Soccer Shorts: Cray Valley striker Chris McGinty trains with England squad

BEARSTED boss Tony Cornwell says his side’s home form has helped them climb to second place in the Kent Invicta League table.

The Honey Lane club have collected 22 points from their opening ten games and are three points behind Phoenix Sports, who have a game in hand.

Cornwell said: “Our current home form has been superb with five wins and a draw against Phoenix, a game that we should have also won but circumstances on the day went against us and we were unable to claim victory.

“We have scored 35 goals at home and conceded only six.”

The Bears travel to Crockenhill tomorrow, a side that have vastly improved this term and lie in sixth-place.

Cornwell wants his side to replicate their home form on their travels.

He said: “Our away form needs to improve however as on our travels we have won two and lost two in the league scoring five and conceding five.

“We are expecting another tough game Saturday against an improved Crockenhill side from last season and need to secure victories in both our away fixtures in October to keep pressure on the other top sides.”

Cornwell was pleased with his side, despite losing 2-1 at Kent League side Canterbury City in the Kent Senior Trophy in midweek.

“Despite not having all players in the squad available, we gave a good account of ourselves and probably deserved a draw on the night,” he said.

“We are still not at full strength on Saturday but have a good squad, well supported by our first year under-18 players who have been adapting to the challenge of first team football at this level really well.

“On our day we are a match for any side in this league home or away and if we can avoid too many long term injuries especially to key players I am convinced we will be in the shake-up at the end of the season.”

CHATHAM TOWN secretary Henry Longhurst has explained why the club’s game at Witham Town tomorrow will be kicking off an hour earlier than normal at two o’clock.

Mr Longhurst revealed Witham Town’s chairman contacted him last weekend to bring the kick-off forward due to a problem with their floodlights at Spa Road.

Mr Longhurst told www.chathamtownfc.net: “I received a phone call last Sunday morning from Tony Last stating that they had a lightening strike hit their floodlights and that it has blown out their whole system, to the cost of £3,000 and would you believe it, the Insurance company have said it’s an act of god and so no payment.

“Due to this the kick off will be 2:00pm. This has been agreed with the League. With the night’s drawing in and if there was inclement weather, it is possible the game could finish in near darkness if kicking off at 3:00pm.”

Meanwhile, the Medway club would like to remind their fans that they will be playing Harrow Borough at home in the Ryman League Cup Second Round next Monday, 15 October (7:45pm).

CORINTHAIN boss Matt Longhurst says he is continuing giving youngsters a chance to make their mark in the Kent League.

The Gay Dawn Farm outfit thrashed Fisher 6-1 at home earlier in the season and the two sides meet again at Champion Hill tomorrow.

Corinthian lie in the bottom six in the Kent League table, with two wins and three draws from their opening eight games, but Longhurst admitted he measures success as to giving kids’ a chance to shine at the club.

“We are looking forward to the game Saturday against a team that will also be full of young players trying to pass the ball on a very good pitch at Dulwich Hamlet, which should suit the way we play,” said Longhurst.

“Much has been made of the way certain teams play and I firmly believe in the way we want to play.  That’s not saying I don’t agree with how others want to set up but that’s not for me the remit at Corinthian is very different from other clubs in the league such as we don’t pay any money at all and try and bring players through rather than bring in loan players from other clubs. Although having said that when necessary we will.

“Saturday will see a full debut for 16-year-old Dan Bent, who has impressed in the Ryman youth team and also the reserves and has featured in the first team already.”

Corinthian were knocked out of the Kent Senior Trophy last weekend, when they were defeated by Kent Invicta League side Bridon Ropes.  The Charlton based side won 5-3 on penalties after the game finished all square at 1-1 after extra time.

Longhurst reflected: “Following on from last week’s disappointing result losing on penalties we are actually unbeaten in five games now in 90 minutes.  We’ve had a fairly good run in the league drawing with VCD, Woodstock after being 2-0 down, beating Fisher 6-1 and beating Canterbury 4-1.”

But Corinthian have one of Kent’s leading goalscorers at the club and Longhurst said: “We’ve seen the emergence of Alfie May who is now holding his own in the league with nine goals already this season who has come through the reserve team set up.

