Soccer Shorts: Brickies early Christmas present to fans

Friday 04th December 2009

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GILLINGHAM manager Mark Stimson has questioned referee Andy D'Urso's decision not to delay the kick-off of Tuesday's 3-1 defeat at Leyton Orient.

Traffic problems around Brisbane Road meant that Stimson had to start with the first 11 players that arrived.

"The referee was demanding the team sheet and I had three players on the tube," Stimson told BBC Radio Kent.

"I gambled and put two in the 11. It would have been nice to delay the kick-off but that didn't affect the result."

Gills players were asked to make their own way to the game rather than the squad travelling together on a team coach.

"A lot of the boys live this side of the water (River Thames) so they could get here direct," added Stimson. "It saves on a coach and expenses.

"The other nine boys were travelling from the Kent area and unfortunately got delayed and it changed our preparations.

"It probably would've helped us if the whole team were together. Then they'd have had to put up with us when we got here."

Stimson was required to submit his team an hour before the 7:45pm kick-off, but was denied a delayed start because the Gills had the seven players required to begin the game.

"I was standing there at 46 minutes past and he (D'Urso) was standing by my shoulder demanding it.

"I couldn't make contact with the players on the tube to make sure it wasn't held up."

But Mr D'Urso defended his decision not to push the game back, saying that there is no jurisdiction to delay a kick-off to allow players time to arrive at a ground.

"I consulted the safety officer and the stadium manager," said Mr D'Urso.

"The advice I was given by them was that there was no reason, from a safety point of view, to delay the kick-off.

"As long as a team has the minimum number of players available to start a game, the game should start at the specified kick-off time."

Leyton Orient manager Geraint Williams said he sympathised with Gillingham and that his side did as much as they could to help.

"Preparations were disrupted for both sides," Williams told BBC London 94.9. "We just set our minds on preparing properly and making sure we were ready to start the game on time.

"I don't know what the rules are on delaying the game and I don't know why they didn't get here on time.

"We made sure they had all the equipment they needed and helped as much as we could."

To compound Gillingham's misery, their kit did not get to Brisbane Road on time and they were forced to play in Orient's away strip.

"The fact that we've had to borrow kit and the shambolic nature of our build up brings no credit to us whatsoever," said Gillingham fan and BBC Radio Kent summariser Peter Lloyd.

Stimson later admitted that his players could all have to travel on the team coach to future away games.

Stimson told BBC Radio Kent: "We made the decision to travel individually and nothing's been made of that before.

"But if we've learned anything from this match, it's that we'll have to meet at a central point in future."

But he defended the club's decision to tell the players to make their own way to the match.

Stimson said: "Dennis Oli lives two miles from Leyton Orient's ground, what was the point of making him travel 10 or 15 miles to meet the coach?"

EBBSFLEET UNITED defender, Charlie Read, has signed for Ryman Premier side Margate on loan.

Read, 19, joined the Fleet from Millwall in the summer but, apart from featuring among the first-team substitutes, he has not managed to break through to a full debut. He also spent a month on loan at Bromley during November.

The loan period is for 28 days and will conclude on 2nd January 2010. In the meantime, Butler will continue to track other potential signings and the former Ashford Town (Middlesex) boss remains hopeful of making further announcements over the coming days.

Margate boss Mark Butler is expected to name Read in the squad to face Harrow Borough this weekend.

Former Fleet PASE striker Dan Stubbs is also on Margate's books.

DOVER ATHLETIC boss Andy Hessenthaler faces an injury crisis for tomorrow’s trip to Bromley in Blue Square South.

“It’s another tough game for us,” Hessenthaler told www.kentishfootball.co.uk. “What will make it even harder for us, we go into the game with only 12 fit players so we will be tested to the full, but we still go there confident we can win the game.”

FOLKESTONE INVICTA boss Neil Cugley has just enjoyed a very good week managing the Cheriton Road club.

The Seasiders boss saw his side complete a hat trick of victories on Tuesday night when they defeated Kent rivals and bogey side Ramsgate 3-1, whilst he has also been announced Ryman Division One Manager of the Month, with his side sitting proudly at the top of the League – three points clear and a game in hand on second placed Worthing.

