28thmar04A

Sunday 28th March 2004

Bromley's talented youth team players push for a place in first team arena

Derek Parnham, manager of Bromley's under eighteen side, was a delighted man after two of his players made the first team squad as Bromley beat Bracknell Town 4-0 in the Ryman League Division One South at Hayes Lane on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

Youth team skipper, Chris Hill has already tasted first team action this season. The central midfielder was an unused substitute in a 2-1 win over Tonbridge Angels in the Kent Senior Cup in December.

Hill has blossomed with the captain's armband in the Kent Youth League this season following Danny Pearce's departure and admitted he was happy with his nine minute cameo role in the Ryman League on Saturday after replacing former Luton Town player Landry Zahana-Oni.

Hill, who signed Ryman League forms along with striker Andrew Alphonso-Dalhouse on Thursday, said: "I was happy to get onto the pitch but would have hoped for some touches of the ball though. I was running around trying to get the ball, but didn't get any but hopefully next time."

The eighteen-year-old central midfielder from Mottingham, praised his youth team manager Parnham for persuading first team manager Stuart McIntyre to give some of the club's talented youngsters a chance of Ryman League action in a season where the Hayes Lane club must finish in at least seventh place.

Hill added: "Derek Parnham has put in a lot of work to get me up here so hopefully I can do enough in training to show Stuart (McIntyre) I should be in the first team squad.

"It was definitely a good time to come onto the pitch with a 4-0 lead. There was nothing to worry about and I tried to do what I could. Hopefully, next time I can get more of the ball?" he asked.

Hill, however, kept a level head and it was back to the business of inspiring his team-mates in a home game against Ten-Em-Bee on Sunday morning in an important Kent Youth League fixture.

Since the introduction of youth team players into the first team arena, Parnham's side have been in inspired form of late. Players have been looking to perform as they see there is light at the end of the tunnel for the club's talented youngsters and a chance to progress further.

Andrew Alphonso-Dalhouse was persuaded by Parnham to join the club from Queen's Park Rangers and after an unused substitute appearance on Saturday, he kept up his good goalscoring form of late, scoring a brace in the last ten minutes which helped Bromley beat Ten-Em-Bee 2-0.

Parnham was a pleased manager after the game. The Dagenham based boss, said: "Two wins on the trot, something we haven't done all season. It's pleasing again to keep another clean sheet and it's also pleasing to see Andrew Alphonso-Dalhouse score another two goals.

"Since he has been training with the first team squad the confidence is just oozing out of the boy." added Parnham.

Bromley struggled for the first ten minutes but as soon as they got their game together they started to dominate proceedings, but tailed off towards the end of the half, taking their foot of the gas.

An inspiring team-talk during the interval by Parnham, inspired his players to go on and collect the three much needed points as they aim to climb the table. With seven league games remaining, they are confident of doing so.

Parnham replaced wingers Sol Meer and Jack Hicks and brought on Ricky Hill and Dean Carins. Cains has lost his place as goalkeeper to Kunle Lanal in recent weeks, but slotted in midfield and played a part in the second goal.

After the change, however, Bromley dominated the game again and took the lead after 80 minutes. James Falaise's corner was met by Alphonso-Dalhouse, who rose above the defence, to plant a powerful header into the back of the net.

Two minutes later, Bromley re-gained possession and Cairns poked the ball to the unmarked goalscorer and he had no hesitation in rifling a shot past the goalkeeper.

Parnham praised Alan Owens for his composure after a Ten-Em-Bee player swung a punch at the Bromley midfielder. He said: "Their number six swung a punch at Alan, who didn't retaliate and full marks go to him for not reacting."

Goalkeeper Kunle Lanal is another youth team player earmarked for a chance to join up with the first team squad. The shot-stopper has taken over from Cairns in between the sticks recently and has grasped the opportunity with both hands.

Parnham said: "One person stood out for me today and that was Kunle Lanal in goal, who had a tremendous game between the sticks and if he keeps on going the way he is, maybe he will work with the first team in the future."