“Last Saturday we finished with a 16, 17 and 19 year old in midfield so yes of course we aim to be competitive but if we can progress year on year playing the way we want to play these young players will only benefit.

“It’s enjoyable working on the training pitch with the same group of players each week and the younger lads Ben Wilson, Matt Holder, Josh James, Jamie Blunden, Dan Bent and Alfie May, along with further players in tomorrow’s squad. Jack Mahoney and Jack Howlett are all under 20-years-old.

“Our problem has been this season I feel the senior players have let the younger ones down and they have been told so this week.  They need to lead the youngsters on the pitch and we’re very careful what sort of senior players we bring in being mindful the role they play in the younger players futures.

“With that in mind I have brought in Sam May, a centre forward who’s played for me before at Slade Green and Chatham Town as well as winning the Kent League with VCD under Paul Foley so he will bring the right leadership qualities to go alongside Lee Barnett, Ryan Johnson, Jim Lyons, Lee Woodyard and Joe Minter as a whole the season has been slightly disappointing in terms of some of the results but we lost Ryan Johnson against VCD. Lee Barnett is injured. Rob Denness has work commitments at present and with no budget and such a young squad they are sorely missed.

“But this has given the younger players a chance and they are taking it with both hands and I’m excited about watching us play Saturday with no fear taking the game to Fisher and see how we go.  Of course, we’re setting up to win and the team I put out will be one I feel can win the game but the long term plans are in place the structure is in place now to grow and move forwards and it’s a great place to be at the moment.

“The aim is to do better than last year where we finished seventh. If we achieve that, then we have improved which is what we need to do success is measured differently at every club in every league seeing a 16 year old home grown player make his debut in the Kent League to us is certainly success in its self him being part of a winning team is even more so.”

CRAY VALLEY (PAPER MILLS) manager Steve Chapman has revealed that striker Chris McGinty, 20, misses tomorrow’s home game against Ben Taylor’s Woodstock Sports because he is at an England training camp in Burton.

McGinty has hit the headlines with the Eltham-based Kent League club this season with his goalscoring form this season, after arriving from Bromley’s Academy set-up.

Chapman revealed that he paid for a yellow card that McGinty picked up in an exciting 4-4 draw at Erith & Belvedere on 25 September because the striker didn’t hear the referee’s whistle after being caught offside  due to his deafness.

Chapman said: “I’m really pleased with McGinty’s development this season and he loves playing for Cray Valley, which is a bonus for me.

“He’s training at England’s new training facility at St George’s so it will be a great experience for him.”

Michael Bishop and Kevin Lott, who played with Darren Anslow at Sevenoaks Town last season, and Danny Hunt are in line for a call-up against eleventh-placed Woodstock Sports.

Looking forward to the game at Badgers Sports Ground, Chapman said: “After our set back against Erith Town I’m looking forward to getting back to winning ways to maintain our impressive start to the season.

“A few injuries have provided early opportunities for new signings Michael Bishop and Kevin Lott and with Chris McGinty away training with the England Partially Disabled team, Danny Hunt will get his first start.  Not a bad replacement!

“Despite our poor display against Erith Town we remain positive and I’m a believer that you learn more in defeat sometimes than winning.

“We have worked hard over the past two weeks on certain areas of the game where we know we need to improve and we’ll see over the next two games if the players have taken it all in.”

Chapman’s side have won five and drawn two of their opening ten games this season and are nine points adrift of leaders Erith & Belvedere, who are in FA Vase action tomorrow.

Chapman said: “Our aim is to finish as high as we can this season and I want to build a team whereby we get a reputation as a club that no one wants to play against.  Personally I don’t think we are far away!”

CRAY WANDERERS have unveiled that striker Paul Vines has returned to the club after leaving Carshalton Athletic – and he is looking forward to playing in the same side as his older brother, defender Joe, at Enfield Town tomorrow.

Vines, who has also played for Bromley, was one of a number of players released by The Robins over the past week as the club announced the tightening of its first team budget.

"It was disappointing to have parted with Carshalton after spending over a year there with a good bunch of team mates," says Vines, who started his career with Cray Wanderers.

