Kentish Football 
Soccer Shorts: Managers beat the transfer deadline to bolster squads for the final month
Friday 01st April 2011
Click here for tonight’s Soccer Shorts’ articles.
EBBSFLEET UNITED are offering supporters a chance to experience a unique matchday at Stonebridge Road.
The winner of a forthcoming prize draw will get to spend the day of the Chelmsford City match (Good Friday, April 22) alongside Fleet manager Liam Daish - see first-hand the dressing-room preparations, listen in to pre-match and half-time discussions, sit alongside the manager and his staff in the home dugout and maybe even, if you dare, suggest some alternative tactics!
To purchase raffle tickets, costing £5 each, buy them in the club shop, club bar or during the week from the club office (9am-4pm). The draw will be made on Tuesday April 19 so you will need to get your tickets by then. Please note this competition is only open to those over the age of 16.
DOVER ATHLETIC boss Martin Hayes gave his post-match verdict following his side’s 1-0 home defeat to Havant & Waterlooville in midweek, writes Justin Allen.
Hayes says he was happy with the performance and insists the club can still grab a play-off spot.
“They came to frustrate us and make things difficult, which a lot of sides have done this season,” Hayes told www.doverathletic.com.
“Had we converted 25 per cent of our chances, we would have won the game.
“When we went behind, we still kept passing in the rain and created three or four good opportunities. Unfortunately, again, we were not clinical in front of goal and the ball didn’t fall much to the forwards. So we wasted a chance to get level and maybe take three points.”
Dover Athletic, who welcome Bishop’s Stortford to Crabble tomorrow, are in seventh place in the Blue Square Bet South table, but there’s no reason to panic, as they are only a couple of points adrift of fifth-place, the final play-off-berth.
Hayes brought in striker Jon Main and defender Ed Harris from AFC Wimbledon earlier in the week, and Hayes explained why he started the former Tonbridge Angels hit-man on the bench against Havant.
He said: “The lad has just turned up. It’s a bit different playing centre-half, with the system we play, and the lads we have.
“I just wanted Jon to look at how we play and pass it and who does what.
“It was always my intention to bring him on and hopefully at that stage he would be a lot more familiar with a few things. Knowing the game would be tight, I thought he could come on at a time when the match was going to be a lot more open. But it did not turn out that way.
“Yet he showed enough touches last night and the boy’s a natural goalscorer. Now we have just got to focus on future games – and he will be more up to speed with how we play. And some of the chances will start falling to him and Adam Birchall.
Looking ahead to tomorrow’s game, against one his former clubs,Hayes said: “They got a good point at Ebbsfleet and Chelmsford. So obviously they’ve sorted a few things down there. But I am sure they will come here and make things tough as they’re fighting for survival.
“I’m not too unhappy with things at the moment, just frustrated. We played poorly against Boreham Wood and won – but did well at Staines and performed against Havant yet got nothing out of those two games.
“If we play the way we did against Staines and Havant, we will be OK and beat most teams. Hopefully, we will take it out on Bishop’s Stortford on Saturday.
The Dover boss spoke about the criticism that he and his team has received this season.
Hayes said: “I find it strange sometimes. I know the last few years the club has been very successful in divisions that you would expect them to be. But this is a tougher league and there are teams spending more money than us and have good players, so it’s not easy.
“I think fans on Tuesday night saw a much better team performance than they did on Saturday. It’s easy when you play badly and win because you go home with three points. But that display last night was so much better than any home performances in recent weeks.
“We deserved the win – and most people appreciated that.
“It’s that time of year when people get a bit nervous and when you lose it’s all doom and gloom – whereas when we were winning people were getting carried away and thinking we will finish first or second maybe.
“We didn’t play that bad. If we do that Saturday and Monday, we will have every chance of winning and getting the points we need.
“People should keep behind us. It’s been a good season so far – and it can still be a very good season. There are still 21 points to play for.
“The season is still very much alive and teams above us can slip up – and playing against each other too.
“Our bottom line is that we need to be more clinical and take more of our chances – and I am sure we will.
Dover Athletic chairman, Jim Parmenter, meanwhile, has hit out at the “mindless” and “stupid” barracking of Hayes and his players.
Despite a season which has seen the Whites maintain a promotion campaign and enjoy the club’s best-ever FA Cup run to the third-round, a minority of fans have either jeered and abused Hayes and his players – or posted unkind comments about them on internet forums.
The chairman – already furious some fans were calling for Hayes to be sacked just weeks after Dover had played their historic third-round tie at Huddersfield – admits he is “sick and tired” of the constant criticism.
He said: “I don’t know a group of fans elsewhere like it. Unless we win EVERY game, there is an element of our support who just seem hellbent on either criticising the club’s management and players – or out and out abuse at the matches.
