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Premier league Round Up - 10/10/09

posted 11/10/09 - Derek Hodge (Sevenoaks & District League)

There are no changes at the top of the Premier Division as the leading three teams picked up maximum points on Saturday and thus retaining their unbeaten records.

Leaders Kemsing United went one better retaining their one hundred per cent record with a 6-3 victory away to AW London. Cruising with an emphatic 6-0 lead the villagers almost let the game slip away from them as AW London decided to play for their pride during the latter stages clawing their way into the match with three goals. Clint Muldoon notched a brace of goals with Lewis Longhurst scoring the other one to give AW London a ray of hope. However, Kemsing had done enough early on with goals by Dave Wood (4), Dave East (2) and Ryan Standley to earn maximum points.

Second placed Nomads did not have things all their own way against Borough Green United but finally won 2-0. In a closely contested affair United might have salvaged a point from the encounter but for their inability to score goals. Aaron Brazenell together with Andy Hancock got the all important goals for the Edenbridge based side.

A superb display of goalkeeping by Dave Harris kept Hildenborough Athletic at bay for long periods of the match against Orpington 3rd whose performance belied their lowly position in the table. Time and time again Harris came to the rescue of his colleagues but could do little to prevent Adam Davies putting Borough ahead from the penalty spot after a handball offence. The opening goal came just before the half way stage but into the second half Borough pushed forward and eventually increased their lead when Ant Goodwin met a header on the far post to head the ball into the opposite side of the goal. Davies, with his second goal, completed the scoring.

Ide Hill’s promising start to life in the top section took a stage further forward defeating Tonbridge Baptist Church 4-1. Baptist Church conversely have not had such a promising opening after promotion. Ace marksman Nick Capon opened the scoring which was followed with credits through Joe Gilman, James Proctor along with new signing Alex Bailey.

Goals by Stuart Read (2) and James White helped Ightham to a 3-3 draw against hosts Eynsford who thus picked up their first point of the season at the third attempt.

Division 1 Round Up - 04/04/09

posted 07/04/09 - Derek Hodge (Sevenoaks & District League)

With the top two teams in Division One inactive, third placed Ide Hill had the chance to close the points gap with an away fixture against Wilderpark. A closely contested affair remained goal less until the last minute when a pass by Steve Henniker found Leon Lloyd who took the ball forward before striking a shot into the net to give the Park maximum points. The Hill were without a number of players and somewhat leg weary after their Cup exploits on Thursday evening but rarely tested the Park keeper Al Ramsey although mid-way through the second half Paul Burgess cleared off the goal line with Ramsey well beaten.

Four goals by Jose Justo and a single strike through Calvin Hedley helped AW London to a 5-3 success against visiting Nomads, a result that keeps the victors in fourth spot. Danny Brazenell scored twice including a late spot kick with Ryan Priestley also getting his name on the score sheet

Ide Hill’s cup final opponents Seal also suffered through injuries and were well below strength against Eynsford Reserves who romped to a 4-0 victory. Paul Foskett (2), Rob Shaw and Wayne Holder were the scorers.

Kingsdown Racers held a 3-0 advantage against visiting St. Lawrence Reserves until a brace of goals by Tom Cappuccini reduced the deficit but the home team hung in to earn the points.

Division 1 Round Up - 28/02/09

posted 03/03/09 - Derek Hodge (Sevenoaks & District League)

The race for the Division One title gained momentum as second placed Orpington 3rd and unbeaten since late September went down 3-2 to Ide Hill who kept their own hopes alive of gaining promotion. Orpington raced into a 2-0 lead but the Hill gradually came more into the game levelling the scores and finally forging ahead. Rob James (2) and Joe Gilman were the scorers. The turning point of the match came early in the second half when the young Orpington goal keeper was injured and taken to hospital for treatment.

Leaders Tonbridge Baptist Church retained their unbeaten record with a 4-2 advantage over Seal. Don King scored twice along with Rob Smith and Zac Alexander. Seal’s Antony Algeo was taken to hospital by ambulance with a broken leg.

At the other end of the table, the bottom club Halstead United Reserves were left still searching for their first League win of the season following a 2-0 defeat to Wilderpark at Raleys Field. The villagers form on the day belied their lowly position and they might consider themselves unlucky not to have at least gained a point. Paul King had an excellent game in midfield and up front striker Michael Sterling was a constant threat. Both goals came during the second half, the first after pressure by Joe McLoughlin forced a defender to put past his keeper and the second following an excellent cross by Paul Bellringer, which the unmarked Dave Hobby headed home.