"All the players at the club were desperate to turn things around results-wise for the management, staff and fans, but it wasn't to be. Carshalton aren't the first club, and certainly won't be the last, to review and manage playing finances. I just hope I'm remembered as someone who gave The Robins my best every game."

The striker, who hit a total of 30 goals in 64 appearances for Carshalton, believes that his goalscoring record helped him to secure a move quickly after his release.

Vines told Cray Wanderers’ website: "A few clubs did get in touch but, in the end, it boiled down to Cray and one other side. The Wands are one of my local clubs, plus my brother also plays for there, so in the end both those things helped sway my decision.

Vines has played alongside his brother Joe, a centre back who is currently in his second spell with Wanderers, before.

"We played together at Tooting and Mitcham in the past, so it has come full circle," he said.

"We have no problems being critical of each other, but we are also aware of all the positives our relationship can foster, so he was keen for me to join. We enjoyed some great times at Tooting, including an FA Cup first round proper fixture, so hopefully we'll be able to make some more happy memories at Cray."

To balance the books, the Hayes Lane based club have confirmed that Gareth Williams and Matt Pooley have been released and defender John Guest, who has been away through work commitments, has gone out on loan at Ryman League Division One South side Whitstable Town.

EBBSFLEET UNITED are planning a Kids for a Quid promotion on Non-League Day and a special offer for season-ticket holders of Premiership and Championship clubs, when Alfreton Town visit Stonebridge Road tomorrow.

1) Kids for a Quid – 5 to 12 years old, when accompanied by paying adult, unaccompanied children will be charged the normal match day price of £5.

2) £10 Premiership and Championship Season Tickets Holders – Admission at £10 subject to presenting Season Ticket and at EUFC discretion.

With England playing San Marino tonight, there are no Premier League or Championship fixtures on the corresponding weekend, meaning hundreds of thousands of fans are without a game to attend.

Rather than miss out on a live match, Non-League Day aims to encourage fans of these clubs to watch their/a local non-league side play, providing a much needed boost to grassroots football and an alternative matchday experience which many will be unfamiliar with.

MyFC members are also making plans to attend the game on this day when many of their other teams won’t be playing. Those who can’t make it will be following the match online. MyFootballClub offers a unique way to get involved in Non- League Football. To celebrate Non-League Day and encourage more people to join we are offering membership at 40% discount at £30. The offer is open to new and current members, and will be available one week before and after the day (6th to 20th October). Take up the offer and be part of Non-League Football, Join at www.myfootballclub.co.uk.

Jessica McQueen, Ebbsfleet United Chairman, told www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk: “Non-League Day is a real opportunity to showcase how exciting life can be at this level of football. You only have to look at how successful clubs that get promoted to the next level are to see that there is no real difference in the standard of football played. When you also consider that many of the players are also holding down other work, it makes the level of fitness and commitment even more to be admired.”

And Keith Handley, the chairman of MyFootballclub, added: “The Society feels it is important to support Non-League Day in an attempt to boost the attendance for the Alfreton game and then hopefully some may return to for some future Fleet games.

“The Kids for a Quid promotion is important for the club to build the next generation of Fleet fans. We are trying to get a meet up of members of MyFootballclub.co.uk on the day, and I personally am looking forward to meeting a member from Finland who is flying over for the game.

“The people at www.nonleagueday.co.uk should be congratulated for running this annual promotion of Non-League football.”

Meanwhile, midfielder Ashley Carew, 26, has returned to Ebbsfleet United and goes straight into the squad tomorrow.

Carew was a key figure in the Fleet’s promotion from the Blue Square Bet South in 2010 – 2011 but left Stonebridge Road for Cambridge United before the Fleet took their place in the Premier Division. The former Gillingham, Barnet and Bromley player moved on to Carshalton but left the Robins earlier this month.

Fleet boss Liam Daish told www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk: ““I am delighted that Ashley is back with us. “He did a great job when we got promoted and we will benefit from his creativity in midfield. He was keen to re-join us and his arrival, along with Louie Soares, has added a buzz around the place.”

FISHER  boss Steve Firkins reflected on his season so far and would like a positive outcome when Matt Longhurst beings his Corinthian side to Champion Hill Stadium tomorrow.

