Soccer Shorts: I'm still building my side, admits Sevenoaks Town boss Keith Levett

Friday 15th October 2010

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EBBSFLEET UNITED have unveiled that Joe Howe - who played in a midweek reserve game for the club - is returning to Stonebridge Road as Liam Daish adjusts his squad to maintain the momentum built up in the season so far.

Howe, 22, can operate in midfield or defence, and previously played for the Fleet on loan in 2007 while with MK Dons.

Born in Sidcup, Howe has also played for Northampton Town, Kettering Town and Welling United, and was skipper of Fisher Athletic before joining Croydon Athletic in 2009.

As Howe rejoins the Fleet, two players - Tyron Sealey and Ugo Udoji - have been released. Sealey has played seven games this season, mainly from the bench, while Udoji started one match after signing non-contract terms.

MAIDSTONE UNITED boss Peter Nott says his side go into tomorrow’s FA Carlsberg Trophy clash against Burgess Hill Town in good spirits, despite being rooted to the foot of the Ryman Premier League table.

“The FA Trophy is a prestigious competition and also has the added incentive of being very financially rewarding as you progress through the rounds, so both teams will certainly be up for the game,” Nott told www.maidstoneunited.co.uk on the eve of the Homelands clash.

“We had a good training session last night and the boys are looking forward to our game against Burgess Hill Town, who currently occupy sixth position in Ryman League Division One South.”

Nott revealed that former Stone, Kane Rice, has returned to the club, but he will be missing tomorrow, as will injured pair, striker Tommy Whitnell and winger Antonio Gonnella.

Nott said: “Unfortunately the transfer from Maldon & Tiptree of new signing Kane Rice did not go through in time for him to be eligible to play.

“We are pleased to welcome Kane back to the Stones and since leaving us he has also appeared for both VCD and Dover Athletic.

Kane is a very versatile player and can operate on either flank at full back, midfield or as a winger.”

Nott added: Finally on behalf of the team I would like to thank Angela Reed and the supporters club for kindly purchasing an Ultrasound machine to help get our injured players back into action asap.

“We really appreciate your help in this matter and this is just another reminder of what a great set of supporters we have at this club.

“Despite our disappointing form your support for the boys has remained positive and that has certainly not gone unnoticed, rest assured we will be doing our utmost to celebrate a win with you at the final whistle tomorrow.”

MARGATE are back in cup action tomorrow when they take on Ryman League Division One South Whitehawk in the FA Carlsberg Trophy at Hartsdown Park.

Whitehawk were last season’s Sussex County League champions and are currently enjoying their first season at Ryman League level under the leadership of Darren Freeman.

The Brighton based outfit are currently 12th in the Ryman League Division One South having played just eight league games to date due to their cup commitments.

Freeman has built a useful squad including former Dover Athletic winger Jerahl Hughes, who will be the man to watch as he comes face to face with a number of former Dover team-mates.

Margate go into this FA Trophy tie following elimination from the Championship Manager Cup at the hands of Thamesmead Town. But manager Iain O’Connell is likely to make as many changes to that side, as he did to the side that beat Horsham a week ago; so expect just three survivors for the visit of Whitehawk.

James Pinnock (groin) looks set to miss out and Alex Waugh has joined Faversham Town on loan but otherwise, the Gate boss will choose from a full squad.

Looking forward to this match, the manager revealed that he was looking at a report on the visitor’s most recent match.

O’Connell told www.margate-fc.com: “But I know they’re going to be half decent. They’ve signed some very good players.

“They’ve got Jerahl Hughes from Dover who’s one of those players who can be totally out of the game then absolutely run it for the last 20 minutes.

“It’s going to be a very tough game. We’ve just got to make sure that our attitude is right and we put 100% in.”

And it’s a case of going for both cup glory and financial reward as the manager explains: “The club needs the money and we want to be in the draw (for the next round) on Monday. So hopefully we can continue (in this competition). As long as we work with a positive attitude and give 100%, we’ll be OK.”