Goals by Darren Coumbe (2), Andrew Pearton (2), Chris Moon and Jamie Height gave Kingsdown Racers a comfortable 6-2 win away at Fleetdown United A while Eynsford Reserves collected three points from a narrow 4-3 advantage over hosts St. Lawrence Reserves. For Eynsford Tom Wilder grabbed a hat trick with Tim Matthew completing the scoring. Neil Shirreff, Nick Warren and Lyle Jackson replied for Saints.

Division 1 Round Up - 21/02/09

posted 24/02/09 - Derek Hodge (Sevenoaks & District League)

Tonbridge Baptist Church the undefeated leaders of Division One, could not play Sevenoaks Weald Reserves who were unable to field a team. This allowed a second placed Orpington 3rd a chance to move above them in the table but entertaining Wilderpark they gave a strangely subdued performance and were held to a goal less draw. Park were reduced to ten men after thirty five minutes play when central defender Aaron Terry was dismissed for foul and abusive language but the visitors thereafter battled manfully to contain their opponents. Few chances were created at either end but one outstanding moment in the second half saw Orpington’s young goalkeeper pull off an excellent save to push a rasping left foot shot by Paul Bellringer round the upright. Skipper Mark Taylor had an outstanding game for the Park breaking up moves and constantly probing his forwards. Orpington 3rd’s ten match winning sequence thus came to an end dating back to 27th September, 2008, when they suffered their only defeat of the campaign and during this period scoring no fewer than 46 goals.

Kingsdown Racers eased to a comfortable 4-1 victory over inconsistent Chipstead A while Ide Hill kept on the toes of the pacemakers defeating visiting Halstead United Reserves 3-1, who were left still seeking their first victory of the season. On a poor playing surface the Hill struggled to find their normal rhythm but goals by ace marksman Nick Capon (2) and Ryan Cornwell, who has just transferred back to his former club, gave them maximum points.

Lowly Fleetdown United A eased their fears of relegation with a convincing 5-1 win over St. Lawrence Reserves whose own existence in the section after just one season is far from safe.

Football Round Up - 10/01/09

posted 12/01/09 - Derek Hodge (Sevenoaks & District League)

The intense cold weather which has now prevailed over the past two weeks or so claimed all of the scheduled 24 League and Cup matches on Saturday. The freeze had already claimed two Smiths League Cup Finals on New Years Day and now the Sevenoaks Charity Senior Cup has been thrown into disarray.

Second Round ties in both the Senior and Junior sections are scheduled for this coming Saturday, 17th January 2009, although it is not as straight forward as it could be because the Competition has continuing problems getting more teams released from their parent Leagues.For example, Saturday’s Senior tie between Chipstead and Hildenborough Athletic was called off because the pitch at Sundridge Recreation ground was frozen and the earliest this tie will now be played will be sometime in February.

The actual Finals are scheduled to be played on the traditional Good Friday date, which this year falls on the 10th April, 2009. There are three remaining Rounds leading up to the final stage and it will not be easy fitting dates into a tight fixture programme, particularly if there are further cold snaps.

From a revenue point of view, it is important to play the Finals on Good Friday, where it has been proven over a good many years that finalists get their best support. It is custom to donate a percentage of the income derived from the Competition to local charities and such organisations are affected when proceeds do not come up to expected standards.

The entire Fisher Shield programme was called off but this Competition has less of a significance than that of the Sevenoaks Charity Cup. The First Round will be rescheduled to take place in February on the date set aside for the Second Round ie. Saturday, 21st February 2009.

Smiths League Cup & Division 1 Round Up - 20/12/08

posted 22/12/08 - Derek Hodge (Sevenoaks & District League)

Progress was made in the Smiths League Cup programme where Otford United 3rd qualified for an Intermediate Cup final place with an emphatic 6-0 victory over Seal Reserves. Seal Reserves had been reinstated in the Competition after Hadlow Rovers had been dismissed for fielding an ineligible player.The result was never in doubt as strikes by Luke Blackaby (2), Martin Coolley (2), Dan Moyce and Danny Shields sent their side through to a show down with neighbours Kemsing United Reserves on New Years Day.

