Soccer Shorts: Tunbridge Wells launch supporters' deal

Here are tonight’s Soccer Shorts’ articles.

MARGATE welcome second place Carshalton Athletic to Hartsdown Park for a Ryman League Premier Division clash; Gate’s second return fixture of the season so far, writes Steve Wells - www.margate-fc.com.

When the two sides met at the start of the season, it was the Robins that came away with a 2-1 win. Gate started the game well taking the lead on 14 minutes when Jack Parkinson rose to head home Wayne Wilson’s corner from the left. Indeed, the Blues had other chances to extend their advantage and continued in the same vane in the early stages of the second half.

But as Gate seemed to run out of steam, the home side took advantage, scoring twice in 20 second half minutes; the second goal scored by the much travelled Richard Jolly, six minutes from time.

Margate manager Terry Yorath is likely to choose between Danny Stubbs and Kenny Pratt, although he could start with both given Mo Takaloo’s one match ban.

Jacob Erskine, who scored twice in the mid-week 3-2 defeat to Dartford in the Ryman League Cup, looks set to retain his place but Kieran Morris could miss out if Ryan Peters is fit enough to return after a foot injury. The other switch could come on the left where one of James Gregory or Curtis Robinson looks set to start.

Normally a good footballing side, the Robins are combining that trait with getting results this season and currently represent Dover Athletics’ closest challengers. Carshalton’s form is good right now; coming off the back of a hat-trick of wins as they are. However, perhaps the manager of the month curse could strike Hayden Bird’s side; the Robin’s boss picking up that accolade for a good November.

There are three Margate connections with Athletic. Romauld Bouadji has recently returned to the Surrey side from Tooting and Mitcham, Ryan Martin is also at Colston Avenue and the Robins recently signed Michael Power. But Carshalton will be without David Greaves who serves a one match ban.

DARTFORD, who are one place above Margate in 17^th place in the Ryman Premier League, welcome a Hendon side to Princes Park tomorrow that are second from bottom.

Boss Tony Burman, speaking to www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk, reveals he still has injury concerns for the Princes Park clash against a Hendon side that defeated the Darts at Claremont Road on the opening day of the season.

Defenders Adam Flanagan and John Guest - and midfielder Jamie Day - have all been rated “very doubtful,” for the Darts, who are only three points clear of the drop zone.

Burman added he’s been very pleased with recent performances, including knocking Margate out of the Ryman League Cup in midweek.

“I am very pleased for the players after the last two results,” he said. “I think they have shown a lot of character and desire to put things right and also played some very good football during both games.

“Tomorrow we face Hendon, a team who convincingly beat us in the opening game of the season. Again, I feel that our opponents are in a false position in the league, which in my opinion, maybe to do with their off-field problems, which does not help any football club.

“There are three massive points up for grabs tomorrow before we start on a very tough away schedule.”

SITTINGBOURNE’S Supporters’ Club are throwing a Fancy Dress Party on 20^th December at 8pm in their clubhouse at Bourne Park.

Entry to the bash will be ticket only and free to Supporters’ Club members with non-members being charged £5.

Supporters of the Ryman League Division One South club are advised to join the supporters’ club now for only £5 to get free entry to the party and discounts to forthcoming events for the rest of the season.

The festive night will include plenty of mulled wine, mince pies, carol signing and traditional Christmas sons.

For tickets please contact Emma on 07739 828 443 for tickets or further details or email: cookie3003@hotmail.com 

BECKENHAM TOWN, underperforming in the Kent League so far this season, have signed midfielder Kenny Beaney from Blue Square Premier club Grays Athletic. The former Dulwich Hamlet man moved to their Champion Hill tenants Fisher Athletic but then opted for a move to the Essex club when former Fisher boss Wayne Burnett took over at the Recreation Ground. Becks’ top scorer, Joe Healey, meanwhile, impressed during his Margate debut last weekend.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS’ new commercial manager, Andy Kidby has launched a new Supporters’ Club to entice fans to Culverden Stadium.

At a time when the credit crunch is on the lips of people up and down the country, Mr Kidby has wasted little time to bring a new batch of supporters to the high-flying Kent League club.

Mr Kidby, who previously held the same role at Holmesdale, explained his exciting plans to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“For a one-off lump sum of £15 per season for adults and £10 for OAPs, members will receive a £1 discount on their entrance fee on match days (excluding FA Competition games). For the remainder of this season, membership will be half price (£8 adults and £5 OAPs)," he said.

“In addition to this, supporters will be rewarded if they help build the club support base. By introducing three new people to Supporters‘ Club membership, you will receive £1 off your entrance fee on top of the £1 membership discount, so where admission would usually cost £6, you‘d get in to home games for £4.

“And the incentives increase as more new members are introduced. For example, the introduction of 10 new members earns you an additional £5 off the following season‘s membership fee, while the introduction of 20 members or more will secure a FREE membership for the following season.

“This club has recognised for a while now that it needs to be proactive in getting new people through the gates for home games.

“This new Supporters‘ Club has been launched to reward existing supporters for their loyalty, while also encouraging them to be proactive in introducing new people to their local football team.

“We will be able to announce further rewards and incentives for membership in the near future."

Anybody wishing to join up should contact Mr Kidby at ak29671@yahoo.co.uk  or call 07513 732043 - alternatively, there will be an opportunity on match days at Culverden.

To be included in this section on www.kentishfootball.co.uk please send in your news to us by clicking the CONTACT US button.

Visit club websites:

www.margate-fc.com

www.dartfordfc.co.uk & www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk

www.sittingbournefc.co.uk

www.beckenhamtownfc.co.uk

www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk