Kentish Football 
Soccer Shorts: £1,300 raised by Ashford and Welling Legends
Friday 12th November 2010
Click here for tonight’s Soccer Shorts’ articles.
CRAY WANDERERS supporters would like the Ryman League to get their statistics right - when it comes to the goalscoring form of French striker Laurent Hamici.
Cray came away from Kent rivals Maidstone United with a 4-2 win at Homelands Stadium last Tuesday, with Hamici netting his 12th league goal of the season - his 15th in all.
“I’ve sent another message to Goalrun, the people who administer the Isthmian League website, to ask them to change Lauren’s goal tally from the incorrect 11 to the correct to try and keep a beadier eye on his goalscoring in future,” said one fan.
“It’s a good job we’ve got some eagle-eyed supporters around, as we don’t want the Golden Boot wrongly going to another player or football club.”
The fan had a reply from Goalrun and said: “Unfortunately they are now passing the buck to the Isthmian League itself! So, the score appears to be now, if we want Laurent Hamici’s goal tally properly kept up to date then as many of our supporters as possible need to swamp the Isthmian League with requests for them to keep their records up to date.”
The Wands remained in fifth place in the Ryman Premier League table with 25 points from 15 games - and welcome second-from-bottom side Aveley to Hayes Lane tomorrow (3pm).
TONBRIDGE ANGELS have certainly turned the corner following their 4-0 home defeat to Cray Wanderers back on 21 September, with an 11 match unbeaten run.
They began that run with a convincing 7-1 home win over AFC Hornchurch and Tommy Warrilow, who has bolstered his side recently, takes his side to play the Essex club at Bridge Avenue tomorrow.
“I am delighted to announce that Chris Piper has signed a one-year contract with the club,” Warrilow told the club’s unofficial fans’ forum this week.
“We have been talking over the last couple of weeks and Pipes has thoroughly enjoyed playing here and now wants to commit to us.
“This means he can now just concentrate on playing and know he is here for the remainder of this season and hopefully the foreseeable future.
“This news along with Scott Gooding and Lewis Taylor featuring (during the 1-1 home draw with Margate) makes the remainder of the season even more exciting and the squad a lot stronger as we look to knuckle down and concentrate on our long term target.”
MAIDSTONE UNITED manager Andy Ford has been busy during the past week as he brings in fresh blood - and releases players - as he bids to climb out of the Ryman Premier League relegation zone with a trip to Carshalton Athletic tomorrow.
Kane Rice and Joe Goldsmith has both left the club, with Rice moving quickly to re-join his former VCD Athletic manager Paul Foley, who is now at the helm at Chatham Town.
Kane swells the considerable ex-Maidstone United contingent at Maidstone Road. Apart from the management team of Foley and Mark Newson, other ex-Stones include Craig Wilkins, Nick Hegley, Leroy Huggins, Jason Barton and Ray Powell.
Whilst recovering from an ankle injury picked up against Aveley, Antonio Gonnella has decided to hasten his return to match fitness by signing dual registration forms with Kent League side Greenwich Borough.
The midfielder played in the 1-0 defeat against Beckenham Town last weekend, a game that saw Nathan Paul score the decisive goal for Jason Huntley’s side.
One new signing this week is defensive midfield player Cédric Abraham. Cédric, who hails from Guadeloupe, joins from Fisher. However, he has played at numerous clubs since moving to England in 2006.
In France he has played at Bordeaux, Toulouse and Bastia, whilst in England he has played for Hednesford Town, Halesowen Town, FC United of Manchester, Weston-Super-Mare, Swindon Supermarine, Cheshunt and Welling United. Cédric made his Stones debut this week against Cray Wanderers.
Manager Andy Ford has also signed full back Dean Hill on a month's loan from Dover Athletic. His loan period begins with Saturday's trip to Carshalton Athletic. Dean is well known to Steve Butler as he played under Steve when he was a coach at Ramsgate.
In a busy week player movement wise, Danny Lye has also signed for Maidstone. Danny, a midfielder joins from Faversham Town. He has significant experience in Kent football having played previously for Tonbridge Angels, Welling United and Gravesend & Northfleet.
Finally, midfielder Ant Bodle has decided to move away from the club in a search to playe regular first team football. Ant who has played 61 games and scored five goals for The Stones is expected to sign for Whitstable Town.
And experienced campaigner, central defender, Peter Hawkins, has decided to leave the club.