Parnham revealed why he played substitute goalkeeper Dean Cairns in midfield. He revealed: "Dean hasn't recovered from starting work at Tesco's and where Kunle has been in goal for the last few games, I couldn't replace him because he hasn't done anything wrong. Plus I was short of a couple of bodies today due to injuries."

Speaking about Hill, Parnham said: "I think the Bracknell game bypassed him a little bit but that's something he has got to get used to as the game is a lot quicker, but what he did, I thought he did well.

"He did ok for the youth team today. Since he has been training with the first team and made his debut yesterday, he has grown into the captaincy and he is now starting to influence people on the pitch and also off it."

First team manager Stuart McIntyre wasn't afraid putting Chris Hill into the team in the 81st minute against Bracknell Town.

He said: "I just wanted to put him in the side. I could have put Wade Falana or Andrew Alphonso-Dalhouse on, but I thought Chris is high in confidence at the moment, and it allowed him to get the feel of the pace of the game even though we were winning 4-0.

McIntyre added: "I think at the moment, Chris and Andrew are the pick of the youth team players but we've got to give them a chance and keep them involved and push them hard. You have got to believe they could be the next Adolph Amoako. Adolph is only a youngster and he is a hell of a talent and beginning to blossom. Paul Vines will get a big lift playing with Mark Watson, and the youngsters Andrew Alphonso-Dalhouse and Chris Hill will get a big lift being involved with the first team squad."

Parnham, who doubles up as first team goalkeeping coach and youth team manager, heaped praise on the Scot.

Parnham added: "I would like to praise Stuart McIntyre for the way he has helped me develop my game and that is now coming out with the way I am managing the youth side. His tactics and his man management are second to none. He is the right person for Bromley Football Club and hopefully I can develop myself more under him and hopefully keep involved with the first team because for me this season has been valuable."

Bromley's under eighteen side have brought in a new assistant manager, Bob Falaise. He is a B licensed coach and is also undergoing a sports injury course and will be a valuable addition to the youth set-up for the remainder of this season and for season's to come.

Meanwhile, Abbey Wood based utility player, Jamie Leggett travels to America in June to coach youngsters for three months taking part in a community scheme for Challenger Sports.

Leggett, who regularly watches the first team in action at Hayes Lane, said: "I am going to the States to gain experience to further my education and coaching. I am doing my level two coaching badge at the moment, which after I finish this, will help me move onto level three."

Speaking about the youth team's campaign, the passionate player, added: "At the start of the season I thought we had a fairly settled side, which I thought would challenge for honours. With all the turnaround of players leaving the club, it's been an up and down season."

Leggett, was also an unused substitute in the Kent Senior Cup first team clash against Tonbridge Angels, an experience he enjoyed. He revealed: "It was obviously a good experience, as I am looking to gain first team experience at Bromley and I aim to continue to play well for the youth team to get another opportunity.

"I would mostly like to thank Derek Parnham for taking over as manager from Dave Cairns. He has found my best position, centre half or sweeper, after I played in several different positions at the beginning of the season, which didn't help my form. Also after my first ever red card, Derek has helped me to get back to my form and helped me mentally because I always play with my heart rather than my head, sometimes."

Leggett, would also like to thank his parents, George and Jackie for: "The hard times I've put them through after games this season after getting upset with my or the team's performance." the defender said.

Meanwhile, Bromley's under fifteen's thrashed Sittinngbourne 8-0 away from home, and Bromley's under fouteen's beat Milton Athletic 3-0. Sevenoaks Town, however, beat Bromley's under sixteen's by two goals to one.

Bromley: Kunle Lanal, Tobi Mackinde, Peter Wilcox, Joe Bell, Michael Sibley, James Falaise, Chris Hill, Alan Owens, Sol Meer (Ricky Hill), Jack Hicks (Dean Cairns), Andrew Alphonso-Dalhouse. Subs: Ugur Ozdemir, Danny Cossington.

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