“This kind of behaviour just does not help anyone. It certainly isn’t going to make our players perform better – it has a negative effect at a time when we still have everything to play for.
“The abuse of Martin, his staff and players is completely uncalled for and comments on an internet forum border on madness.
“Martin is a human being – and so are the players – and of course it hurts them. They are all trying their best and we’re playing in a good league – this is not Ryman South anymore!”
One person even suggested that Dover should be performing better because they have “the highest wage-bill in the league”.
But Mr Parmenter hit back: “Our wage-bill – which is honestly declared – is not the highest in this division at all. Far from it. This is yet another example of unhelpful comments that don’t do anyone any favours at all.
“We need everyone to pull together. I said this just a few weeks ago and it’s a shame that my message has fallen on deaf ears.
“Players are on edge playing at Crabble and that’s not right. When we go away the whole atmosphere is different – it’s no wonder our form is good on the road.”
DARTFORD’S co-chairmen Dave Skinner and Bill Archer - and manager Tony Burman have been rewarded by the local council for their contribution to life in their local community.
A club statement, issued on www.dartfordfconline.com, said: “Dartford, like other areas of the Borough, has many residents who make or have made an extraordinary contribution to life in our community by giving that little bit extra to help others – the kind of people who make a difference.
“These people, although they richly deserve it, do not seek thanks or recognition – people like the long-serving Dinner Lady or the person who goes out of their way to help his or her neighbours.
“However all of this is to change following the launch of Dartford Borough Council’s Dartfordian Awards.”
On Thursday 24th March, Bill Archer, Dave Skinner and Tony Burman were invited to receive Dartfordian Awards at Home Gardens, Civic Centre.
“Dartford Borough Council is inaugurating the Dartfordian Award in recognition of the people who make the Borough what it is,” added the statement.
MARGATE made one deadline day addition to their squad with the signing of Steve O’Brien (courtesy of Steve Wells - www.margate-fc.com)
Known to Caretaker Manager Kevin Raine, Steve is the brother of former Margate favourite Paul O’Brien.
Previously at Kent League Deal Town, he joins the Blues from Ryman League Division One South club Faversham Town.
A left sided player, Steve will go into the squad for tomorrow’s visit of Harrow Borough to Hartsdown Park.
TONBRIDGE ANGELS manager Tommy Warrilow has unveiled new signings ahead of yesterday’s transfer deadline day.
Fifth-placed Tonbridge travel to third-placed Lowestoft Town tomorrow and the Kent side will leapfrog over their opponents if they collect three points in Suffolk tomorrow.
Warrilow, who issued a statement to the club’s website, www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk, revealed the signing of Chris Henry from league rivals Carshalton Athletic.
He said: “I spoke to Chris about our remaining games and although he currently has a hamstring injury that he picked up last Saturday, he was really excited about joining and can’t wait to help our promotion push.
“He is a player I have always liked and can play on either wing and has tremendous pace and skill and causes all sorts of problems for defences.
“I know he will be a real threat when available and I am prepared to take him on knowing about his injury and introduce him when ready.
“This signing also keeps the boys on their toes to maintain their standards they have set in their last game against Wealdstone.”
Warrilow added: “I have also signed Joseph Hagan on a Ryman form who is a goalkeeper who has been on the bench for Ebbsfleet this season and left recently.
“We all know Worgs (Lee Worgan) is the only keeper we have at the moment and I feel it is too much to ask the two young lads we have to step up if anything should happen to Lee.
“I have also managed to sign two players on Ryman forms from Conference South Clubs. These are purely dual registrations, and these boys will only be available if needed because of injuries when the play offs come into our seasons fixtures (unless we have already won the league!).
“One of these boys is a defender who can play anywhere across the back. The other lad is a goalkeeper.
Well that is us done for another season regarding signing players. Let us all now get together for what is going to be an exciting end to the current campaign.”
FOLKESTONE INVICTA director Jim Pallatt says the club’s financial troubles is the main reason behind the club struggling this term.
Invicta clinched promotion via the Ryman League Division One South play-off’s last season, despite suffering from a points deduction after going into administration, but the club have suffered at the new level this season and go into tomorrow’s home game against play-off chasing Billericay Town second-from-bottom and eight points from safety, with only seven games remaining.
Folkestone lost the services of midfielder Robbie Kember (Carshalton Athletic) and striker Simon Austin (Hythe Town) before going down 4-1 at Tooting & Mitcham United last Thursday.
Mr Pallatt told www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk: “Neil Cugley and (assistant manager) Micky Dix (have done a) fantastic job in putting together a team that has competed at Ryman Premier level, whilst working under extremely difficult financial constraints, which actually became tighter after the season started.
“This is not Neil’s fault, but he accepted that the main priority was to keep the club afloat, so that, albeit with possibly a step back, we can work to get the club moving forward again, in a way that can be sustained.
