Kent Under 16s 3 - 3 London Under 16s

By Ken Brooke. Wednesday, 29 October 2008

Kent fight back to earn a draw

The first game for both Kent and London ended in an entertaining 3-3 draw at Faversham on Sunday. London held a 2-0 and 3-1 advantage but the Kent side never gave up and earned a point with late goals and had one or two chances to even win it!

Kent began nervously and took time to settle but not before a couple of defensive errors had given London a 2-0 lead. The team tried to play football and Nad Nwitua was a constant menace down the Kent right throughout the half. With Eddie Sharman holding the ball up and working well with Olanre Balogun Kent did create some good chances. However it was from a corner just before half time that Ian Gayle equalised with a great near post header.

Just before half time Andy Reece picked up an injury and was replaced by Eamon Gaughan.

Kent began the second half brightly looking to equalise, before from a Kent free kick, London broke away and scored a very good goal, beating Keeper Jack Moore to his right.

Kent brought on Alex King for Balogun, and Dammi Shitta for Alfie Norman, and both make an impact going forward. With the willing running of James Garry the excellent Sharman scored the second, before Jack Funnell who had always looked dangerous with his link play with Kent captain Dan Gunner scored the equaliser. Kent could have have won it when an excellent chip from Sharman clipped the cross bar.

Denzil Gayle replaced Nwitua who tired a bit second half and linked well with his club mate Louis Rankin.

Both Gaughan and Gayle were working hard at the end to keep the quick London forwards at bay, and both sides will learn from Sunday's game. A point each was a very fair result on both sides, and both Managers have lots to work on both positive and to improve.

Pictures of the game courtesy of Julie Hoare can be found on the Picture Gallery. A personal thanks to Gavin Hoare for stepping in to run the line very last minute. The Officials had an excellent game.

Kent now play Middlesex on 30th November but plans are afoot to organise a friendly before that game which is traditionally a tough test.

Team: Jack Moore (Welling), Louis Rankin (Crockenhill), Daniel Gunner (VCD), Alfie Norman(Welling United , Andy Reece (Welling United), Ian Gayle (Crockenhill), Nad Nwitua (Welling United), James Garry (VCD), Eddie Sharman (Tonbridge Angels), Olanre Balogun (Welling United, Jack Funnell (Tonbridge Angels).

Subs: Jeremiah Wellington (Bromley), Eamon Gaughan (Bromley), Alex King (Orpington), Dammi Shitta (Bromley), Denzal Gayle (Crockenhill)

Scorers: Ian Gayle, Eddie Sharman, Jack Funnell.