Ford told www.maidstoneunited.co.uk: “I am working tirelessly on bringing in new players now that I have had a chance to see what most of the current squad has to offer. Some of the current personnel don’t appear to be up for it and I need battlers and characters in the side.
“As part of this I have organised a training game next week so I can assess some of the players who have been injured or suspended recently, some of the top end reserve players and some trialists who have been in touch.
“The good news is that I have been able to bring in Dean Hill and Danny Lye this week. I hope that Dean will bring quite a lot to the side and you could see straight away at training last night that he has played at a higher level.
“Like a few of the players we have signed, Dean hasn’t played as much football as I would have liked this season but hopefully he will pick up the pace quite quickly.
“Danny Lye has played fourteen games for Faversham this season so he is match fit and he will add strength to the side. He can play at centre half on the left side or in central midfield so he will add strength and depth to the areas where we are a little bit short.
“Tom Mills, Alex Flisher and Sean Johnson will definitely remain involved with the squad. They have been thrown in at the deep end and they need to be managed carefully so at least through signing some other players I have the options to do now.
“The other bit of news is that James Peacock has developed what looks to me to be a bit of a worrying injury although I am not medically trained. He has a lump on his thigh that is at least the size of a golf ball and although he says he can play I am nervous of that so I want to take a professional approach and make sure he gets some proper treatment.
CHATHAM TOWN manager Paul Foley says he is delighted to be able to work again with 21-year-old winger/full-back Kane Rice.
The exciting player has played for FA Cup giant killers Dover Athletic this season in the Blue Square Bet South before turning out for Ryman League Division One North side Maldon & Tiptree where he played alongside recent Chats signing Craig Wilkins.
Having represented Eire at U14 to U17 level, Kane joined VCD from Maidstone United where he attracted interest from a number of clubs in their promotion winning campaign.
He only played a handful of games in their Ryman North campaign following a lengthy lay off with a knee injury but had impressed in trials for Welling United and Dover Athletic before signing for the Crabble outfit. He left Dover to sign for Maldon before being approached by Peter Nott of Maidstone to sign once again for our Ryman Premier neighbours.
Following a change in management at the Stones, Kane has rejoined his old boss and former VCD team-mates in the new, new-look Chats making it the third signing in a week at Maidstone Road and the 5th in four weeks! Manager Paul Foley had this to say to www.chathamtownfc.net about the latest signing:
“Kane is someone we had down for pre-season who played in our first game at Herne Bay - I was really hoping that he would sign then but he had some really good offers from higher leagued clubs and he went with my best wishes at that time as it was a great opportunity for him.
“We have kept in touch throughout his nomadic journey from Dover to deepest Essex and then back to the County Town and he always knew he would be welcome to come back to us.
“He is another one who is very versatile, has two good feet, plenty of pace and an eye for goal. His set piece deliveries are also very good.
“When we won the Kent League at VCD, Kane was one of our best performers over the course of the season and he is a very good addition for this squad which is very strong now.
“It is a shame it did not work out at Dover or Maidstone but it is good news for us at Chatham. We are once again benefiting from a change in circumstance. I would see this as our last signing and I can safely say I am very happy with the squad now. With Leroy (Huggins), Ray (Powell), Craig (Wilkins), Billy (Shinners) and now Kane (Rice) joining up, the squad is looking really good for the games ahead, I just wish the season started four weeks ago!’
FOLKESTONE INVICTA have pulled off a transfer coup by re-signed striker Allan Tait, who arrives following spells with Dartford, Margate and Horsham this season.
“We like to think Taity and his family are happy to come here but we still face some tricky financial restraints,” said club chairman Mr Lynn Woods this week.
Meanwhile, the Ryman Premier League club are showing Saturday’s big fight between David Haye and Audley Harrison at Stripes, Cheriton Road.
“We’ve paid for the boxing to be shown live. Apologises for the late notice but please come along if you can help boost business,” added the chairman, speaking on the fans' forum on www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk.
MARGATE tackle league leaders Sutton United in Saturday’s Ryman League Premier Division fixture at Hartsdown Park in what promises to be a great game.
When the two sides met at Gander Green Lane six weeks ago, the U’s ran out 2-1 winners.
Sutton are one of just three teams in the division with a lower goals against tally so far this season, and their defensive record away from home is as impressive as their home record, conceding three and five goals respectively.
As for goals scored, 12 different players have scored league and cup goals for the Surrey based side so far this season, with the experienced Richard Jolly leading the pack on six.