“Everyone running the club was involved in the financial decisions, and what might happen, but we would still have a club to take forward.
“Let us not forget what was achieved last season, still on a tight budget when we carried all before us.
“Ultimately we all, including Neil, want to take the club forward, and are working towards that and looking up rather than down, and if we all stick together we can do that.
“Personally I think we are very fortunate to have a manager of Neil Cugley's calibre. He always puts the club first, and that is very rare.”
WHITSTABLE TOWN manager Peter Nott has unveiled three new signings ahead of last night’s transfer deadline with Danny Twyman, Tyrone Smith and Kane Harrington all putting pen to paper in a bid to keep the club in the Ryman League.
Twyman, 31, is an experienced goalkeeper and joins after spending several seasons with Ramsgate.
During his successful time with the Rams he was the last line of defence when they won the Kent League Double and the Ryman League Division One South title.
Twyman, who plays as a striker for a Sunday League team, broke his hand at the start of this season but is now fully fit and raring to get back between the sticks again.
Nott told www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk, “We are delighted to have Danny on board particularly as Shaun Smith has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a knee ligament injury and Brandon Hall is also missing due to a hip injury he sustained during our recent away win at Worthing.”
Smith, 29, is a lively forward who is returning to competitive football after a break away from the game. His previous clubs amongst others include Fisher Athletic and Maidenhead United.
Harrington, 20, joins from Thamesmead Town, although he lives in Whitstable and is an attacking right back who started the season with Margate FC in the Rymans Premier and previously had spells with Woking (Academy), Chatham Town and Gillingham.
“All three players will join up with the squad for Saturday's away game at Leatherhead and also returning will be Ian Pulman, Scott Heard and Ashley Ulph.
However James Peacock and Lloyd Blackman will be missing due to suspension along with Gary Sayer and Keiron Morris who are both absent with hamstring injuries.
Nott added: "This now gives us serious competition for places throughout the team which is essential as we approach the final 6 games of the season.
“The new signings have come at a great time as we are all determined to put last week's disappointing performance firmly behind us with a battling display against high flying Leatherhead on Saturday.”
BECKENHAM TOWN entertain Deal Town at Eden Park Avenue tomorrow - their 43rd competitive match of the season.
Becks home form has been disappointing this season - whilst away from the lush pastures of Eden Park Avenue the story has been completely different.
It’s a “head scratching” conundrum for Becks boss Jason Huntley – as to why Becks can’t perform on the Eden Park Avenue surface. For Becks supporters it has been a rollercoaster of emotions in the past few weeks – the ten goal thriller against Norton Sports, followed by the excitement of Becks dramatic extra time exit from the London Senior Cup at the hands of Football League hopefuls AFC Wimbledon.
The Dons’ game -justifiably considered one of the best matches seen at Eden Park Avenue - thrilled the bumper crowd.
Becks boss Jason Huntley refuses to allow his players to take their preverbal “foot off the pedal “. Whilst there is no longer any silverware on offer, he won’t allow the season to end quietly.
Huntley told www.beckenhamtownfc.co.uk: “We have away games at both the promotion candidates Herne Bay and Hythe Town before the season ends.
“I want us to prove to ourselves that the bridge in class between us and them is not as great as the League positions suggests. It’s always nice to throw a few unexpected spanners in the “promotion works”, and that’s exactly what I’ve made clear to my players I expect”.
At long last Becks, have the luxury of players returning from long term injuries, along and with new signings Harvey Gale and Fehmi Emiralioglu they hope to cast aside some of their Eden Park blues at the expenses of their Kent coast visitors.
ERITH TOWN confirm their long-awaited stand roof will be up in time for their Kent League clash against Corinthian on Monday, 11th April.
A club statement, issued on www.erithtownfc.com, said: “The covered seating at the Stadium is now well under way with completion anticipated by the end of this week at the latest.
“When finished the covers will provide 312 seats and this will compliment the existing covered stand for 100+ spectators.
“The original start date for this project was Monday 28th February but was delayed due to some administrative and contractual differences which were speedily resolved.
“When the construction is finished this will see a dream and ambition of the club's chairman, Albert Putnam, realised and will not only be an asset to the centre, the community and Erith Town FC, but will be instrumental in taking the club forward and best preparing it for an ambitious and promising future in senior non league football.
“Corinthian will be the first team to be entertained following the stands installation in a Premier Division fixture on Monday 11th April (7:30pm) and all are welcomed to attend and enjoy this excellent new facility at the club.”
FISHER manager Gary Lisney has moved to strengthen his squad for the run-in, by snapping up three players ahead of yesterday’s transfer deadline day.
Centre-half John Sinnott, who progressed through the youth ranks at Dagenham & Redbridge where he played with Simon St Aimie, arrives to add depth to the Fisher back line.
Central midfielder Luke Sherman spent three years at Charlton Athletic before heading over the Atlantic to a soccer academy in the USA. He joins the Fish after spells with Bromley and Erith & Belvedere this year.
And skilful midfielder Joseph Adesina will add trickery and excitement to the Fisher line-up – manager Gary Lisney commenting on www.fisherfc.co.uk that “Joseph is a talented young player who loves to take people on – I’m sure the fans will enjoy watching him play”.
All three go straight into the squad for tomorrow’s derby game with Sporting Bengal United at Champion Hill. Don’t forget that Millwall fans can watch this game for half-price (just £3 for adults)
The game marks the return of the “Rotherhithe Tunnel Derby’”to Champion Hill, as east Londoners Sporting Bengal United take on the Fish.
It is a crucial game as the last-placed Tigers sit just two points behind the Fish in the Kent League table, and the club are repeating our popular half-price entry offer to Millwall fans as the club look to secure large and vocal backing for Lisney’s side.
Club secretary Dan York added: “Millwall are our neighbours in our traditional back-yard of Bermondsey, and we know that their fans enjoy an east vs south-east London derby!
“Millwall are away at Hull, so we’d encourage any Lions fans who aren’t able to travel up north to join us at Champion Hill on Saturday as we repeat an offer that many people took up on Non League Day earlier this season.
“This is a huge game for the Fish – we have to turn our recent outstanding performances into three points, and avenge our 4-3 defeat to Sporting Bengal United last December.”
Millwall fans wanting to take in the action on Saturday should present either their current Millwall season ticket or a 2010-11 Millwall match programme to be eligible for the discounted admission prices of £3 adult, £2 concessions and FREE for accompanied under 16s. Terms and conditions apply*.
Lisney expects to have a full squad to select from, as Dexter Babalola’s suspension following his red card last Saturday will not kick in for another two weeks.
Admission prices for the game at Dulwich Hamlet FC, Champion Hill Stadium, Edgar Kail Way, Dog Kennel Hill, London SE22 8BD:
£3 Adults; £2 OAP; FREE U16s (with current Millwall season-ticket or match programme)
£6 Adults; £4 OAP; £1 U16s (standard admission)
*To qualify for half-price admission you must present either a 2010-11 Millwall season ticket, or a 2010-11 Millwall home programme. One discounted ticket per person. Under 16s must present photographic ID and must be accompanied by an adult to qualify for free admission. Max free admission 2 U16s per paying adult.
HERNE BAY secretary Tony Day insists the Kent League title race is not over - despite the club being five points behind league leaders Hythe Town, who visit Winch’s Field on Wednesday night.
Simon Halsey’s side have dropped points in their last two games, drawing both Erith & Belvedere and Greenwich Borough in the past week, and Hythe hold the advantage going into the final seven league games of the season.
“Of course Hythe having a red letter day by thumping Corinthian 7-1 makes things look much worse than they are,” Mr Day told www.hernebayfc.net.
“They only have to slip up and lose to a team and we beat them at our place and the positions will be reversed. We still have everything to play for.”
Herne Bay welcome Tunbridge Wells tomorrow. Martin Larkin’s side climbed up to fifth-place in midweek and boost a prolific front pairing of Keelan Mooney and Carl Hooley.
Mr Day added: “Not an easy prospect but one I am looking forward to. I'm confident that we will take 3 points from them and then its Hythe at home on Wednesday.”
SEVENOAKS TOWN boss Keith Levett admitted teenage defender Ryan Wall reacted emotionally after being taken off at half-time in the 3-2 win at Holmesdale on Saturday.
The Kent County Youth defender, just 17, a member of the Welling Academy, and normally a centre half, started the game at right back, but struggled in the first half and Levett made a change during the interval
Levett told www.sevenoakstownfc.org: "He had a poor game, and wasn't quite right, but he is a lovely lad and will come again. Ryan is a confidence player, and when he has a bad start to a game, we know from experience, he tends to get worse, but when he begins well, he gets better and better.
"He was very sad to come off at the weekend, and I was as well, because we all want him to do well, but it didn't quite work out for him. That doesn't make him a bad player, and I will tell him that when we have a chat.
"Jack Taylor had another good game at centre half against Holmesdale, and I was delighted that Richie Stevens got a couple.
"Richie's flicked header was a nice goal, and I am happy for him. It hasn't quite happened for one reason or another, and he looks a bit short of confidence, which is a big thing in football. When he his on song and confident, he is a very difficult to play against.
"Joe Minter done well for his free kick to get the third. He has been threatening to score like that from free-kicks in a few games, and hit the crossbar against Lordswood. I was pleased for him because he has played out of position a lot during the season, but has always contributed well to the team.
“Lee Hales also helped us to dominate much of the second half. When you have a player like him in the side you have always got a chance. He gets on the ball and makes things happen for us"
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