Month: January 2019

Adrian Swan

West Wickham Youth 2 v 5 Dulwich Hamlet ‘A’ Youth

1-4 Carmago (69), 2-4 Airey (70), 2-5 Adeniran (79).                                                       

It was another very cold chilly day up at West Wickham and with a strong wind blowing freezing the spectators present.

However despite the difficult conditions it was a most entertaining game with visitors Dulwich Hamlet ‘A’ taking the points with a very competent display against a battling West Wickham side.

Dulwich, kicking up the hill in the first half with the gusty wind mostly at their backs, took an early lead on 2 minutes in slightly fortuitous circumstances.

Dulwich midfielder Breno Carmago’s defence splitting pass put Rowland Adedoyin in on goal and he raced through into the box before hitting a low shot that took a deflection off a home defender, totally wrong footing West Wickham keeper Loius Youles who was moving to his right as the ball flew home low to his left.

It was then two on 7 minutes when another superb Carmago pass found the run into the box of Hans Mpongo who brought the ball down well before smashing the ball home low to the left of Youles.

A minute later West Wickham almost pulled a goal back when Alfie Airey’s incisive pass put Freddie Yeats in on goal but Dulwich keeper Maxwell Williams was quickly off his line to make a good close range block on the edge of his area.

Dulwich then missed a good chance to make it three on 18 minutes when another good passing move saw Carmago spread the ball out to the right for Adedoyin whose low cross flew across the box to the far post where Henry Adeniran shot over from close range.

West Wickham’s Airey then tested Williams with a low shot from wide left of the box that the Dulwich custodian caught diving to his left.

The home side then reduced the arrears on 22 minutes when a misplaced pass was seized on by Charlie Smyth who ran in on goal and although his initial effort was blocked, the rebound fell back to him and this time he fired home low to the left of Williams.

Dulwich centre half Jamie Splatt then hit a long range free kick that flashed narrowly over the bar before a great bit of opportunism from Airey almost drew West Wickham level when he spotted that Williams was off his line and tried a 35 yard shot that had the Dulwich keeper scrambling back to save low to his right for a corner.

Dulwich’s Arthur Dornells then tried a shot from some 40 yards that flew just over before a dipping right wing cross from Dulwich full back Omarr Belhaj-Fahsi was clawed over by Youles high to his left for a corner.

Carmago then hit another long range shot that flew straight at Youles before Dulwich made it three on 31 minutes when Maliq Morris hit a powerful 30 yard shot that Youles moving to his right could only parry out to where Adeniran following up was able to slot home from close range.

On 38 minutes it was nearly four when Adedoyin made space well on the edge of the box before hitting a rasping shot that beat Youles high to his left but crashed against the bar before rebounding out to where a stretching Adeniran could only turn the loose ball over. West Wickham’s Airey then flashed a 25 yard free kick narrowly wide before in stoppage time at the end of the half he went even closer with another long range free kick, this time firing his effort high to the left of the diving Williams but against the bar and out to safety.

The second half took some to get going in the freezing conditions and it was not until the 66 minutes that there was a real chance when the impressive Carmago found the run of Adeniran down the left and he took a touch before hitting a dipping shot that beat Youles high to his left but clipped the bar and flew over.

However it was four on 69 minutes when Carmago danced his way through the West Wickham defence into the box before shooting home high to the left of Youles.

However the home side hit back immediately as straight from kick off the ball was played to Airey, who again spotting Williams off his line, tried another of his audacious long range shots that had the Dulwich keeper scrambling back but being unable to stop Airey’s superb effort from beating him as it flew into the net to his left.

West Wickham’s Matthew Doyle then flashed a low shot across the face of goal before the visitors made it five on 79 minutes.

Adeniran’s clever pass put Mpongo in on goal and although Youles made a good close range block the rebound fell out to Mpongo on the left of the area and he quickly crossed the ball over for Adeniran to touch home from close range.

Dulwich continued to create chances in the final minutes with Carmago putting Mpongo through on goal but his shot flew straight at Youles before two Dulwich substitutes combined to nearly make it six when Jude Wasdell-Harris sent over a deep right wing cross that found Malachi Morris whose hooked volley on the turn was acrobatically tipped over by Youles moving high to his left.

From the corner taken by Thomas Chambers a stretching Splatt volleyed over. Adeniran then sent over a left wing cross that found Malachi Morris in space but his low shot flew wide across the face of goal.

The last chance of the game saw another good pass from Carmago find Mpongo whose shot on the turn was well saved by the busy Youles low to his left.

This was a very good performance from Dulwich which keeps them hot on the heels of leaders Phoenix Sports, four points behind but with two games in hand.                              