The U’s will be without midfielder Tom Davis who serves a one match ban.
Margate come into this match looking for their first win over Sutton in seven attempts, in 15th place in the table, following the midweek 1-1 draw at Tonbridge Angels. Danny Stubbs scored Gate’s first goal in 282 minutes of football.
At the back, the Blues continue to look strong and even with a switch of formation at Longmead defended well for the most part.
Gate have found goals hard to come by since the injury to Shaun Welford, but against Bury and Tonbridge, Iain O’Connell’s side have been getting the ball into the right areas and particularly against the Angels, creating chances.
On the injury front, Welford’s thigh problem looks less serious than initially feared and he could be back in action within a week, although the Sutton match is coming round just too soon for Gate’s leading scorer.
Andy White could come into contention but the Gillingham loanee has yet to find his best form since arriving from the League Two side although emergency centre-forward Craig Cloke worked hard against Tonbridge and had one or two opportunities and could retain his place in the Margate attack. Jay Saunders will be missing through suspension.
Margate are currently one point closer to the relegation zone than the play-off places, and if they are to challenge at the right end of the table, will need to make a move soon. A positive result against Sutton will set the Blues up nicely for a series of games that with the returning Welford, they will fancy doing well in.
WHITSTABLE TOWN have unveiled the signing of striker Lloyd Blackman on the eve of tomorrow’s home game against Walton & Hersham.
It’s manager's Mark Lane’s third signing this week, joining TJ Moncur, 23, and Sam Callandar, 20, as he bids to claw his side out of the Ryman League Division One South relegation zone.
"I have just returned from signing Lloyd Blackman on behalf of Mark Lane," said Gary Johnson, the club’s vice-chairman/secretary, told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.
"Lloyd started his career at Brentford & having completed a 2yr scholarship remained on pro forms for a further 3yrs since when he can be best described as an attacking journeyman; he moved to Farnborough at which time he was included in the England ‘C’ Squad for the trip to Italy (2005) only to pull out injured prior to travelling, subsequent moves to Woking, Crawley and Bromley where he was loaned to Welling prior to playing in the Inter Toto Cup with Welsh Club Llanelli moving onto Maidstone and Margate (last season) and followed his then manager (Mark Butler) to Carshalton from whom he has been registered."
BECKENHAM TOWN boss Jason Huntley was again this week making it clear how important it has been for the club to be back competing in F.A. Competitions.
Talking to www.beckenhamtownfc.co.uk Huntley said: “The difference it makes to us as a club is enormous; there is a completely different feel about the place. We have been fortunate to have had a couple of really good runs.
“Last season (our first back in the Vase after our five year ban) we entered at the extra preliminary round stage and had five matches before losing at Tiptree United in the third round. The whole club felt a huge feeling of disappointment after the Tiptree defeat, especially because of circumstances: the incidents involving spectators marred the game and we didn't do ourselves justice.
“I think the players learnt a lot from that experience and certainly this season our performances in the F.A. Cup (in which we had another five games) have been far more disciplined and focussed.
“We always have the ability to score goals and lately we have been more clinical with our finishing. I was delighted with our 7-3 win over Croydon in the last round, but I expect Saturday's match against Peacehaven & Telscombe to be far tougher. We watched them play Crawley Down and they are a really useful side - its going to be a difficult match, but this is what the Vase is all about".
It doesn't look as though Huntley faces any major injury worries - a few minor knocks sustained in their win over Greenwich Borough last Saturday look to have cleared up and apart from the long term injury to Durrand Jemmott, Huntley has a full squad to choose from.
If the scores are level after 90 minutes on Saturday then there will be 30 minutes extra time played. If its still deadlocked then the replay is next Tuesday at Peacehaven Kick off 7.45pm. The draw for the third round takes place at Wembley Stadium on Monday lunchtime.
FISHER are pleased to announce the signings of midfield pair Philip Hadland and Steven Sallis.
Hadland, 30, returns to the game after a two year hiatus. The player originally began his career with Reading and enjoyed spells with Rochdale, Leyton Orient, Carlisle, Brighton, Darlington and Colchester United from 2000 onwards.
Sallis, 32, was player-assistant manager at Croydon last season and has previous Kent League experience with Hythe Town. The midfielder started out as a professional with Brighton & Hove Albion and moved on to Grays Athletic, Lewes, Burgess Hill and Ashford Town.