“Absolutely delighted, we have done ever so well”, he told www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk.

“It's a great credit to the players; the attitude they've shown and the effort they've put in has been superb.

“You think what went on a year ago and it's even more pleasing. We put in a lot of young lads and they had to learn very quickly and look how well they've done. What they've done better as well is to show the confidence to get the ball down and play and we've tried to give them that confidence and they've done that tremendously.

“During the summer months a lot of things were flying about like whether we'd even be here. We came through it and I have to say whilst it was my most difficult period in management, it has also been one of the most pleasing times. As a playing side, their attitude, commitment and work rate is the best I've had at Cheriton Road – you could not ask for more.”

And on winning manager-of-the-month award, Cugley replied, “To win that you need great consistency and the players have shown just that, week in week out. They've dug in and shown what they're about, even in difficult games we've stuck in there and got a late goal and we've come through.”

Asked on what the reward is for winning the accolade the gaffer admitted, “I'm not actually sure! Jim (Ward) was saying on Tuesday night that you get some sort of voucher but I'll be donating mine to Micky Dix as he has been alongside me and he doesn't get the credit he deserves.

“He quietly gets on with his job and has been a great help to me. He puts a lot of time in people don't realise for very little reward and he's been spot on. If there's things I can do, I'd like to do it for him”.

Victory on Tuesday night against Ramsgate sent Folkestone fans home in justifiably high spirits in a keenly contested match against a typically physical display from their opponents.

Cugley said: “They're always big and strong and to be fair they play to their strengths and for a few years they were very good at it. I think they'll be the first to say they haven't quite got the quality they had two or three years ago but they're still a very hard team to play against. They were on a good run and it was always going to be a difficult game”.

Cugley added: “Jim (Ward) said afterwards he was amazed at how well we played first half and the work rate and effort we put in. Second half they did bombard us for a little while. Their equaliser was disappointing and we've lost a marker and it's a free header and Schulz is good in the air. I couldn't really see them scoring any other way and I thought overall we gave away too many set plays and they are strong on them when the big lads are sent up and they can cause problems.”

The third goal was one of the most bizarre goals seen at the Cheriton Road in a long time.

With seven minutes left of play remaining, the Ramsgate goalkeeper (Sam Mott) went up to Folkestone's penalty box for a corner and Pete Williams was left alone on the halfway line.

“I don't think Jim was very happy! I personally wouldn't send the goalkeeper up that early but once he has gone up surely you have got to mark the man that's left on his own? To be fair to Jack Delo he has done brilliantly; he has come for the corner, caught it and not just kicked it but thrown it out to Pete and he done the rest and killed the game which was lovely for us.”

Whilst managers in the Premier League always seem to fuss and fight, here in Kent, managers are more dignified towards each other, showing respect, as Cugley explained. “Me and Jim spoke afterwards and he's always been alright. I think all people see is a loud Scotsman shouting on the sidelines! But he is a very genuine person and will always shake your hand afterwards and talk.

“We must speak once a week or so to see what's happening around the football circuit. Obviously as a manager you're not very happy when you lose but it makes a change for me to beat him! In the past we have had stick for losing to them but they are a good side and I think the three players that went to Dover have gone straight up the leagues with them and it shows how good players they were”.

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s trip to Horsham YMCA, Cugley should have a few major injury worries.

Striker Simon Austin who limped off on Tuesday night is expected to be fit for Saturday.

“Again I think he (Austin) is another lad who wasn't getting the credit he deserves but the last few games I think you can see how important he is to us,” said Cugley.

“He has scored some goals and was involved in two of the goals against Burgess Hill and when he went off on Tuesday I didn't feel we were the same side because of his ability to keep the ball up there.”

Jimmy Dryden is nearing a return to action and sees the specialist again today.

“We're not rushing it, we want a Jimmy Dryden who is fully fit. We don't want to just put him back in, we tried that before and it didn't work. He might be on the bench properly on Saturday, maybe the following week but we won't be rushing it. Hopefully Simon will be alright and with James Everitt playing so well we're not needing to rush things.”

