Soccer Shorts: Working footballer stabbed during G20 protests

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MARGATE are hoping to get permission from the football authorities to be allowed to play Ben Lewis at Harrow Borough tomorrow.

The 31-year-old controversially quit his role as Maidstone United’s skipper during the week, to sign for Margate, for what Stones joint-manager Lloyd Hume said was “financial terms until the end of the season that were boarding on ludicrous.”

Hume also revealed that Margate boss Terry Yorath was going to play Lewis up front for the remainder of the season, instead of his usual position at the heart of the defence.

A statement issued by the Hartsdown Park club on its website www.margate-fc.com said, “Margate Football Club attempted to sign Ben Lewis from Maidstone United before the transfer deadline on Tuesday.

“Unfortunately his registration was not released by Maidstone in time for the deadline. The club, the League and the PFA are all working towards a resolution of this issue.”

Margate, meanwhile, are delighted to confirm that both Curtis Robinson and Luke Wheately have signed for the club for this season and next.

RAMSGATE signed Luke Coleman, 20, on loan from their Thanet rivals Margate on transfer deadline day, until the end of this season.

Coleman, who was a product of Gravesend & Northfleet’s youth team during the 2006-07 season, spent a period on loan at Margate that year before returning to Stonebridge Road.

He rejoined Margate for the 2007-08 season, but a serious bout of pneumonia cut that season short. He has just completed a three-month loan spell with Kent League side Tunbridge Wells, where he scored eight goals in ten games.

METROPOLITAN POLICE have received a blow ahead of tomorrow’s vital crunch game with Sittingbourne at Imber Court.

Left sided central defender, Dave Newman, 38, was stabbed during an incident in central London, whilst on duty at the G20 protest marches in central London on Tuesday.

Metropolitan Police football manager Jim Cooper, speaking to www.metpolicefc.co.uk, spoke about Newman’s injuries.

“I’m pleased to say his injuries are not life threatening but Dave has had 40 stitches in two different wounds and is recovering well,” he said.

“Dave has played over 500 first team games for the club and has been a great servant to the Met over the years.

Newman, who is described as quick and strong in the air, has previously played for Wingate & Finchley and Middlesex County F.A. He was a member for the English and British Police representative teams for several years and has won the club’s player of the year on three occasions.

BECKENHAM TOWN are hoping for a star-studied turnout for their fund raising game against a Celebrity XI at Eden Park Avenue on Sunday, 31^st May (3pm).

Amongst a glittering array of football legends will be Teddy Sheringham, Tony Cascarion, Phil Babb, Matt Dawson, Darren Anderton and Jamie Rednapp.

Tickets, on sale for £10, can be obtained by emailing s55mac@btinternet.com. 

Please mention you read this article on www.kentishfootball.co.uk when making contact.

ERITH & BELVEDERE joint-manager Paul Gorman has criticised to Kent County Football Association officials over the venue of their Kent Senior Trophy Final against VCD Athletic.

The Deres make the approximate 50 YARDS trip across the pitch to Welling United for the Sunday, 19^th April showpiece.

But Gorman, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk feels the final should be played at a neutral venue, like Dartford’s Princes Park Stadium.

“I’m not very pleased with it, but at the end of the day, it’s where they’ve put us,” fumed Gorman.

“I thought it was going to be at Dartford, playing the final at our ground is absolutely stupid.”

With his side in eighth place in the Bulmers Cider Kent League table - 17 points adrift of leaders Hythe Town - Gorman has already started preparing for next season, although the Deres have still got to play six more league games.

“We’re sorry we haven’t won the league this year, but we’ll have a good crack at it next year - if I’m still there,” he told supporters.

“We’re disappointed, but it’s like Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United. Liverpool are probably the best side going in a couple of years, but don’t win the league. At the moment they’ve got a good chance of winning it but they blow it - and that’s what we’ve done.”

When asked what his side need for next season, Doncaster born Gorman replied, “Luck! You just have to have luck, that’s all it is, luck.

“When Thamesmead won it (last season), Thamesmead didn’t get any injuries. Whitstable (who won the title two seasons ago) had a settled side all the way through. We’ve had injuries galore, suspensions, those sort of things don’t help.