Adrian Swan

0-1 Williams (20), 1-1 Godwin (97).

On a very cold chilly day, West Wickham scored with virtually the last kick of the game to snatch a point against their visitors Metrogas.

West Wickham were not their fluent selves today perhaps suffering the after effects of their splendid 6-0 win against Dorking Wanderers in the Presidents Cup on Friday night.

Metrogas had defensive problems being short of a keeper but outfield player Kenneth Kerr did an admirable job as a stand-in.

It was the home side who had the first chance of the game on 2 minutes when Ben Mortimer’s lofted pass found Freddie Yeats but he sent his volleyed effort over the bar from close range.

Minutes later Metrogas had a great chance to open the scoring when Chaikib Bellamine’s excellent through ball put Finley Williams in on goal but as he got to the edge of the area and tried to dribble around the advancing West Wickham keeper Louis Youles, he was upended by him and a free kick on the edge of the box awarded.

Surprisingly no action was taken against the home keeper for the foul and the free kick came to naught.

The home side then nearly took the lead when a Joseph Boss right wing cross flew across the face of goal to the far post where a stretching Michael Godwin could only touch the ball wide.

They had another chance on 11 minutes when Charlie Smyth’s left wing cross found the run of Alfie Airey into the box but his header flew over. On 19 minutes Metrogas’s Williams hit a long range shot that Youles held high to his right before the visitors took the lead shortly afterwards when Khalifa Dieng’s right wing cross was met by a powerful header from Williams that beat Youles to his left but the ball rattled the post before rebounding back out to Williams who was able to slot home from close range.

The visitors then had a good spell of possession with Bellamine having a shot on the turn fly straight at Youles before Williams had a long range effort fly over.

On 40 minutes West Wickham might have pulled level when Matthew Doyle’s left wing cross found Airey but he sent his header straight at Kerr.

Metrogas then had a chance when Amin Hamouchene turned well on the edge of the box but his shot flew straight at the home custodian.

Just before half time the home side went close again when Robert Hinkley’s shot on the turn flew just over before in stoppage time Yeats had a shot blocked by a Metrogas defender that sent the ball into the path of Doyle who fired over when well placed.

The home side dominated the early part of the second half and almost drew level on 52 minutes when Mortimer made a good run down the left before whipping over a low cross that Yeats turned narrowly wide.

Smyth then hit a dipping free kick from wide left that Kerr did well to save at his near post.

On 55 minutes the home side changed their keeper with the injured Youles being replaced by Joseph Barnes.

On 66 minutes West Wickham went close again to levelling when Matthew Odolan’s right wing cross was volleyed over by Yeats.

Minutes later Metrogas were unlucky not to double their lead when Bellamine’s lofted pass saw Jay Reed reach the ball on the edge of the area just before the on-rushing Barnes and send his header over the keeper but the bounce of the ball saw it bounce up and fly over the bar.

On 89 minutes it looked as West Wickham would finally draw level when Airey’s pass put Yeats through on goal but his fierce close range shot was well saved by Kerr who managed to push the ball over for a corner.

Then on 94 minutes another fierce Smyth free kick from wide right forced Kerr into another good save tipping the ball over for another corner.

Then on 97 minutes just as it looked as if Metrogas would hold on for all three points their resolve was finally  broken when a lofted ball into the box found Godwin who scored with a powerful close range volley smashing the ball home high to the right of Kerr.                   

Our Academy can heighten your game and give you those important educational qualifications (A Levels and/or BTEC level 3 sport

What has a football club got to do with gaining important and vital educational qualifications? Well in the case of Tonbridge Angels it provides the answer to providing formal football training to enhance your game combined with a curriculum for students to excel in academic qualifications.

Now planning in its second year the Academy working with its partner Hugh Christie College, has already established itself within the West Kent educational environment.

You can be part of our successful academy from this September 2019 and to find out more please come along to an open evening at Longmead Stadium, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge, TN10 3JF on Wednesday 30th September. To book your place please go to  http://form.jotformeu.com/72962217180355 or email tafcacademy@outlook as soon as possible.

The new Angels Academy has proven to be a massive success so far and will provide you with a chance to develop your footballing potential while at the same time providing you with nationally recognised qualifications (A Levels and/or a BTEC Level 3 in sport)and gaining your FA level 1&2 coaching badges.

Led by Tom Parkinson (UEFA A Licenced coach), club captain of Tonbridge Angels and Jamie Coyle (UEFA A Licenced coach & FA Tutor) manager of Dartford FC 1st team who currently compete in non-league’s second tier, National South, both Tom and Jamie have substantial experience in youth development and teaching. They will of course be supported by a top class educational establishment Hugh Christie College to provide that classroom backup that is so vital within a successful Academy.