TONBRIDGE ANGELS boss Tommy Warrilow has confirmed he has tied down Chris Piper, who has recently arrived the club from Croydon Athletic.

Warrilow issued a statement on www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk ahead of tomorrow’s FA Carlsberg Trophy tie against Concord Rangers at Longmead Stadium.

He said: "I just thought it would be good to let the fans know that Chris Piper has agreed to settle with us despite recent attention from other clubs.

“He is enjoying his football and likes the club and the way he has been treated and just wants to get his head down and help us achieve our long term target.

“Hopefully putting this on our official site should get the message out that any team wishing to speak to any of our players must do so via the usual FA protocol.

“This news, along with Scott Gooding and Lewis Taylor getting very close to playing competitive football, makes positive reading for everyone at the club and gives us even more of a lift as we look to build on our current form and results whilst making the squad stronger for the season!"

CHATHAM TOWN boss Paul Foley has this week unveiled the signings of tough-tackling Ray Powell and striker Leroy Huggins from Walton & Hersham and Erith Town respectively.

Both are available for the Kent derby against Sittingbourne at Maidstone Road tomorrow.

Powell appeared for the Chats last season and has played for a number of clubs including Fisher Athletic, Tonbridge Angels, Maidstone United, East Thurrock and more recently Walton and Hersham in the Ryman South.

“Ray is an important signing for the club as we head into the second quarter of the season,” Foley told www.chathamtownfc.net.

“Ray turned out for us at VCD a couple of seasons ago and I know him well from my playing days and just how fiercely competitive and versatile he is.

“We would have liked to have signed him at the start of the season but he went to Walton and Hersham for good money but, just like Leroy a couple of days ago, his circumstances have changed.

“Ray knows plenty of the squad and is good friends with Leroy too. He will go straight into the squad for Saturday.”

Foley has moved quickly to sign former Margate forward Leroy Huggins who teams up with his former manager and team-mates where they formed a successful partnership at VCD.

Huggins signs from Kent Premier side Erith Town where he joined from Ryman Premier side Margate at the start of the season.

Huggins is well known in Kent Non-League circles having played for a host of clubs including Fisher Athletic, Tonbridge Angels, Maidstone United, Margate and VCD.

Last season Leroy earned cult status at Margate having joined late in the season from VCD where his goals played a major part in the remarkable run they went on in their attempt to avoid relegation (earning a reprieve despite finishing in the relegation zone)

“I'm delighted to welcome Leroy back home really as we know him so well and he knows most of the lads in the squad,” said Foley.

“I spoke to Leroy at the start of the year but with the budget limitations we have we just could not match the wages Erith Town had offered him.

“That was a familiar story with players like Ashley Probets, Richard Avery, Ray Powell, Ben Payne and any others you wish to think of!!

“Obviously if you aren't aware of the full facts then you would not know the full story but that's the top and bottom of it, we are where we are with the resources available.

“Having given the squad a fair crack of the whip now, unfortunately those types of players are exactly what we have been missing this season but circumstances have changed at Erith so I did not want to miss out on Leroy twice.

“There will undoubtedly be a couple more to follow Leroy as we need some characters on the pitch to put things right. Its not miles off but it is definitely not right as we are showing improvements in performance then dropping back to poor levels.

“We have always been patient with our players but its time for a change now and we have a few games till the New Year to take stock at the halfway stage. We are currently in discussion with two more players who will also bring different qualities to the squad and expect to hear back from them in the next day or two.”

George Mitchell has decided to leave the club in the pursuit of first team football. George made five appearances, 3 as sub for the Chats.

Foley added: “I wish George all the best wherever he ends up. He knows what I think of him as a player and what a bright future he has in front of him. It was difficult to throw him in to some games given the position he plays which is tough for a young lad in this league. He was excellent for us for the last two seasons and I am sorry to see him go but I fully respect his decision to go and get regular games somewhere.”