In the Junior Semi-final Potters FC eased through to their final place with a 5-1 win over neighbours Borough Green. The visitors started brightly and generally dominated the proceedings throughout. Leading goal scorer Mike Beverley put Potters ahead when he capitalised on slack defending to strike the ball into the bottom corner of the net.Beverley then won the ball to set up strike partner Craig Bowman for the second goal. Peter De-Kisshazy virtually put the result beyond doubt when he headed powerfully into the net meeting a corner on the far post. Almost on half time Borough Green reduced the deficit from the penalty spot.Into the second half Bowman crossed for substitute Dan McCoy to score and then Beverley wrapped up the scoring. Potters will now meet Wilderpark Reserves in the Final on Saturday, 27th December, 2008 at Greatness Park, with a 1.00pm kick off.

A Fergus Farmer hat trick was the highlight of Borough Green United’s 3-2 win over Halstead United in the quarter-final of the Smiths Senior League Cup. The holders went behind during the first half when Farmer got on the end of a route one clearance to lob the ball over the visitors keeper.Farmer scored his second during the second period but Halstead came back through Sam Weller to reduce the arrears before the home striker completed his hat trick. A goal by Rick Bryce kept the visitors in the tie but Borough eventually went through to contest an exciting Semi-final tie against Hildenborough Athletic.

Division One leaders Tonbridge Baptist Church retained their 100% record with a hard earned 2-1 success over St. Lawrence Reserves at Tonbridge Farm. It was a creditable performance by Saints who are at the other end of the table. Despite conceding early goals to Daniel King and David Cele, Saints never gave up and finally reduced the deficit through Tim Walford.

Ide Hill kept in sight of the leaders but had a few set backs before finally overcoming visiting Chipstead A to win 5-4. The Hill raced into a 2-0 lead during the opening quarter but then conceded three goals to set pieces to trail 3-2.Not to be outdone the Hill clawed their way back into the game eventually forging ahead 5-3 only for Chipstead to pull a goal back in the closing minutes. For the victors, Nick Capon scored a hat trick, his fourth of the campaign to take his tally to 21 goals, while Paul Gilman and Chris Newhouse also got their names on the score sheet.

Goals by Andy Weir (3) and Sol Whelan helped Eynsford Reserves to an easy 4-0 victory over the bottom club Halstead United Reserves who look to be on the way to a quick return to Division Two while Seal ended their first half of the season winning 2-1 against struggling Sevenoaks Weald Reserves.

Division 1 Round Up - 06/12/08

posted 09/12/08 - Derek Hodge (Sevenoaks & District League)

In the League and Division One the match between Orpington 3rd and Chipstead A was abandoned after 75 minutes play when Orpington’s James Venables sustained a suspected broken leg and was taken to hospital. Venables was playing his first game after a period out of football. At the time of the incident Orpington 3rd were leading their opponents 4-1.

Tonbridge Baptist Church moved to the top of Division One after an easy 8-0 victory over the bottom team, Halstead United Reserves who are still seeking their first League win of the campaign after seven outings. Baptist Church started slowly and keeper M. Morgan was forced to make an early save.Thereafter goals followed at regular intervals once Ben Spring had opened the scoring with a header from a Dave Halfacre corner. Spring then added his second goal which was followed by Julian Ichedadene after Rob Smith’s shot had been parried by the keeper.Ichedadene then went on to score four times more during the second half. Scot Lock completed the rout after a long range shot.

Paul Foskett scored a brace of goals for Eynsford Reserves as they defeated St. Lawrence Reserves 4-2. Also on target were Jim Williams and Tony Gschaider. Tom Cappuccini netted Saints consolation goal.

Division 1 Round Up - 15/11/08

posted 18/11/08 - Derek Hodge (Sevenoaks & District League)

Tonbridge Baptist Church returned to the top of Division One after a comfortable 4-0 win over Fleetdown United A at Tonbridge Farm. Fleetdown’s young squad fought hard but were outgunned in all departments by a Baptist Church side growing in confidence as the season progresses.David Cele opened the scoring early on and although the hosts missed a number of scoring chances Rob Smith increased their lead before the break. David Halfacre and an own goal added to the credits after the interval while Tim Spring had a long range short brilliantly saved by the Fleetwood keeper near the end.

Division 1 & Sevenoaks Charity Cup Round Up - 08/11/08

posted 11/11/08 - Derek Hodge (Sevenoaks & District League)

A number of First Round ties were played in the Sevenoaks Charity Cup. In the Senior Cup, Farnborough Old Boys Guild, winners two seasons ago, got the better of Eynsford to win 3-1. The victors will play Otford United in the next Round.