As well as daily football training, Academy members will have the opportunity of being part of a squad competing in the National u19 youth  League or the Kent academies league as well as the prestigious FA Youth cup.

So far in this year in our 1st year of running the scheme our achievements to date are as follow:

• 100% pass rate at BTEC level 3 sport 
• 3 players making a first team debut vs Dartford FC
• 8 players progressing into our 23 side
• 1 player on trial at Premier League side Leicester City 
• 1 player on loan at Hythe Town

Don’t forget to apply via the link or email address and it could be your first step in obtaining a fulfilling and rewarding career in semi-professional football aswell as further developing you academic profile

Maidstone United Football Academy

If you’re in Year 11 and love football but haven’t made your mind up about what do after your GCSEs, why not trial for a place at the Maidstone United Football Academy?

Based at the Gallagher Stadium, the club and Cornwallis Academy offer a two-year programme that combines academic sports studies, alongside football matches, training and qualifications.

If you would like to swap school for the stadium, apply online and attend the trial onTuesday 19 February between 3 and 5pm..

Two academy squads compete in the National League Under 19 Alliance – one of the largest leagues in the country – featuring academy teams backed by professional or semi-pro clubs. Academy students also represent the club in the prestigious FA Youth Cup.

A number of players have been called up to the first team squad, with several others dual-registered with clubs in the Isthmian and Southern Counties East leagues.

As well as being successful at the trial, applicants will need to gain at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, ideally including English and maths. An interview will also take place in the summer.

To apply, visit www.maidstoneunited.co.uk/academy2019

Adrian Swan

Holmesdale Youth 3 v 3 Dulwich Hamlet ‘A’ Youth

0-1 Adedoyin (13), 1-1 Lewer-Smith (51), 2-1 John (54), 2-2 Mpongo (84), 

2-3 Mpongo (86), 3-3 Belazregue (90).

This topsy-turvy encounter saw Dulwich Hamlet ‘A’ team drop their first points of the season.

Both sides had led during this entertaining match but hosts Holmesdale snatched a dramatic equaliser in the 90th minute to dent Dulwich’s perfect league record.

After an even start it was Dulwich who had the first chance of the game on 7 minutes when Maliq Morris was unlucky not to open the scoring.

Having made a strong run from the half way line he unleashed a fierce 25 yard shot that deflected off a Holmesdale defender sending the ball spinning over home keeper Daniel Mamas high to his left but onto the bar and out to safety.

On 12 minutes it was the turn of Holmesdale to go close when Ryan Brown’s excellent through ball found the run into the box of lively forward Nathan Lewer-Smith but Dulwich keeper Tom Wray was quickly off his line to make a good close range block.

A minute later the visitors took the lead when Hans Mpongo’s pass found Rowland Adedoyin on the left side of the box and he coolly slotted home low to the right of Mamas.

Holmesdale almost drew level a few minutes later when Isaac John made space well before firing in a dipping shot that Wray held moving to his left.

Dulwich then nearly made it two when Jargal Enkh made a powerful run down the left to the bye line before whipping over a low cross that was met at the near post by a clever flick from Henry Adeniran but Mamas made a good block with his legs low down at his near post to deflect the ball away for a corner.

After this Dulwich continued to control proceedings for most of the remainder of the half with Morris hitting a 25 yard free kick narrowly over on 26 minutes before another strong forward run by Enkh down the left saw him burst through into the box but his low shot was well saved by Mamas diving to his left. On 35 minutes Mamas was in action again saving high to his left to keep out Adeniran’s shot from the edge of the box.

Just before half time Holmesdale also hit the woodwork when Omar Belazregue’s free kick from the edge of the box curled over the Dulwich wall beating Wray high to his left but struck the angle of post and bar before flying over.

Lewer-Smith then had an effort fly just over before the last action of the half saw Dulwich’s Thomas Chambers hit a dipping long range shot that Mamas saved well diving low to his left for a corner.

Dulwich then went close to increasing their lead early in the second half when Breno Carmago hit a powerful shot that had Mamas diving full length to his right as the ball flew narrowly wide.

Holmesdale then drew level on 51 minutes when William Keene’s right wing cross was flicked on by George Squires-Clark into the path of Lewer-Smith who fired home low to the right of Wray.

Dulwich centre half Jamie Splatt then tried his luck with a long range free kick that Mamas saved high to his left before Holmesdale stunned their visitors taking the lead on 54 minutes.

This time it was a great crossfield pass from the back by Belazregue that found the run inside the full back of Keene down the right and he took a touch before sending over a low cross that was touched home from close range by John.

