Thamesmead Town record their highest win as a Kent League club

An amazing decision to allow Sporting`s Cole to run on from an offside position saw him fire past Chris Arnold to equalise six minutes later.

As if to make up for the decision Rikki Cable tangled with a defender in their area and a dubious penalty was given which was calmly slotted home by Royston.

Royston was on hand to head home his second from a corner and make the score 3-1 after 34 minutes and three minutes later skipper James Brown headed home a great cross from Curtis Williams.

With the ball very rarely coming out of the home sides half it was not surprising when Cable got his first of the day with yet another header this time from a Thomas cross.

The second half saw the Mead continue as they had left off Cable saw a shot well saved, but it was Sporting that scored first when with Royston stranded up field searching his hat trick a quick break caught the Mead defence stretch and Lee Loveridge up ended Uddin who pick himself up to dispatch the penalty.

Sam Thomas restored the four goal advantage with the best goal of the day, a passing move involving Brown, Wiliams and Cable tore the visitors apart before he calmly passed the ball into the net.

Debutant Emanuel Danso replaced Thomas and he was soon in the action he set up Williams to shot over.

In the 70th minute he set Williams in to walk past the keeper and score and within two minutes the pair repeated the move with the same result.

Prince Pippin restored some pride with ten minutes remaining when he struck a beauty from 20 yards that surprised everyone.

But the scoring feast was not over and with 10 minutes remaining Cable blasted one in from 25 yards after some good build up play from Dawson and Danso.

In the last minute of the game The mead made in ten for the first time in the clubs Kent League history and the goal was scored by Thamesmead Town’s youngest ever senior goal scorer when Danso,16,  rounded the keeper from another Cables pass.

Slade Green 2-3 Erith Town

Slade Green, who got a last gasp leveller at Sevenoaks two days earlier to make it 3-3, so nearly repeated the performance and the scoreline on Bank Holiday Monday, writes Martin Wiseman. 

Despite being 3-0 down on the hour to local rivals, Erith Town, and then reduced to ten men, after 70 minutes, Green pulled back to 3-2. 

Then in the 3^rd minute of stoppage time Paul Gross’s bellicose ‘belt’ got turned for a corner by full-back, Maunsel. 

Following the corner nippy Lindsey Thomas danced into the box  outstripping two defenders, but saw his final effort sail too high, leaving the Dockers victors with what their first goals of the season. 

Good play down the right by-line by Erith’s Kris Hollidge left Dominic Websdale with a simple opener on 13 minutes – both players played for Sevenoaks Town last season. 

Green keeper John Paul Green then turned ex Green man Trevor Lee’s effort over the bar before then saving well at the feet of much travelled striker Mark Tompkins.

For The Green Adam Heaslewood aimed his volley narrowly wide while later on following a slick five man move orchestrated by Tom Morgan, Jason Clews strike forced a full stretch save from Craig Clark. 

But ten minutes into the second half Tompkins scored a remarkable second for Erith after skipping along the left bye-line, leading three or four hapless home defenders in his wake, before rattling in a snappy cross-shot past John Paul Green. 

An equally confident finish by Chris Arnold from 15 yards on 59 minutes, when a corner dropped kindly for him, seemed to leave Erith invincible at three up.

But a ray of Green light shone out when Adam Morrish, surrounded by three defenders, went down just inches inside the box.  The ‘fall guy’ upped himself and coolly converted his third penalty – and fourth goal of his short season, so far to make it 3-1. 

Six minutes later saw assistant manager/player, Heaslewood dismissed for his second rash tackle. 

But undeterred Green’s 10 men gave Erith palpitations on 77 minutes when Terry Murphy’s rasping 20 yarder on target shot took a deflection off defender Scotter to find the net. 

Murphy again peppered the Erith goal six minutes from time only this time saw keeper Clark deny him with a full length save.

Slade Green manager Danny Evans put in a 84^th minute substitute appearance and had cause perhaps to feel hard done by that his side’s valiant finale didn’t earn them a second share of six goals in the space of just three days.