The Fish lost the first League game between the two sides 6-1 earlier in the seasont and Firkins would like his side to bounce back from that when the two sides meet again tomorrow.

The Fish lie in the bottom four in the Kent League table, while Corinthian are two places above the south Londoners.

Firkins, who is the manager of the second largest supported club in the Kent League, said: “Since our thrashing at Corinthian back in August we have had a better attitude and have been playing pretty well although results weren’t going our way and we suffered narrow defeats to Beckenham and Erith & Belvedere and beat Cray Valley away, but then we let ourselves down badly against Lordswood, which forced me into rethinking our squad.

“We brought in three lads and started using a young lad from our Academy and although we hadn’t won the next two against Canterbury and Deal there was a marked improvement from the Lordswood fiasco.

“We are probably enjoying our best run so far so tomorrow’s game is another test of our character to try and continue that run. 

“The team has changed quite a bit since that 6-1 defeat but there are a few survivors in the squad who will want to put things right.

“Our discipline has improved over the past month and that was part of the reason we performed so poor at Gay Dawn Farm but Corinthian were excellent and deserved their win.

“I was just relieved that it ended as it did as it could have been a lot worse. I’ve never been involved in any game where a team of mine has competed so poorly. Let’s hope it never happens again!”

Meanwhile, Fisher are offering special offers for Millwall season ticket holders, members of Supporters Trusts and volunteer Olympic and Paralympic Games Makers for tomorrow’s game for a reduced admission fee of just £3.50 - and as always you can bring children under 16 years old to the game for FREE.

A club statement on the club’s website www.fisherfc.co.uk  said: “This summer, the commitment, dedication and positivity of the volunteer Games Makers helped make the 2012 Olympic Games truly special.   

“At Fisher we want to recognise this incredible spirit by inviting Games Makers to Non-League Day with us. Fisher are volunteer-run – pretty much everyone you see on match day, every director, and all those working behind the scenes do their job without pay. And we like to think that at Fisher you also experience a little bit of that positive attitude and community spirit that London saw just a few weeks ago – if you’re lucky, the Chairman might even high-five you on your way out of the stadium!

“Sadly we can’t offer a discount to everyone. But if you’re not in one of those groups, please do come along to the game anyway. Our standard admission is just £7, and you will experience a pleasant change from the over-priced, over-hyped ‘product’ that you see on Sky while still watching some very skilful and dedicated footballers playing their hearts out for the love of the game. And what’s more, you are free to enjoy a beer on the terrace as you do so!”

HERNE BAY are enjoying a decent start to their inaugural Ryman League Division One South campaign and travel to newly-promoted side Three Bridges tomorrow.

Simon Halsey’s side came away from Chipstead with a 2-2 draw in midweek and face the Sussex County League title winners sitting in fifth-place in the table with 13 points from 9 games and only three points behind leaders Folkestone Invicta.

Only seven points separate second-placed side Walton & Hersham to second-from-bottom team Horsham so there’s plenty to play for.

Assistant manager, Hugo Langton, said: “It’s early days but the league is tight at the moment. We’re happy enough with our start, as will be Three Bridges who, like us, have come into the League.

“We feel we can match anyone on our day and to get a result tomorrow first and foremost we need to better their work rate.

“To beat us they’ll have to play well for 95 minutes tomorrow. Mental strength is important in football especially when things aren’t going your way.”

Reflecting on their midweek draw, Langton said: “Not for the first time on Tuesday we came from behind to get points.  People say we were lucky to get a point the other night but I’m not having that!  We kept going at two down and we battered them at times and eventually got our reward.

“I think people tend to think you nicked something if you score late on, but a draw was fair and huge credit must go to the players as they never gave in.”

HOLLANDS & BLAIR boss Paul Piggott takes his side to Orpington tomorrow sitting in third-place in the Kent Invicta League.

The Gillingham outfit have collected 21 points from their first nine league games and are only four points adrift of leaders Phoenix Sports.

Early leaders Orpington have slipped down to find themselves in the bottom six, but Piggott expects a tough game at Green Court Road.

He said: “We’re looking forward to our game at Orpington as we didn’t have one last Saturday due to us not being in the Kent Senior Trophy this year.