THAMESMEAD TOWN boss Keith McMahon has snapped up 20 year old striker Kai Bichard from Ryman League Division One South side Worthing.

Despite his young age Kai has been on the books of several pro clubs having played for the reserve sides at Fulham, Aldershot and Cardiff City. He has also played for AFC Wimbledon, Wycombe Wanderers and Tooting & Mitcham.

McMahon described his latest addition 'as strong and pacey with an excellent goalscoring record with all the clubs he has played for”.

Kai marked his debut at Margate on Tuesday night by scoring the opening goal in Meads 5-2 League Cup victory.

Meanwhile, Connor Taylor and Tommy Young both scored two goals apiece as Kent defeated AFA 5-2. Two other Mead Boys were also included in the squad Ben Gorman and Tom Blowers.

RAMSGATE’S fourth Annual Golf Day takes place on Wednesday 27th October at Princes Golf Course, Sandwich.

To take part the fee is £65 per person (teams of 4) and includes breakfast, Two “T” Start and prizes on all Par 3s - Longest Drives etc, followed by post-golf games, a three course meal, comedian, a raffle and memorabilia auction.

To attend the meal and entertainment/raffle/auction only costs just £25 per person.

For details please call Jim Ward on 07971 593 564 or Jan Whittaker on 07974 380 111.

WHITSTABLE TOWN second string goalkeeper Craig Kennedy suffered a career threatening injury while playing for the club.

“It’s one of the worst I have seen” reserve team manager Dave Fairclough told www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk.

“I do hope that he can play again but the specialist at the hospital could not agree how to proceed with treatment, firstly they said plaster which would be on for three months, then they said best to plate and pin.

“I spent hours at the hospital; it all took so long in the end I had to take a day off work to stay with the lad. Poor Craig has been made redundant as a result as he is not able to work, all the reserve players have chipped in after an impromptu whip round which was nice.

“I will be speaking to Joe (Brownett),the chairman to see if we can rally round and help the lad. It goes without saying that we all wish him speedy recovery but it’s going to be a long haul for Craig.”

BECKENHAM TOWN manager Jason Huntley has warned his side to expect a tough game when they travel to Norton Sports tomorrow.

“They’re playing at their old ground now aren’t they?” Huntley told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“I can guarantee one or two of the boys will go to Herne Bay, they’re so silly some of these lads!”

“You know what you’re going to get with Norton, they battle hard, they work hard for each other, especially going back to their old ground. It’s going to b a tough encounter so if we’re not on our game we won’t get anything there.”

Huntley will need to assess the fitness of Danny Gorman (calf), Gary Gorman (ankle) and Danny McKone (ankle), who picked up knocks during the 2-0 home win over Erith Town in midweek.

Beckenham would like to remind supporters that they welcome Sporting Bengal to Eden Park Avenue next Tuesday (7:30pm).

NORTON SPORTS are staging a race night at the Woodstock club on Saturday 23 October (7:30pm) to raise money for the club’s on-going ground development fund.

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s home game against Beckenham Town, following the success of the first game the club has decided to revise its admission charges.

For the rest of the season admission will be £4 (adults) £2 (concessions) with children under 16’s free.

A club statement said: “This is the minimum charge recommended by the Kent League, and we feel that in this hard times this is a fair price for this standard of football.

“If you bear in mind that admission to Kent League games back in 1975 was 30p . £4 is very much in line with today's worth of 30p in 1975 based upon average earnings over the last 35 years.”

SEVENOAKS TOWN boss Keith Levett says he has used more players than he would have liked.

Adam Marsh and Joe Adams made their debuts last week, and a new striker could make his debut against Greenwich Borough on Saturday.

Levett told www.sevenoakstownfc.org: "Pre-season didn't go the way we would have liked in terms of players, and we are still building a side.