Slade Green: John Paul Green, Terry Murphy (John Paul McKey), Tom Morgan (Danny Evans), Lee Barber, Paul Gross, Mark Dudley, Adam Heaslewood, Tytus Murphy, Adam Morrish, Jason Clews, Lindsey Thomas.  Subs: Andy Silk, Billy Craven, Steve Tappet.

Faversham Town 1 Lordswood 0
(article courtesy of www.favershamtownfc.co.uk)

A sensational volley from Jason Mills sent Faversham Town third in  the Kent League Premier Division on Monday, writes James Brown.

Left wing-back Mills let fly from all of 25 yards with his weaker right foot to seal a well-deserved victory for the Lilywhites who dominated from start to finish.

Wayne "Junior" Farrell was the provider with a great run and cross down the right flank and Mills teed up the ball with his first touch before slamming an unstoppable shot past Gavin Hopper in the Lordswood goal.

The scorching 57th-minute strike was worth the admission fee alone on a day when new-look Town produced their best performance of the season so far.

Boss Terry Cordice said: "It was a brilliant goal. We were right behind him when he hit it and had a great view. It was in all the way but that's what Millsey can give us.

"He scored some very important goals for us last season and he's done the business for us again today. It was a great finish.

"That was our best display this season without a shadow of a doubt. We were solid at the back with Gary Stock outstanding at sweeper and we never let them play in midfield where all the boys did well.

"I thought Andy Martin and John Goodwin worked very hard for us up front and the lads who came on did well too so I have to be pleased.  We've taken six points from six over the Bank Holiday weekend - you've got to be happy with that."

Faversham Town's 2-1 victory over Greenwich Borough on Saturday came despite
a patchy performance and Cordice later told his players to shape up or risk being dropped.

They heeded that warning against Lordswood with excellent performances all over the pitch and Cordice added: "We were by far the better side. The lads were much more positive than at Greenwich - they had a real zip to their play.

"I thought we could have had four or five goals and Lordswood could not have complained. They only way we were going to concede was from a mistake and thankfully we kept those to a minimum.

"I'm very pleased especially when you consider we had four or five players missing. We still managed to field a strong side and the lads who have come in have done themselves proud."

Faversham Town striker Andy Martin returned to the starting line-up after passing a late fitness test on the groin injury that ruled him out of Saturday's clash with Greenwich Borough.

And it was just as well because the two-goal hero from Harrow Meadow Kris Parker was missing because of work commitments.

Another change saw coach Paul Copley named as an emergency goalkeeper after Cordice found himself without Tim Holmes (holiday), Tony Diment (work) and Tim Keen (work).

Not that former Welling United defender Copley minded. Indeed, he jumped at the chance to carve his own slice of football history.

Copley, 36, revealed: "I've now followed in my father's footsteps and played Kent League football in three separate decades.

"To fulfil that here at Faversham Town makes it even more special." The lads defended really well today. Mind you, the thought of having me as the last line in defence was the only incentive they needed to keep the ball away from our goal."

Faversham Town made a bright start and were disappointed to have their claims  
for a penalty waved away when Andy Martin went down in the penalty area after appearing to be pushed in the back.

Then John Goodwin really should have done better when he tried to go round Hopper only to find his route to goal blocked.

Then came two excellent chances for the Lilywhites with James Holder and then Goodwin heading over the cross bar after rising unchallenged around the penalty spot.

Faversham Town went even closer to breaking the deadlock on 56 minutes when
Martin hit the post from close range as the ball bounced around in the box after a corner.

Sixty seconds later and it was Mills and Boom with the man they call Shoesey putting the boot into Lordswood with an early contender for goal of the season.

Former Faversham Town target Nick Smith had a couple of chances for Lordswood as they rallied towards the close but he never seriously threatened  

Copley's bid for a clean sheet on what is sure to be his only appearance in the number one jersey.