“We had a good performance and result at a decent Crockenhill side that had a goalscorer in form.

“When you have a result like that you want to play again quickly but it wasn’t to be.

“Orpington have had a mixed bag of results so going there we’ll first have to get a foothold in the game to get the result we’ll be looking for.

“The lads are just starting to settle down into some sort of pattern after our two losses to Ashford and Bridon Ropes.  We were conceding too many goals so we changed our formation a little and started to look stronger defensively.

“We need to keep the pressure on the teams in front of us and you only do that by winning games.”

HOLMESDALE boss Fabio Rossi takes his side down to Tunbridge Wells tomorrow sitting at the foot of the Kent League table with only one win from their opening ten games.

But Rossi hopes his side can bounce back from their poor start and return from Culverden Stadium with a morale-boosting win.

“Well as always it will be a tough test against Tunbridge Wells.  They’ve been one of the better sides in the Kent League over the past few years,” said Rossi.

“I had some severe problems having to rebuild my side since the start of the season. I’ve virtually lost my whole back four, captain and my keeper but lately we have been showing signs of recovery.”

Holmesdale were knocked out of the Kent Senior Trophy by Kent Invicta League side Ashford United last weekend.

Rossi said: “A decent away win at Sevenoaks helped boost confidence. We were unfortunate to go out against a decent Ashford side in the Kent Senior Trophy. Good game end to end but the two lads upfront (Mo Takaloo and Gary Mickelborough) really make a difference.

“We missed a penalty at 2-1 down and perhaps it could have been a different story if it had gone in. But that’s football. Don't take your chances and it's difficult to win games.”

The Holmesdale boss added:  “To be fair we’ve still been creating lots of chances and hopefully soon we'll start taking some of them.

“Tunbridge Wells have had to rebuild a little themselves this summer, so we'll go down there and compete.

“I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s game where hopefully we can grab some points.”

Rossi has targeted his side to collect another nine league wins – which was the target at the start of the season.

He said: “The target of 10 wins we set at the beginning of the season still remains. I’m just starting to get a few back now from injuries so hopefully we will pick up.

“Thankfully our new reserve management of Paul Proctor and John Paul Collier have brought some really good youngsters with them and it has helped us get through.”

RAMSGATE boss Tim Dixon says he is expecting a tough game at Leatherhead tomorrow.

The Rams lie in the bottom four in the Ryman League Division One South table, with two wins and three draws from their opening eight games.

Leatherhead are a much-fancied side, but they too are struggling and the Surrey outfit are one place higher than Dixon’s side, but with only seven points separating twenty sides in the division, it is possible for anyone to start climbing the table.

Dixon said:  “Another tough test lies ahead of us tomorrow away at Leatherhead. They obviously got relegated from the Ryman Premier last year and despite indifferent results are still one of the favourites for promotion and will be looking to bounce back from a midweek defeat at home to Worthing.

“As far as Ramsgate are concerned, we have a few injury problems going into Saturday’s game. Joe Kennet and Steve O’Brien have long term knee injuries which will take a few weeks at the very least and Michael Yianni has a thigh muscle problem which he hasn’t been able to shrug off. Warren Schulz has had a stomach bug all week and has missed training.

“However, we have managed to sign Ashley Miller on loan from Gillingham thanks to Patto (Mark Patterson), Hessy (Andy Hessenthaler) and Martin Allen and he will come into the squad for Saturday’s game.

“He is a great talent and a smashing lad who I’ve known for a while and he trained with the lads last night and is really looking forward to getting involved.

“My old gaffer  let us have Bradley Dack last season and I hope Ash replicates his attitude and performance levels as Bradley has established himself in the first team squad this year so I hope we can help Ash push on as well.”

Reflecting on his side’s campaign so far, Dixon said: “The last couple of weeks have been filled with mixed emotions. We had a good FA Trophy result 4-0 at home to Waltham Forest and although riding our luck at times, should have held on for three points at home to top of the table Folkestone when they equalised with the last kick of the game.

“Last Saturday, we conceded late again to lose 2-1 at home and I wasn’t happy about a very lack lustre second half performance where we should have been stronger mentally and physically.