Junior Cup holders Sevenoaks Town A did not have things all their own way against Potters FC at Greatness Park despite winning 6-1. Potters actually took the lead through Henry Willard and much to their credit continued to create problems for their opponents. Sevenoaks eventually got on top in the scoring stakes thanks to a Joe Creasey hat trick, a brace from Scott McGuire and a single strike for John Phillips.Sevenoaks held a 2-1 interval lead and then for a spell into the second half Potters continued to hold their own until the hosts got the upper hand.

Despite goals by Jimmy Moore (2, Tom Knapp and Alan Vincent, Swanley Oaks went down 5-4 to Radius FC, the winners who will now meet either Westerham Reserves or Chipstead Reserves in the next Round.

Ide Hill made hard work of gaining a 4-2 advantage over Kemsing United Reserves. The Hill held a 1-0 advantage at half time with a strike by Nick Capon who then went on to complete his hat trick to put his side in charge of the proceedings. However, not to be outgunned Kemsing fought back to reduce the deficit with two goals by Jack Kinnear.The tie remained in the balance until a few minutes from the end when Baz Pennells finally put the result beyond doubt. Ide Hill now face a visit from AW London Reserves in the Second Round.

Despite a quick start with John Spring scoring straight from the kick-off Tonbridge Baptist Church were off their usual pace against hosts Orpington 4th. The remainder of the half was relatively uneventful until Scott Lock unleashed a 25 yard shot, which went into the top corner of the net before the break to increase his team’s lead.The second half was dominated by the Baptist Church whose only disappointment will be they did not score more goals. Rob Smith scored two deserved goals with tidy finishes.

Division 1 Round Up - 01/11/08

posted 05/10/08 - Derek Hodge (Sevenoaks & District League)

After a somewhat scrappy affair played in difficult conditions Tonbridge Baptist Church retained their unbeaten record and in so doing moved to the top of Division One following a 5-0 win over Eynsford Rovers.A long range free kick by Dave Halfacre and a solo effort by David Cole gave the Baptist Church a 2-0 interval lead. Defending the slope during the second half, the visitors had to withstand a barrage of long balls from Eynsford. Ritchie Asher snatched a third goal for Baptist Church, forcing the home side to attack more in numbers, which left them open on the break and allowed Asher and Rob Smith to add to the scoreline.

Ide Hill moved closer to the Division One leaders with a narrow 3-2 success over Chipstead A and in a match moved to Sundridge Recreation ground due to a waterlogged home pitch. Nick Capon put the Hill into the ascendency after a free kick taken by Rob James.However, this was short lived as Chipstead countered taking the lead with goals by Sean Figg and Paul Scott. After the break Capon levelled the scores and with the result looking as though it could go either way Johnstone Gilmore got the winner.

Wilderpark and Seal contested a 2-2 drawn encounter at Raleys Field. After a bright opening Seal lost their way somewhat and found difficulty in combating the Park’s long ball game in which both Paul Burgess and Mark Taylor were prominent. Much against the run of play Seal took the lead following hesitancy in the Park rearguard.Steve Henniker on the right caused innumerable problems for the Seal defence during the second half but despite creating chances the Park were unable to find the equaliser. Seal forged further ahead when a clever dummy in the six yard area allowed a forward to score a simple goal.Paul Burgess left the affray with a groin injury and Ben O’Brien was withdrawn from midfield. Enter Dave Hobby who scored twice to bring the scores level. Henniker was cautioned for dissent after the Park had thought they had scored the winning goal but it was disallowed for off side.

Kingsdown Racers had to come from behind to snatch a 2-1 win over visiting Fleetdown United A who had earlier taken the lead. Both Kingsdown’s goal came during the latter part of the proceedings, the first through Aaron Pearton and the second by Joe Sharpe with a spot kick

Division 1 Round Up - 25/10/08

posted 28/10/08 - Derek Hodge (Sevenoaks & District League)

Orpington 3rd retained the leadership of Division One with a heard earned 4-2 success over Wilderpark at Raleys Field. The Park with the wind in their favour had the better of the first half exchanges taking the lead through Mark Taylor and direct from a corner on the left. Other half chances came but were not taken while at the other end keeper Al Ramsey made a couple of good saves.Into the second half Mitchell Letter brought the scores level only for Joe McLouhglin to score, to restore the Park’s one goal advantage. Mid way through the half Orpington 3rd moved up a gear as the Park lost control of the midfield and Dominic Karmali scored a hat-trick to put his team in charge of the proceedings.