Faversham Town: Paul Copley, Wayne "Junior" Farrell (Bradley Maguire 67), Jason Mills, Wes Hammond,  James Holder, Gary Stock, Julian Beal (Stuart Smith 70), Steve Aslett, Andy Martin, Dave Hockley, John Goodwin (Dane Luchford 59),

Greenwich Borough 1 Faversham Town 2
(article courtesy of www.favershamtownfc.co.uk)

Two goals of exceptional quality by Kris Parker lit up a match that  was anything but at Harrow Meadow on Saturday, writes James Brown.

Utility man Parker, thrust into the attack for the last half hour, broke the deadlock against the run of play with a fantastic header on 80 minutes.

Former Faversham Town wing-back Bingi Grant pulled a goal back for league leaders Greenwich Borough five minutes later.

But Parker was not to be denied and produced an even better header to claim all three points in the dying seconds.

Faversham Town boss Terry Cordice said: “We were below par for much of the  game but then we go and produce two brilliant bits of football and have come away with three points.

“The two goals were top class. We haven’t played well here today, but that’s a brilliant result. Get in there!”

Substitute Dave Hockley added much-needed life to the midfield after replacing Steve Aslett on 69 minutes.

And it was his ball into the corner that led to Faversham Town’s first goal with Jason Mills sending in a fabulous ball with his left foot.

Parker was lurking at the near post and grabbed the lead with a cracking header that flew past Michael Holder in the Borough goal.

Grant did not give himself much of a chance to make an impact at Salters Lane before moving on last season.

But he served notice of his undoubted ability with a firm right- foot finish after poor defending in the 85th minute.

The goal seemed destined to force a share of the points as the referee’s watch ticked into time added on in South London.

But Parker broke Borough’s hearts with another fabulous header with just seconds left to play.

Young Dane Luchford, 21, deserves great credit for resisting the temptation to dive in as he closed down Danny Tipple in the bottom right-hand corner.

And when the ball was only half cleared, Junior Farrell sent in a great cross for Parker to power a terrific header to the left of Holder and into the corner.

Jubilant Parker said: “We didn’t play well today but have still come away with a terrific result and that has to be a good sign.

“It’s a very small pitch here and that led to a scrappy game. Your control has to be spot on or you lose possession and that happened all too often.

“But when we did get the ball down and find some width, we scored two goals. I’m  really pleased to have been on the end of two great moves.”

Faversham Town: Tony Diment, Junior Farrell, Jason Mills, Wes Hammond,  James Holder, Gary Stock, Julian Beal (Dean Abrahams 72), Steve Aslett (Dave Hockley 69), John  Goodwin (Stuart Smith 62), Dane Luchford, Kris Parker.

Croydon 0-4 Beckenham Town

Beckenham made it maximum points for the Bank Holiday weekend at the Croydon Sports Arena, writes Ian Muir.

Beckenham Town’s goals were quick in coming as Ross Cable made a delightful chip over the keepers head after only five minutes.

Becks had survived an early scare as Croydon had failed to convert two certain chances in the first couple of minutes.

Cable then became provider as his pinpoint cross found the head of Carew. Cable put the game beyond the home side when he rounded the keeper to tap in after 28 minutes.

But Beckenham Town relaxed in the second half but managed another goal as Hart slid home a Carew cross with six minutes remaining.

Beckenham Town will be glad of the points but injuries to Lawson and McKenzie took the shine of the day’s victory.

Beckenham Town 2-1 Deal Town.
 
Beckenham clinched victory with a last minute goal in this Kent League encounter at Eden Park Avenue on Saturday, writes Ian Muir.

Despite taking a 37th minute lead Beckenham Town allowed the visitors back into the game and as the contest spluttered to an end Ross Cable fashioned a brilliant winner.
 
It was Beckenham who looked the brighter side in the early exchanges as they closed the visitors down .

But the match was never allowed to flow by the referee who constantly blew up for what appeared to be petty incidents without playing the advantage.