“I’m not blaming anyone, me and Chris (Cosgrove) blame ourselves. We think we haven’t got the right players in because we haven’t won the league.

“We’re going to have a look at the squad at the end of the season and see where we need to strengthen.”

But Gorman has added to his squad before the transfer deadline, bringing in two centre halves and a striker.

James Russell (Tunbridge Wells), Lee Hockey (ex Sittingbourne and Ashford Town) and striker Steve Hafner (ex Dartford and Chatham Town) have signed in time for tomorrow’s trip to Faversham Town.

And Gorman added, “I’m looking to bring more people in next season. It is a pre-season for us. Hopefully we can bring some more in. I’ve spoken to Lee (Hockey, a long throw specialist) and he’s looking forward to joining the squad on Saturday.”

GREENWICH BOROUGH manager/secretary Steve Firkins has spoke about the financial restraints that he has at the Harrow Meadow club.

Borough welcome out-of-sorts Tunbridge Wells to Harrow Meadow tomorrow, and Firkins, speaking to www.greenwichboroughfc.co.uk revealed he has no money to pay players.

"Please be aware that Greenwich Borough players do not get any payment for playing for the club,” he revealed.

“I feel I have to stress this, as each week I have trailists who believe there is money at the club. You just need to take a look at the surroundings and you’ll see what I mean!

“Please don’t waste my team when requesting a trial asking about money. I am currently working my nuts off week in week out with no financial support whatsoever.

“I am blessed that I currently have a good bunch of players that are playing for the badge and not the wedge.

“I cannot stress enough, please, please don’t waste my time, there is no money - Boro players play for free!”

SLADE GREEN boss Martin Ford takes his side to Winch’s Field tomorrow to lock horns with Norton Sports on a high, following last weekend’s 2-1 win at out-of-sorts Tunbridge Wells.

“The lads played very well, particularly in the second half as we again came back from behind to record our third win in consecutive matches,” Ford told www.clubwebsite.co.uk/sladegreenfc

“It was a game I felt we could win and with the same line up that defeated Deal Town the previous week, we fully deserved the three points.

“We are now at last showing that we can compete in this league. The players are full of confidence and are starting to believe we can win every match we take part in.

“Nothing has changed really but we have found a style of play that suits us and the team are all enjoying their football again and with their attitude and commitment, they are a joy to manage.”

Looking ahead to tomorrow’ game, Ford added, “Norton have settled into the Kent League quite easily and although they lost at home to Erith & Belvedere on Saturday, they were give games unbeaten previously to that.

“Norton are a side we can catch above us, so providing we show what we are capable of, come Saturday, we will be alright.”

TUNBRIDGE WELLS have completed several signings to carry the club through suspensions and injuries and replace the players that have left - the latest being Wes Tate, who has joined Burgess Hill Town, a side threatened with relegation from Ryman One South.

Linking up at Culverden Stadium is George Fenwick, the former Cray Wanderers, Ashford Town and Erith & Belvedere striker who scored on his debut during Tuesday night’s 2-1 home defeat to league leaders Hythe Town.

Defender Nick Fenwick arrives from Ashford Town, Jamie Russell, formerly of Dartford and Erith & Belvedere, comes in from Slade Green and midfielder Alex Jackson arrives from Lordswood.

“We did miss out on two of our targets,” revealed Wells’ manager Mike Robbins, when speaking to www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk. 

“One player elected to stay and play in his side’s upcoming cup final, and another missed the transfer deadline by minutes through a late train!”

RUSTHALL take on Hollands & Blair in the Kent Intermediate Shield at Tunbridge Wells’ Culverden Stadium tomorrow, kicking off at 3pm. The winners of this will gain entry into the Kent Senior Trophy next season.

LYDD TOWN boss Dennis Hughes saw his side reach the semi-final of the Weald of Kent Cup last Monday - but the win over Sussex County League side Rye United came at a cost.

Full-back Scott Taylor suffered a horrific triple break to his lower leg during the match, which Lydd won courtesy of Andy Cherritt scoring the only goal, in the final five minutes of extra time.

“It was an amazing game of football, which finished on a high for us, the lads done it for Scott,” Hughes told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.