Second placed Ide Hill kept up the pressure on the leaders with a 5-3 advantage over hosts Eynsford Reserves. The Hill raced in to a 4-0 interval lead but the hosts came back well into the second period to score three times. For the victors Nick Capon scored twice and there were credits for Alex Pugh, Baz Pennells and Joe Pilmore.

Chipstead have often been a thorn in the side for the Tonbridge Baptist Church side but on this occasion at Sundridge Recreation Ground there was only ever going to be one winner. From the first minute Baptist Church dominated the possession and territory and although Chipstead battled hard against the onslaught they suffered a humiliating 8-0 reverse.Ben Spring scored the first goal early on and Baptist Church then had to wait until the fortieth minute before Dave Halfacre added the second, direct from a corner. During the second half Ben Spring went on to complete his hat trick with further goals coming from brother John, Halfacre, D. King and J. Ichedadene.

A first half hat trick by Lyle Jackson put St. Lawrence Reserves in charge of the match against visiting Seal but second half injuries to Nick Watson and Faraj Rochdi depleted Saints and with the stamina of eight men and time running out Seal grabbed two late goals, one in the 89th and the other in the 90th minute, to win 4-3.

Goals by B. Martin (2), A. Kermal (2), W. Meade and O. Chicano helped Fleetdown United A to their first victory of the campaign and a 6-1 scoreline over Halstead United Reserves. Barry Grainger netted a consolation goal for the villagers.

Division 1 Round Up - 18/10/08

posted 20/10/08 - Derek Hodge (Sevenoaks & District League)

A very good Orpington 3rd team won the top of the table clash in Division One against Ide Hill winning 2-1 to open up a three point gap with Nick Capon scoring for the Hill while at the other end of the proceedings St. Lawrence Reserves won their first game of the season winning 3-2 against Sevenoaks Weald Reserves.Nick Watson scored a brace of goals for Saints together with a Damien Donoghue goal while Rob Stone and Ryan Gailey netted for Weald.With ten minutes play remaining Weald led 2-1 but as the tension mounted Faraj Rochdi missed a penalty after Watson had levelled and then with four minutes remaining Donoghue grabbed the winner.

Smiths League Cup Round up - 18/10/08

posted 20/10/08 - Derek Hodge (Sevenoaks & District League)

The Smiths League Cup, formerly the Smiths Charity Cup, which was founded in 1920 and for the purpose of providing funds for injured players got under way with First Round Ties. In the Senior section there was a rude awakening for last season’s losing finalists Eynsford who crashed out at the first hurdle going down 5-0 to unbeaten Hildenborough Athletic.Undaunted by a growing injury list and promoting reserve team player Matt Reeves, who had an excellent game, Hildenborough took the lead after just four minutes play. After good work by John Loveday it provided the ideal opportunity for James Ashenden to score.The Eynsford goalkeeper then came to the aid of his team on several occasions making one excellent save to thwart Karl Smith. However, the keeper in parrying a shot by Reeves the ball fell to Smith who promptly planted the ball into the net to give Hildenborough a 2-0 lead. The visitors pressed forward during the second half taking charge and scoring further goals by Smith who thus completed his hat trick and Loveday who chipped the keeper.

Dunton Green and Borough Green United produced a feast of goals before the visitors finally went ahead during extra time to win 7-3, this after the scores had finished level at three apiece, at the end of normal time. Borough went into the ascendency with a three goal advantage but the Green came back to level at three apiece and force the tie into extra time.On target for Borough were Fergus Farmer (4), Dave Read, Dan Bromley and Steve Baker who scored his first goal for the Club.

Sevenoaks Town A overwhelmed visiting Sevenoaks Weald at Greatness Park winning 8-0. Patrick Blackman limped out of the affray early on with an injury and thereafter Weald were always chasing shadows. Joe Creasey netted a first half hat trick then went on to score again in the second half along with Colin Smith, Sam Blythe, Tommy Percival and Colin Sutton. The A team will now face Ightham in the Second Round.

Michael Marshall gave Nomads a first half lead against hosts AW London who came back strongly after the break to win 3-1. Goals by Calvin Headley and Robert Enoch put the home team into the ascendency and with 15 minutes play remaining a Billy Stagg strike put the result beyond doubt.