The younger of the Everitt brothers picked up another man of the match award on Tuesday night and has been in fine form and was a constant menace to Ramsgate.

“He has done brilliantly. Since he has come back from injury I think he is playing like Leigh Bremner did for us and you do need a player like that who will chase lost causes, drop back into midfield when need be and he has done ever so well.

“In the past I think he lacked consistency but I'm hoping he can keep this level of consistency up and I see no reason why he can't do that. His hold up play has been a lot better too. As they say football is always about opinions but you can't deny that for the effort he has put in he hasn't deserved those awards.”

The manager also disclosed he is in talks to bring in another player, possibly by next weekend. Folkestone also play away at Lordswood in a friendly next Tuesday.

“He is a YTS and we'll be speaking with him tomorrow. In the friendly I'll be trying different things and giving lads like Craig Thompson, Jonny Driscoll, Luke Stonebridge and Pete Williams time on the pitch where they haven't played much lately. We're having a look at a couple of other lads as well and whilst we haven't got the finances to bring anyone they might want to come down and give it a go”.

CHATHAM TOWN welcome second placed Worthing to Maidstone Road tomorrow with boss Alex O'Brien in optimistic mood despite having lost skipper Richard Avery, assistant manager Lew Watts and David Hall through suspension.

The Chats broke a run of four successive defeats by winning 3-1 at Metropolitan Police last weekend - a win that the manager is convinced had something to do with the kit that his side wore.

In an interview to be published in tomorrow’s official match day programme, O’Brien said, “We as a side were very good on the day – was it the nice pitch? Was it the chance to get one over the Police? Was it that we went down to ten men and knew that we had to work even harder? Or was it the reason in which I believe the lads stepped up to the plate!!!

“And you wont believe this - when the kit arrived in the changing room on Saturday, the players all started to get ready in the normal fashion. Then one by one the lads all started noticing that the shorts had shrunk… and then the socks AND the tops? It was like the youth teams strip. After a moments moaning, they all started to like it?!?!? I’m sure the tight shorts where to the personal fit for some...

“Still, all joking aside, it was a much-needed win and a win I thought we thoroughly deserved. In fact I believe that we deserved something from the Fleet game AND Ramsgate game!!! It just shows you what I’ve been saying now for weeks – in this league, everyone is beating everyone!"

SITTINGBOURNE chairman Andy Spice has announced that there will be free entry for the home game to be played on Saturday, 12th December, when Fleet Town visit Bourne Park for a Ryman League Division One South fixture.

With average crowds at Bourne Park down to 136, chairman Mr Spice has acted now before it’s too late.

“It is hoped that new supporters will be attracted as the club cannot survive in it’s present form on the current income generated,” said Mr Spice, in a brief statement on www.sittingbournefc.co.uk.

THE Bulmers Cider Kent Football League were informed of the latest development by the Football Association regarding Step 6 football in Kent at the end of last week.

The FA's league committee met earlier this month and have stated: "We should pursue the establishment of a Step 6 "division" in Kent and that in order to achieve this either a merged competition between the Kent League and the Kent County League or a newly established competition be formed which would create at least a Step 5, Step 6 and Step 7 competition within the County."

In welcoming the news, Bulmers Cider Kent League chairman Denise Richmond said in a statement: "It's another positive step forward on the road to securing Step 6 football in the region.

"We're fully behind the FA's plans and will be keen to work closely with them in the coming weeks and months. The sole aim of this project is to improve football in Kent and this latest development will only help that objective."

The FA have told the league that they will be sending out questionnaires to clubs in the near future, before creating a Kent Football Steering Group who will be tasked with taking this matter forward to the next step.

Ms Richmond added that the League will also keep clubs updated as and when we receive information from the FA.

HERNE BAY have announced that Jake Gess has signed for the club, from Simon Halsey’s previous club, Whitstable Town.

Meanwhile, not related to the midfielder’s arrival, Andy Forster has left the club and is expected to join up with ex-Bay boss Jason Lillis at Lordswood.

The Winch’s Field club said in a statement, issued on www.hernebayfc.net, “The manager, and all Bay supporters will want to wish him well and thank him for his service to the club and his outstanding attitude throughout his time with us.”

