30thapr05

Solid as a rock

WHITSTABLE Town's reserves topped off a great season with a 2-0 victory at Welling United, with both goals being scored by Tom Parker, writes Stephen McCartney.

Speaking about his side clinching the Go Travel Kent League second division title, manager Simon Kay told the club's website: "I am delighted. To lift one of the three major football titles in Kent non-league football is something the lads should feel justly proud of.

"They had done this themselves. Sure I have been a steadying hand on the title as the manager but on the pitch it's the lads who have performed week in, week out with clean sheet after clean sheet.

"We have one game to go and have still only conceded nine league goals all season, which is another remarkable achievement.

"My big problem now is keeping their feet on the ground and making sure we stay tight for the last game on Bank Holiday Monday at Tunbridge Wells."

First team manager Matt Toms, who watched the game, added: "Tom Parker had a great game, took his goals well and never gave the ball away.

"But there was not only Tom who played well, I was very impressed with a number of goof solid performances all over the pitch.

"Defensively Simon (Kay) has these lads well organised, which speaks for itself when you look at the goals conceded.  They are a very solid unit, work hard for each other and deserved to win the league.

"I am dead chuffed for the players and the management who have been superb."

Meanwhile, Bromley have two reasons to celebrate today.  Andy Silk's reserve side secured promotion to division one alongside Whitstable following their 2-1 win over Chatham Town.

This was the same day as their first team secured a place in the Ryman League Division One play-offs - they host Metropolitan Police on Tuesday night in the semi-final at Hayes Lane.  Mark Tompkins' first half penalty was the only goal scored in their 1-0 win at Banstead Athletic.