The Chipstead A and Seal Premier Cup encounter proved to be goal less at the end of extra time. Chances were created at either end of the duration of the tie but none were taken. A penalty shoot-out was then the order of the afternoon and Seal went through narrowly 3-2.

At Tonbridge Farm an action packed tie saw Wilderpark come from behind to defeat Tonbridge Baptist Church 3-1. Baptist Church had the better of the first half exchanges taking the lead after a well worked move down the right flank.The Park had started the tie with a scratched side and when central defender Aaron Terry sustained a bad cut to the head, which resulted from a stud, things looked ominous for them. Terry was able to continue after having his head bandaged and his spirit and determination seemed to work through the entire team.A dreadful defensive error at the start of the second half allowed Mark Taylor to nip in and level the scores. Soon afterwards the Baptist Church keeper brought off a superb save to deny Paul Burgess who was then forced out of the tie with a groin injury.The whole Park team chased and harried with Steve Burgess dominant at the back and eventually the fleet footed Taylor who belies his years, put his side ahead and then went on to complete his hat trick.

A hat trick by Jamie Height helped Kingsdown Racers to a comfortable 7-2 victory over Halstead United Reserves. Also on target were Ben Reader (2), Terry Clark along with Aaron Pearton. The victors play host to St. Lawrence Reserves in the next round.

Eynsford Reserves also progressed in the Competition defeating Fleetdown United A 3-1. Tony Gilham, Tom Wilder and Rob Wilkinson were the marksmen.

For the third time in as many weeks Tonbridge Saracens played out ninety minutes of a match without scoring along with their opponents, one of which were Kingsdown Racers Reserves whom they met on Saturday in the Intermediate section of the Cup. On this occasion extra time proved to be a decisive factor with the holders going through and winning 2-0 thanks to strikes by courtesy of John Welman and Luke Calvert both coming during the first period.

Westerham 3rd crashed 10-4 to Hildenborough Athletic Reserves and the second time this season they have conceded double figures against their opponents. The first half was very much one way traffic despite the fact that the Hammers went ahead with the villagers leading 7-2 at the break. The second half was more evenly contested. For the victors there was a brace of goals each for Andrew Cattanach, Sam Hill, Sean Igglesden and Charlie Ottoway with a single strike coming from Michael Cherry and Chris Hood.

Goals by Jamie Wharram and Ian Leach helped Seal Reserves to a narrow 2-1 success over Old Boars whilst Hadlow Rovers made a successful trip to Sundridge Recreation Ground to defeat Chipstead B 3-1. Watson (2) and Lee Luker scored for Hadlow.

Wilderpark Reserves kept a clean sheet for the fifth week in succession as they saw off the challenge of unbeaten Westerham 4th to win 5-0 at Raleys Field. Dan Loader netted twice and there were individual strikes for James Trick, Chris Gubbins and new signing Will Davis.

Also in the Junior section new boys Swanley Oaks cruised to a comfortable 5-0 advantage over AW London Reserves but in the mid-Kent derby between Ightham Reserves and Potters FC extra time was needed to decide who would go through to the next stage. Ightham Reserves twice went ahead during normal time with credits by Dan Palmer and James Grieve but each time Potters came back to level through Peter de-Kisshazy at the near post and Henry Willard. Extra time failed to separate the two teams and so to a penalty shoot out. All penalties were scored by each team until the seventh round.Defender Keith Larkin buried Potters seventh spot kick and then the hero of the afternoon for the visitors became keeper Martin Kirby who saved Ightham’s seventh attempt.

Despite goals by Spencer King (2) and Robert Morris, Ide Hill Reserves went down 6-3 to Borough Green who chalked up their first victory of the season and in so doing made progress in the Competition.

Division 1 Round up - 11/10/08

posted 13/10/08 - Derek Hodge (Sevenoaks & District League)

There was a much reduced programme in Division One where only three matches were played due to no less than four teams being involved in the County Cup. Orpington 3rd became the top scorers of the day running riot against luckless Halstead United Reserves to win 11-2. The victors thus moved to the top of the table with a superior goal difference over second placed Ide Hill. Peter Smith netted both of Halstead’s credits.

Ide Hill coasted to a comfortable 5-1 victory over hosts Sevenoaks Weald Reserves who are languishing at the foot of the section and still searching for their first win of the season. The Hill move up into second place and if they are able to to maintain their early form may well be promotion challengers.