ERITH TOWN’S reserves take on Tooting and Mitcham in the London Intermediate Cup at Erith Stadium tomorrow (3pm).

The visitors are the holders and Erith will be keen to make amends following defeat in last week's Kent equivalent.

HYTHE TOWN boss Scott Porter says the signing of striker Michael Yianni will benefit his side as they bid to climb up the Bulmers Cider Kent League table.

Porter’s men are presently in sixth place in the table, with 18 points from 10 games, but have games in hand over all the five sides that are above them.

They were held to a goal-less draw by local rivals Deal Town in midweek, a game that was delayed for half-an-hour due to a floodlight failure at Reachfields Stadium.

“I am quick to criticise the players and, conversely, should give praise when it is due,” Porter told www.hythetownfc.co.uk.

“I am delighted with their attitude over the last few games, since that Norton Sports setback. They have shown great character, have taken messages on board and everyone has done really well.”

Looking ahead to their home game against Tunbridge Wells tomorrow, Porter added, “Having said that, we haven’t done anything yet, so we can’t get carried away. We can’t lose sight of the fact that we need three points every time we go out there, given the position we are in - a position we made for ourselves by dropping points earlier in the season.”

Porter added: “There was a bit of a shake-up after Norton, with some players going and others coming in. The signing of Mike Yianni has been important and he has made an immediate contribution.”

SEVENOAKS TOWN boss Simon Jones took advantage of the first team's Bulmers Cider Kent League Premier Division game against Norton Sports being postponed by watching the reserves 4-0 win over Erith Town in the Kent Intermediate Cup last weekend.

Victory puts them in the last eight of the county cup competition, and Jones, speaking to www.sevenoakstownfc.org said: "It was a good performance and a thoroughly deserved win over a strong Erith side.

"John Phillips and Antony Pace did well, and youngsters like Jack O'Conner, Joivan Wade and Joe Wood stood out.

"We pruned back the reserve team numbers earlier in the season, and the squad is developing into a good unit and a strong team, providing real competition for first team places. It's exactly what we are about as a club."

Meanwhile, Sevenoaks travel to Sittingbourne’s Bourne Park ground on Tuesday, 15th December, to take on Vandanel Kent County League minnows Milton & Fulston United in the second round of the Kent Senior Trophy.

Milton & Fulston United groundshare with the cash-strapped Ryman League Division One South club.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS boss Martin Larkin says he is targeting a top-eight finish this season.

The Wells suffered a 3-0 defeat at Corinthian in midweek and travel to Hythe Town tomorrow for another Kent League fixture.

“The run had to end at some point,” Larkin told www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk. “With such a young side, we were never going to go the rest of the season unbeaten - we just now have to challenge ourselves to start again. What’s important is that we learn from the defeat and make sure our recent form isn’t laid to waste.”

Larkin and his side have two big challenges coming in the form of an away-day at title hopefuls Hythe, and then the visit of Herne Bay in the Kent Senior Trophy the weekend after.

“Hythe are a very good side," said Larkin. "They’re well constructed and looked after, but we are due a bit of luck down there on the coast to be honest. Herne Bay should certainly get a reaction from our guys following the league game at our place early in the year. There’s plenty we need to prove against them.

“If the results don’t go our way, though, we do have the character in the side to get a good reaction - but I am confident in the boys that we may surprise a couple of people in the next two weeks.

“We will be giving them a tactical game-plan to execute in both matches, and we will work hard in training. Especially now, it is important that one defeat isn’t exaggerated. We didn’t get carried away after the early season defeats, and we won’t now either. We didn’t think we were title-winners after the Greenwich win, and we don’t think we are an awful side after Tuesday’s game. We just need to keep learning and make sure the experience shapes us in the future.”

Once Hythe and Herne Bay are out of the way, The Wells will have one final game for the year, at home to Greenwich Borough, which should take them exactly to the mid-way milestone in their fixtures for Season 2009/10. So what would be on Larkin’s Christmas wish-list come December 25th?

He replied: “We would like to have maintained our position in the Top eight, which will allow us to kick on after Christmas as we continue to learn from our wins and mistakes.”