postponed if Steve Lovell’s men draw against Northwood tomorrow in the first qualifying round of the FA Trophy.

WHITSTABLE TOWN
www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk

Whitstable Town boss Marc Seager was pleased with the commitment and work-rate that his side showed during their 3-3 draw at Corinthian Casuals in midweek.

He said: “Yes I was disappointed we went two goals down but showed great character to level the game at 3-3 and I think yet again it shows what a strong league this is.

“Monday night Dover lost for the first time, then Molesey beat Leatherhead to win their first game of the season. If you are not on your game, make mistakes then you will get punished in the Ryman.

“The good thing is lads are starting to feel their feet at this level and I am delighted that we are starting to string a little run together.

“We have lost once now in the last five league games which gives us a platform to build on.

“Without singling any one person out, the performances theses last couple of games is a marked improvement the two new lads Danny Stubbs and Jon Akinde have both slotted in straight away.

“In Jon’s case it’s like he’s never been away and the difference between him this season and last when he was with us is plain to see.

“The only disappointment is we have to wait now till a week on Saturday when we entertain Molesey at the Belmont for our next Ryman League match.”

DARTFORD
www.dartfordfc.co.uk

Dartford full-back Tommy Osborne’s return to the first-team has been put on the back burner for another two weeks after pulling a groin muscle in midweek.

Osborne turned his ankle during the second half of the Darts’ 2-1 win at Tunbridge Wells in a Kent Floodlight Trophy fixture and will keep him out for another two weeks.

BECKENHAM TOWN
www.beckenhamtownfc.co.uk

It’s now been confirmed that Thamesmead Town have withdrawn from the London Senior Cup and as a result Beckenham Town will now travel to meet Waltham Forest in the third round. The winners of that tie will travel to Leyton, the side that’s currently at the foot of the Ryman Premier League.

FAVERSHAM TOWN
Courtesy of www.favershamtownfc.co.uk

Faversham Town skipper Mark Smith will make himself available for selection this weekend following a successful appeal against an F.A. charge of violent conduct against a match official.

The charge dates back to the Lilywhites visit to London's East End when they faced Sporting Bengal on September 15th.

With six minutes of play remaining Smith collided with Referee Keith Scudder following a Faversham Town corner kick.

The bemused Faversham Town skipper left the field after being issued with a straight red card following the collision a decision that stunned most of those present at the match.

Following the appeal hearing at the Kent F.A. Headquarters in Chatham a relieved Smith, who has not been allowed to play since the incident, commented only to say that he was glad that the ordeal was behind him and that he was looking forward to playing again.

The offence, if proven, could have meant a 180 day ban and a £150 fine, instead the Faversham Town right back is now available for selection for this coming Saturday's league fixture at home to Slade Green.

HERNE BAY
www.hernebayfc.net

Herne Bay insist they will not tolerate foul and abusive language at any of their games, after last Saturday’s 2-1 win at Tunbridge Wells “reached totally unacceptable lows.”

A club statement said: “A bit of swearing may be accepted, if unfortunate, regular occurrence at football matches but the level of the foul language during the cup game at Tunbridge Wells reached totally unacceptable lows.

“Use of totally taboo words at a very high volume shocked a lot of the watching fans, many of whom had youngsters with them.

“Both teams were guilty of it and it does seem that such a lack of adult control is becoming more the norm.

“If we want to encourage more people, especially young future fans to come and watch our games, then this sort of lingual filth will have to stop and stop immediately.”

Meanwhile, the Kent League club, have told kids’ that they can no longer play ball games at Winch’s Field on match days.

The statement added: “As from 1^st November 2007 no-one will be allowed to bring a football into our ground.

“The number of kids’ playing on and around the pitch on match days has become unacceptable and they are at risk of being injured.

“The Football Association strictly forbids anyone other than players and officials inside the barrier during matches (including half-time) and the referee could abandon the game if football’s stay onto the pitch during play. Match days are for watching not for playing!”

HOLMESDALE
www.holmesdalefc.co.uk  

Holmesdale are due to launch their own fan club, which will be co-ordinated by Sally Pratley.

Due to tax constrains the fan club will be run from a base in Dubai where Sally is currently working.

The fan club will be launched in April of next year, and more information of what will be available can be obtained from Sally via email sally.pratley@db.com


SEVENOAKS TOWN
www.clubwebsite.co.uk/sevenoakstown/

Sevenoaks Town have made an official complaint to the FA about their policy of fast-tracking teenaged referees into senior fixtures.

This follows their fiasco at Three Bridges in the FA Vase earlier in the month. The match saw Sevenoaks Town dumped out of the FA Vase with two players facing lengthy suspensions for dismissals and the club fined for the number of bookings in the first round 4-3 defeat.

Writing in the club’s programme, Mr Graham Logsdon, the club’s general manager, fumed: “I have always been fairly neutral when it comes to referees and the job that they undertake having experienced the role myself in the past at a high level, but the guy that was put in charge of this game was not up to the task and frankly totally out of his depth.

“How a person of nineteen years of age can be put in charge of this type of fixture beggars belief.

“I am obviously aware that fast tracking is part of the remit for certain officials that show some degree of efficiency at a level which is relevant to certain leagues but it seems to me that pushing them into matches that are of importance to both teams on the day within these types of competitions doesn’t work.

“We had a similar event last season when the match official on the day was up for a quick promotion and frankly he made a mess of that.

“It may appear that sour grapes come into this but that is far from the case. When an assistant of the referee passes comments on his decisions to the crowd and a somewhat embarrassed opposing board shows a degree of empathy with us over the result, something isn’t right.

“It’s all history now but it is the first time that I have felt a letter of concern should be forwarded to the FA as to the efficiency of this individual.

“Whether or not a response will be forthcoming I don’t know but something should be done to eradicate this problem arising again.”

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