Manager Gary Lisney told www.fisher.co.uk: “It’s become apparent that we’ve needed to freshen up the squad of late. We’re a very young side and with Kris (Hollidge) out for the season with injury we’ve missed that extra bit of experience. The signings of Phil and Steve will improve competition for places and we have three more players signing forms in the next few days.”
He added: “I’ve always said that we’re constantly looking to improve the team and hopefully these signings will go some way to reassure our supporters that we’re doing everything we can to stem the run of poor results.
“We’re disappointed to be out of the cups but the spirit amongst the squad remains remarkably strong. Things are not rosy by a long shot but it’s not all doom and gloom either. Recent additions Juan Ramerez and Rob Hughes have done well and I feel we’re slowly building the right squad to ensure we can still have a good season.’
HOLMESDALE will be holding a Race Night on Saturday 4th December.
Entry is £ 5 per ticket with your first drink free!
Horses are available to buy for £ 2.50 with 8 available in each of the 7 races.
Races can also be sponsored for £ 10 a race.
For further details please contact Ross Mitchell (07875 730 862) or Mark Harris (07967 555 890).
HYTHE TOWN manager Scott Porter, 31, has been named Safety Net Associates Kent League manager of the month for October.
Porter guided Hythe to the first round of the FA Cup, the first time a Kent League club has achieved the feat in 53 years.
Last month they achieved two notable scalps, winning at Ryman Premier League Concord Rangers and then defeating Blue Square Bet South Staines Town at Reachfields.
They also progressed in the FA Vase and the Kent Senior Trophy and, despite not playing a league game given their cup interests, Porter was certainly a worthy winner.
The goals of the month winners for October have also been announced with Tunbridge Wells taking the Premier Division honours. The winners in Division 1 and Division 2 were Cray Wanderers and Ramsgate respectively.
SEVENOAKS TOWN boss Keith Levett was full of praise after watching Sevenoaks Town knock local rivals Tunbridge Wells out of the Kent League Premier Division Cup at Culverden Stadium last Saturday.
Speaking to www.sevenoakstownfc.org, he said: "I thought the boys were outstanding and Tunbridge Wells couldn't cope with our movement, possession, and all-round play.
"The score could, and probably should have been more,
“I think Wells have some very good players, but tactically they didn't seem to be able to cope with us. I thought at half-time they would look to change things, but they kept things the same, and that suited us in the second-half.
"It's always a nice feeling to beat the local rivals and I hope that the Sevenoaks supporters enjoyed the afternoon.
"However we know that in the end it's only one game and we must keep moving forward and try to build on this result.
"The boys now know that we more than able to compete against the sides in this league and if we continue to work hard then we will see where this takes us."
Meanwhile, two former Sevenoaks Town goalkeepers have joined new clubs. Simon Overland has joined Ryman League Division One South new-boys Faversham Town, while last season's regular first team choice Sean Funnell has linked up with several other former Town players at Vandanel Kent County League Premierr Division side Lewisham Borough.
Overland who started the season between the posts at Greatness Park made his Faversham debut in the 2-2 draw at Ramsgate last Saturday, and retained his place in the side who beat Chatham 2-1 on Tuesday night. He replaces injured Rob French.
Funnell, who started the season at Lordswood has linked up with the Ladywell Arena outfit, who have former assistant manager Darrell Queeley as player-coach, with ex-captain Adrian Griffiths, Dominic Weston, Jay Garrick and Billy Simpson among the ranks.
Meanwhile former Sevenoaks top scorer Billy Shinners made his first appearance as substitute for Chatham Town at Faversham, after joining last week from Erith Town.
Shinners scored twice for Erith in the 4-0 win against Deal last weekend, and misses out on facing his former club. Chris Walker has also joined Erith, and could be involved this weekend.
OVER £1,300 was raised for charity when Ashford Town and Welling United legends took to the Homelands for the Stuart White Memorial Cup tonight.
Ashford Town – who included club greats Jeff Ross, Nicky Dent and Lee McRobert in their line-up – conceded early but recovered to take in a 5-1 lead to the half-time break.
However, Welling moved up the gears in the second half. Three goals in quick time put them back within striking distance but Ashford Town – with Maurice Munden back between the sticks – held on to take the cup.
Breast Cancer Care and Kasisi Children’s Home were winners too, with the money benefitting these two charities close to the hearts of the White family.
Stadium and events manager Gary Kirton, said: "I would like to thank each and every one of you who braved the weather to support the match. Special thanks go out to the staff who worked nonstop all night."
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