An early mix-up saw Kingsdown Racers go behind to hosts Seal for whom Joffy Excell netted, a score line which remain until half time. At the start of the second half Jamie Height levelled the scores and for a while the game was delicately balanced. Finally David Kent with a flying header put Racers into the ascendency and a 2-1 advantage.

Division 1 Round up - 04/10/08

posted 07/10/08 - Derek Hodge (Sevenoaks & District League)

Tonbridge Baptist Church, leaders of Division One, maintained their unbeaten record with a narrow 2-1 success over Ide Hill at Tonbridge Farm. A physical game spoilt by the windy conditions stopped Baptist Church from playing the flowing football seen during the past two weeks. The hosts scored in the opening minutes with Mike Potter poking home a Ben Spring corner. Spring made it two following a corner, leaping clear of the Ide Hill defence to head strongly into the net. The second half was more evenly contested with the Hill reducing the deficit with minutes remaining through Mark Roberts.

Seal and Fleetdown United A contested a 3-3 drawn encounter and thus share the points. Fleetdown were quick off the mark taking an early lead. Seal then had the better of the exchanges levelling through John Tebbett before an error by the visiting goal keeper allowed Jon Gasson to score.Fleetdown got an equaliser just before the break and then went ahead just after the break by courtesy of an own goal. Simon Cobden eventually got the equaliser after several blocked attempts as Seal pressed forward.

Goals by Tim Marchant who received the ball in the right channel and then taking the ball passed two defenders before scoring, Paul Scott with a header and Sam Mollah put Chipstead A into a commanding 3-0 lead over Kingsdown Racers at Sundridge Recreation Ground.Joe Sharp reduced the deficit but Scott then struck a low shot into the corner of the net following a free kick. Jamie Height then brought the score line to 4-2 in favour of Chipstead. The visitors had a player red-carded.

Despite a goal by Alistair Brooker, Sevenoaks Weald Reserves slumped to a 3-1 defeat against Orpington 3rd who thus moved up into fourth place in the section whilst Seal and Fleetdown United A shared the points in a 3-3 draw.

At Raleys Field Wilderpark returned to winning ways with a 3-2 advantage over St. Lawrence Reserves. The Park had the wind in their favour during the first half and created a number of scoring chances but had to settle for a simple tap-in goal by Paul Burgess after an excellent run by Joe McLoughlin.Saints came more into the game after the half way mark and levelled the scores when a shot by Nick Watson bounced over the diving Gary Sawyer. Park then scored twice in quick succession both through Mark Taylor, the first when he rounded the keeper and the second, a superb strike from the right. A long lofted ball from the half way line by Danny Taylor eluded not only the Park defence but also the keeper and the ball finally dropping into the net under the crossbar.

A brace of goals by Tim Matthews supported by Jason Blake and Jim Williams helped Eynsford Reserves record their second success of the campaign and a 4-1 win over hosts Halstead United Reserves.

Former TBC player scores on Prem debut

posted 30/09/08

Nathen Sencherey crowned his Sevenoaks Town debut with a goal against Borough Green United. This part of a 4 goal second half turn-around which saw Town notch up a 4-2 victory at Greatness Park. Nathen was even listed as a former Tonbridge Baptist Church player in the official league write-up by Derek Hodge.

Division 1 Round up - 27/09/08

posted 30/09/08 - Derek Hodge (Sevenoaks & District League)

Newly promoted Tonbridge Baptist Church have already set the pace in Division One recording their second victory in succession. On this occasion they returned home from a visit to Wilderpark and Raleys Field with maximum points from a 3-1 advantage. A solid performance by the visitors saw them cruise into an early 2-0 lead during the opening quarter, both strikes coming through courtesy of Dan King. Midfielders Scott Lock and Josh Marshall dominated the middle of the pitch with the former being in particular good form. Mark Taylor reduced the deficit for the Park despite a distinct hint of offside but the visitors restored their two goal advantage before half time. The sunshine and heat took its toll on the players during the second half when play became much slower and sometimes messy. The Park pushed forward at every opportunity but it was the Baptist Church who created the better scoring chances.

A hat trick by Nigel Westwood gave St. Lawrence Reserves a comfortable 3-0 half time lead against Ide Hill. However, the Hill stormed back during the second period led by new boy Nick Capon who notched a hat trick alongside a brace of goals through Spencer King.