"I think we have got the nucleus of a good side, but there are certain areas I feel we need to strengthen, and I will do my best to bring players in.

"We feel we have given players enough opportunities, six or seven games and now if things are not right we have to make a decision. The boys worked hard in pre-season, and it wouldn't have been fair to move players on after just two or three matches."

Levett drafted in Tommy Tyne against Norton, while Ellis Green has also featured, but the availability of both players makes it difficult to include them.

He said: "They can only play every other week, and that's not what we are looking for. If they come in and do very well, other players don't mind being left out, but when they don't perform I can't really justify it.

"Unless it's an emergency we won't use Ellis again and possibly not Tommy. They are both really good footballers, it's just a question of whether they are right for us."

Defender Micky Mullane is another player who is forced to miss games due to work commitments.

Marsh and Adams are the latest new arrivals at Sevenoaks Town, and both made their debuts against VCD last Saturday.

Marsh has signed on a dual registration from Maidstone United, while Adams, who was playing in Tonbridge Angels’ reserve side, has been training at the club for a few weeks

Meanwhile, Levett has decided to rest goalkeeper Simon Overland, hinting he may move on, and confirmed that striker Joe Creasey has left the club,.

Levett said: "Simon was getting frustrated with himself and the team, and I felt he needed to have a rest. Dan Bygrave has come in and done well. Simon should be playing at a higher level, and I hope we can sort that out for him.

"I had a chat with Joe last week, and he said he wasn't enjoying his football, and it didn't look like it, so that wasn't a surprise. He doesn't want to play at the moment, and there was no bad feeling about it at all."

TUNBRIDGE WELLS chairman Joe Croker is looking forward to attracting the club’s largest crowd of the season - as supporters take advantage of FREE ADMISSION for the visit of basement side Sporting Bengal United tomorrow (3pm).

The Culverden Stadium outfit, based at Culverden Down, have opened it’s doors on a day dubbed “Civil Day”, which will include a kids’ penalty shoot-out, a Tunbridge Wells memorabilia display, free football and hospitality.

Mr Croker told www.kentishfootball.co.uk: “Let’s show that football is important in Tunbridge Wells.”

Manager Martin Larkin was looking for a reaction from his players after two dropped points at home to Lordswood last weekend, and he couldn't have been happier after the visit to table-topping VCD Athletic in midweek.

Until The Wells rolled in to town, The Vickers were unbeaten from 7 league matches - but that was ultimately scheduled to come to an end.

The sides looked destined to head in at the break goalless, however, and team-talk the home-side's boss may have had prepared was promptly binned as first Keelan Mooney and then Carl Cornell stunned their hosts to hit twice in the last minute of the first half.

Holding steady in the second period, The Wells weathered VCD's efforts to get back into the game before, with 20 minutes left, Jon Pilbeam hit a third goal for the visitors.

VCD did hit the net 12 minutes from time, but the damage was done, and the three points belonged to

Tunbridge Wells.

Another win tomorrow at home to Sporting Bengal could see The Wells build distance between themselves and the lower reaches of the table, while strengthening links with the top six.

A bumper crowd is hoped for with free admission being offered.

Speaking to www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk after the game, Larkin said, “I'm delighted with the result. VCD were deservedly top of the table and had already beaten Hythe and Herne Bay this year. They look a really good side, but we were exceptional on the night.

"We started really well and passed as well as I have ever seen us pass the ball. The chat and communication from the back four was fantastic - Jason Bourne led by example - and the front two pairing (Keelan Mooney and Carl Cornell) kept the ball and created plenty of chances for us.

"We scored two good goals in a minute before half time, and although we had a spell where we didn’t keep the ball as well as we should we were never in any danger. We completely controlled the game.

"The changing room was buzzing after the game. This was one of our games-in-hand, so it's always good to win those, we now need to take that into Saturday's game and make sure we have the same levels of intensity and skill, if we do that, then I am sure we will be able to finish this run of league games on a high.”