“Putting tactics and formations aside, if you are not going to compete as a team for 90+ minutes, you will not win football matches. We have had a good chat with the players this week and a few different points have been discussed and I expect a response from them starting this weekend at Leatherhead.” 

Dixon was left scratching his head when his side were drawn away to Wealdstone in the Second Round of the Ryman League Cup.

The Rams travel to Grosvenor Vale on Monday night and Dixon said: “When you look at Maidstone v Sittingbourne, Whitstable v Hythe, Hastings v Lewes - and we get Wealdstone away on a Monday night so I think the regionalised draw could have been a bit kinder to us.

“But we will go there and try to get a result and be as professional and as positive as possible and enjoy the night with no pressure on us as we are massive underdogs.”

The Ryman League have confirmed that all Ryman League Cup ties (other than the final) will go straight to penalties if scores remain level after 90 minutes.  There will be no extra-time.

SEVEN ACRE & SIDCUP manager Chris Tuley is looking forward to tomorrow’s home game against Lewisham Borough at Oxford Road.

Tuley’s men are in fifth-place in the Kent Invicta League table, with 18 points from ten games, while Lewisham Borough have only Meridian below them in the table.

But Tuley said:  “It will be a tough game like every other game in this league because no game is easy enough just to turn up and get a result.

“I am aware that Lewisham have not had the best of starts, they have lost a lot of players from last year and are a team in transition, but a week in football is an awful long time which allows managers to go out, get new players and change things.

“I know Willie O’Sullivan’s background and I am sure he is working hard to turn things around – he will do – which is always a danger to us because we could be the team that suffers and where his team and their season turns it around!

“We don’t want that to happen and will be looking for a good result and performance.”

Tuley, who is in his first season in charge of the club, reflected on his side’s campaign to date.

“With ourselves, things have been moving on nicely,” he added.

“Our league form has been quite good with one loss in seven  – last week’s result was ok, in the next round of the cup away to Deal, but we didn’t play well – tomorrow we want to make it 1 loss in 8 in the league!

“The squad is getting stronger with a couple of new additions added recently, Richard Whyte from Rochester United and Rob Hicks (who was playing at Dagenham & Redbridge in pre-season) plus key players like Alfie Harris and Sam Prett now back from injury.

“We should be at full strength for tomorrow’s game and are looking to get the win that will keep us in the top five.”

TUNBRIDGE WELLS have confirmed that three players have returned to Culverden Stadium after leaving to sign for Kent League leaders Erith & Belvedere in the summer.  Goalkeeper Michel Czanner, defender Scott Whibley and striker Carl Cornell are back after a short spell at Park View Road.

VCD ATHLETIC  manager Ricky Bennett says he is relishing tomorrow’s big FA Carlsberg Vase showdown against Kent League leaders Erith & Belvedere at Oakwood tomorrow.

The two sides have known they would face each other at this stage of the competition as both were handed exceptions into the First Round after last season’s exploits.

Vickers have a good FA Vase pedigree and go into tomorrow’s home tie siting in third-place in the table, with 20 points from 10 games – three points behind Micky Collins’ side.

Erith & Belvedere are scoring goals for fun at the moment and Bennett knows whoever wins tomorrow’s clash at Oakwood at Old Road in Crayford tomorrow can claim the bragging rights and dream about reaching Wembley Stadium.

Bennett said: “It’s a big game that’s come round fairly early on in the season.  The draw has been made a while ago so both sides have known for a while that we’re going to meet this week, but we’ve not been worrying about it or thinking too much into it until after last Saturday’s game was out of the way and I’m sure Micky would say the same.

“I think if you went back to pre-season both sides would’ve been looking to have a good Vase run this season but for one of us it’s not going to happen.

“You have to beat decent teams to have a good run in the competition, but if it turns out to be your first and last game in it for this season then so be it, there are other targets to aim for but from our point of view we want to be in the hat for the next round, that goes without saying.

“Form can go out the window in games like this and it’s all about on the day. 

“As for us, in the last few games we’ve not been conceding many but we’ve not been scoring enough and I suppose you would say the opposite is the case for them.

“It should have the makings of a proper cup tie.”