A hat trick by Jamie Height was the highlight of Kingsdown Racers 4-2 victory over Orpington 3rd, the three goals coming before the half way mark. The visitors reduced the arrears into the second period, one coming through an own goal by Chris Moon but a goal by Nick Moore finally sealed the points.

Fleetdown United A and Eynsford Reserves produced a thriller with seven goals being produced and the latter getting the odd goal and securing maximum points. Tony Gilham, Tom Wilder and Robert Short were the goal scorers for the visitors along with an own goal.

Chipstead A, after their disappointment of last Saturday when they narrowly lost out to Seal, saw off the challenge of Sevenoaks Weald Reserves to win 3-0. Tim Marchant gave his side a first half lead when he turned on the edge of the 18 yard area to hit the ball beyond the Weald keeper. On 72 minutes Marchant increased his side’s lead with a header from a corner and Paul Scott wrapped up the scoring soon afterwards when he rounded the keeper.

Division 1 Round up - 20/09/08

posted 22/09/08 - Derek Hodge (Sevenoaks & District League)

Ide Hill collected maximum points from a 2-1 victory over Kingsdown Racers. In a well contested game Nick Capon put the Hill ahead but Aaron Pearton levelled to bring Racers back into the encounter. The all important decider came through Chris Newhouse.

Orpington 3rd, whose improved form during the latter part of last season was in evidence, saw off the challenge of visiting Eynsford Reserves to win 4-2, both the visitor’s goals coming by courtesy of Tom Whelan.

A brace of goals by Paul Burgess was the highlight of Wilderpark’s 3-1 away win against Fleetdown United A. It was a good all round performance by the Park whose new signings made an impressive start. Despite this it was central defenders Steve Burgess and Dave Hobby who excelled along with Mark Taylor who scored the other goal.

Tonbridge Baptist Church never looked like losing their away match against Halstead United Reserves finally winning 2-0. A superb first half goal by David Cele put the Baptist Church ahead and but for missed scoring opportunities would have had the game wrapped up by half time. As it was it took a second half penalty by Ben Spring to settle the issue. John Spring, the third Spring brother to feature for the visitors in recent years made an impressive debut.

A very competitive and organised Chipstead side put Seal under a lot of pressure from the off creating numerous chances, but Seal’s defence stayed firm and resolute and played on the counter attack taking the lead through Dan Callingham. Joffy Excell extended the lead on the half hour mark with a long range strike for a 2-0 lead at the interval.Chipstead continued with pressure football, but Seal created the more clear cut chances on the break. Dan Callingham scored his second goal of the game. Seal’s defence finally gave out to a deflected shot by Nathan Butters, beating the excellent Tom Hafford in goal with ten minutes to go and then conceded a second almost on the final whistle.

Christmas Meal

posted 05/12/07

The plan is as follows:

Up to the Half Moon following the two games.

Then people have the choice to head home to get changed to get down to the Man of Kent for 6.30pm.

We can then have a drink in there and head to the Oriental Buffet for some food around 7.30pm. The Buffet is £11.95 per person, drinks to be added to this.

Saturday prayer meetings

posted 08/10/07

Our weekly pre-match prayer meetings are now fully up and running. They take place half an hour before the advertised meeting time and we usually meet at main entrance to TBC.
Everybody is very welcome, if you have any questions then please get in touch.

Dowgate match cancelled

posted 26/09/07

Due to Dowgate Priory pulling out of the league the 1st team do not have a match this week. All players are encouraged to come down to support the reserve team as they take on Ide Hill Reserves at home, 2.30pm Kick off.

4 goal Smith gets TBC off to a flier

posted 22/09/07

Danny Smith netted 4 goals, including 1 penalty, in a confident performance from TBC. St Lawrence fought back from 2-1 at half-time to make the game 2 all which appeared to send a wake-up-call to the Baptist Church as they proceeded to net 4 goals without reply. Daniel King and Phil Hutchinson (on his competitive debut) scored the other 2 in a pleasing performance overall.

Impressive performance sinks local rivals

posted 12/09/07

A strong home performance in the first friendly of the season secured a fine 3-2 victory over neighbours Hildenborough Athletic. Goals from Smith, King and a superb left foot strike by Graham Towner left the 1st division side (who many tipped for promotion this season) wondering how to beat a well organised and relatively clinical TBC.