With the fitness and determination of both sides almost shrinking the pitch there was no time for pretty football as Beckenham hit long balls down both flanks.

The first chance fell to Deal after 7 minutes; an easy header was well saved by Lewington in the Beckenham goal.

Minutes later Becks played themselves into trouble and only a last- ditch-tackle by McKenzie prevented a certain goal, from that intervention Beckenham Town mounted a counter attack and Smith found space on the right to cross to the unmarked Gallagher  who stretched but could not connect with his head.
 
Again it was down the left flank as Cable, who, had been forced out wide put the ball into the path of Carew who was foiled by some quick thinking by a defender.

Minutes before the break another delivery was met by McDonnell only for his header to inch wide.
 
The second period got off to a flying start as Smith’s header from a Carew cross smashed against the crossbar.

Against the run of play a defensive error allowed Deal back into the game.

Beckenham then struggled to gain superiority and frustration boiled over for both sides and several players were cautioned in a stagnant 20 minute period.

With 15 minutes remaining on the clock a series of Beckenham substitutions put a fresh spark into the match.

The home side were now getting down both flanks with stand in centre half Lawson moving to wing-back.

Cable was starting to find more freedom to turn and had 3 chances in as many minutes.
 
With a minute to go Cable picked up a free kick and ran into the Deal penalty, some heavy challenges forced him away from the goal, he then twisted and turned leaving the defenders for dead and the keeper could only watch as his curling low-level shot found the bottom corner.
 
Deal may feel they should have taken a point from the match but it was Beckenham who deserved the spoils on a day that was starved of goalscoring chances and flowing football.
 
Assistant Manager Dave Memhet said “The new young side needs time together before it starts to gel, it will take at least 6 weeks before we will know what we have”.
 
Faversham Town visit Eden Park Avenue on Saturday 2nd September. 
 
Beckenham Town: Chris Lewington, Danny Lawson, Ted Hart, Steve McKenzie, Billy Hughes Leon Dussard , Michael Smith , Tony Gallagher, Joe McDonnall, Ashley Carew, Ross Cable. Subs: Nick Curran, Danny Hughes, Charlie Hawkes, Jamie Carter.Barnes. Darren  Ibrahim


Chatham Town 1-1 Maidstone United

Meanwhile, in the Ryman League Division One South, the spoils were shared in the first league derby between these two local rivals. A bumper bank holiday crowd of 790 enjoyed a competitive game in which both sides created a number of chances, writes Neil Sanders.

Chatham had the better of the first half and spent most of the opening 20 minutes in the visitors half.

The closest they came to scoring was a 20 yard volley from a corner which was cleared off the line.

Stones broke the deadlock against the run of play in the 29th minute. Lynden Rowland flicked on for Nick Hegley to cut inside a fire home inside the near post from the edge of the 18 yard box.

Moments later Ian Pulman set up Mark Brooks in the Maidstone box but after creating enough space his shot went just past the wrong side of the post.

Chatham started well again in the second half  and Luke Harvey was unlucky to see his overhead kick well saved by Pat Mullin.

Stones then went close as Jim Strouts header hit the bar. But Chatham’s equaliser came after 72 minutes when Darren Smith's volleyed cross was headed home by Steve Best.

Maidstone twice came close to snatching a winner in the closing minutes as first Simon Austin and then Leroy Huggins saw Chatham keeper John Whitehouse pull off terrific saves.

Harvey also shot just over the at the other end but both sets of supporters applauded the teams at the end for providing a good afternoon's entertainment.

Chatham Town: Whitehouse, Binks, Davey, Larkin, Goodger, Best (Lyons 87), Smith, Brooks, Harvey, Denness, Pulman. Subs: King, Whitnall, Mortimore, Smith. 

Maidstone United: Mullin, Rice, Paul (Lacy 75), Barton, McNish, Royston, Strouts, Barnes, Takalobighashi (Austin 60), Rowland (Huggins 75), Hegley.  Subs: Hart, Czanner.