It was then nearly three for the hosts as Lewer-Smith made a great turn in the box before hitting a low shot that Wray managed to block with the rebound falling back to Lewer-Smith who then tried to lift his follow up shot over the prone keeper but sent his effort crashing against the bar and over.

Just after the hour mark Holmesdale went close again when John turned well down by the bye line before hitting a low shot that Wray saved well down at his left hand post for a corner.

Dulwich finally started to get back in the game and on 69 minutes went close to drawing level when Adeniran’s right wing cross found Mpongo whose shot on the turn was saved by Mamas low to his left.

Adeniran then had a rasping drive fly just wide across the face of goal before on 75 minutes it looked as if the visitors had equalised when a Chambers inswinging free kick from wide right beat Mamas but Belazregue was covering to hook the ball off the line to safety.

Arthur Dornells then fired an effort at Mamas before Dulwich finally drew level on 84 minutes when Adedoyin’s right wing cross was headed on by Adeniran to Mpongo who scored low to the left of Mamas from close range.

Worse was to follow two minutes later for the home side when Carmargo’s lofted pass over the Holmesdale back line saw Mpongo race through on goal before shooting home low to the left of the exposed Mamas.

However the drama was not over yet as on 90 minutes Holmesdale were awarded a free kick some 30 yards from goal.

This was taken by Belazregue who drilled in a low shot that was dummied by Brown as the ball whistled through his legs leaving Wray unsighted as it flew home low to the right of the keeper.

The Dulwich defenders appealed to their linesman for an offside decision but he stated the Brown was onside when he jumped out of the way of the ball and the goal stood.

However deep in stoppage time the visitors missed a glorious chance to win the game when a neat passing move saw Mpongo’s pass find Dornells who swiftly found the run into the box of Adedoyin who fired over with only Mamas to beat.

A minute later he almost redeemed himself when his clever pass put Dornells in on goal but Mamas made a good close range block to preserve the home sides point.            

Margate FC and Herne Bay High are delighted to invite players to our first trial for The Gate’s Boys Academy on Thursday 21st February 2019 from 10am to 12pm at Hartsdown Park. 

If you’re looking at your post-16 education options, why not come down and find out more?

The academy is unique in that it offers footballers the chance to train and play full-time without making any compromise on their academic ambitions.

Players have a wide selection of A levels and BTEC qualifications to choose from with 42 different courses on offer for Academy players, which surpasses the offer from many other local Sixth Forms. 

Alongside this, the squad of players will compete at the highest level outside of the professional game in compete in the National League U19 Alliance League.

Any player interested should register for the trial via footballacademy@hernebayhigh.org

Full applications can be made now via www.kentchoices.com. Our online application window opens from 22nd November 2018 – 1st February 2019.

Click here for further information. You can also call 07395 791761 or email footballacademy@hernebayhigh.org.

Dover Athletic Football Club in partnership with The Abbey School 6th Form.

GET REWARDED

–  Fifty per cent of our Sixth Form gained university places in 2010

–  Highest number of top grade GCSE’s with 36% of students achieving GCSE grades A*-B

–  Vast choice of academic and vocational studies appealing to a wider range of student skills and abilities.

BEYOND THE SCHOOL DAY

–  Extra curricular activities including sports clubs, music, performing arts, computer clubs and the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme.

–  Extensive visits and journeys programme within the UK, Europe and America

–  Community Sports Centre for student and community use open 7am to 10pm.

PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS LINKS

–  ‘Football Academy’ status in partnership with Dover A.F.C raising standards of football coaching in the medium and long term.

–  Industry Standard restaurant open 2 days per week, overseen by highly qualified chefs supporting students through their BTEC.

–  Four business incubator units used by local businesses supporting the GCSE and A level lum with their expertise.

WHAT NEXT

–  On site Connexions Kent & Medway careers advisors

–  Aim Higher programme to help young people get into higher education

–  High quality care and guidance provision.

–  6th Form College offering . ……  in conjunction with….

Football Academy trials

Wednesday 20 February 10.30am

• The Football Academy represents Dover Athletic FC in the National Youth league, the highest league outside professional status.
• Coaching from UEFA ‘A’ licensed coaches
• Train everyday
• Academy players study a range of courses alongside their football commitments
• Excellent progression routes
• Wide range of A Level, BTEC or International Bacclaureate courses
• Opportunity to take additional Coaching and Fitness Instructor courses
• Study 3 A levels/ BTEC’s or GCSE subjects depending on your GCSE results
• Excellent academic results
• Travel grants available to all students living outside Faversham.

If you are interested in attending the trials please email:

msandmann@abbeyschoolfaversham.co.uk or call the school on 01795 532633