Bromley Green FC

* An excellent turnout on Tuesday with everybody having their say. A very mature approach by all…thanks. Some players felt a monthly evening such as this would be a positive move but perhaps once a term is more fitting. All members of course have the right to make representation at committee meetings and no-one can question our freedom of opinion policy on this forum. Apart from abusive or offensive racist material, we never stifle an individuals right to freedom of speech.

* Details of training arrangements for the next few months will be posted here and on the notice board at the ground.

* John Lockett continues to be frustrated after his jaw fracture … the indefatigable centre back has had to postpone his return to the action until the New Year.

* Christmas meal at Macca’s haunt The Hooden will be on 16 December. Full details at the ground but we can only have 40 places so first come first served. Meal preference and £10 deposits to Max please by the end of this month. Club ties will of course be required [order/pay DH please].

* Chris Howells has recieved backing from his former captain at Ampthill Town FC. Rob Russell is sure he will come good at the Green and said “If you get his confidence up he will be a great asset to the club in the future”.

Club night Tuesday…all attend please

With lots to talk about for officers, managers, players and supporters [and taking into account the unkind weather forecast] it was agreed on Saturday that Tuesday’s Club night will be used  to reflect and refocus for the remainder of the season. ”Football evokes opinions and passion and to sit calmly and all try and understand each other and the policies of the club and the team managers will be no bad thing. We are all fighting for the same thing but maybe there is not total harmony on how we get there. Tuesday will provide the ideal chance for players to air their questions and for all of us to dissolve any niggling issues. There are some new players that never mix…I want to know why, we don’t bite…and you are as much a part of the club and its future as everybody else. So everybody, if you can make it, please attend 7pm. Thanks.” DH

Weekend as it happens…

* The club sends its thoughts and condolences to Alvin and his mother following the peaceful passing of Alvin’s father, Jimmy Gigg, in the early hours of Thursday morning.

* Sunday: The only Premier Division game saw a 1-1 stalemate between Mersham and Kennington. In Division Two, Wye edged to a 2-1 home success over much-improved Shadoxhurst.

* Well done to Jamie Hurst (pictured below left) who had his first experience as a qualified referee when he ran the line at the Swan Ground on Saturday. Patron Dave Homewood said: “Jamie is our Youth Clubman and, while most of us want to see him playing more, I hope he continues to do well as an official. He is very young and has a great opportunity to go all the way to the top; and of course Bromley Green will support him all the way.”

* In the Kent Inter Regional Challenge Cup, the Green firsts went down 2-0 at home to holders Hollands & Blair. A solid Saturday first team debut by keeper Mark Bennett (below) and another fine display by Mick Doyle were positives but when Lee Milton’s effort was tipped over by the stand-in visiting goalie it was clearly going to be one of those days. Hollands had been reduced to ten men during the first period when their keeper was shown a red card for upending Rocky Hayles outside of his box. A goal in each half proved enough. Meanwhile in the Eastern First Division, New Romney cruised to a 4-0 victory over Otford while Kennington’s 1-0 defeat at APM Mears leaves them locked with the Green with seven points from seven games. Worst result for the local sides came in the shape of Tenterden’s  7-2 hiding at Chartham.

* Keeper Chris Cloke (left) and centre backs Reece Hagger and Liam Smith were the pick of the Green Reserves as they chalked up a 5-2 win away to bottom side Borden Reserves in the Eastern Reserves Division. Ashley Webster (2) and Kenny Hallett (3) were the Green marksmen. No joy however for Kennington Reserves who missed out 2-1 at home to Bearsted Reserves. Full reports on all Green games to follow [click on Latest Match Reports]. No fixtures for either Green side this Sunday.

* Midfielder Chris Howells is contemplating a transfer to Kennington after being relegated to the Reserves on Saturdays. Howells (pictured right) said on Saturday night: “I don’t really want to leave Bromley Green but last season I played in the firsts and that is where I really want to be now.” Howells will hold talks with the Club on Tuesday night. A Club spokesperson stated: “Chris must make his own mind up. He is keen [in the future] to help bring the youngsters through but feels at the age of 22 that he wants to concentrate on his own game for some years yet.”

Dave Smith previews Green-v-Hollands and Blair

This weekend we take on unbeaten Premier Division leaders, Holland and Blair in the Inter regional challenge cup. Our opponents are the current holders of this trophy and also the current premier league champions, so a tough challenge faces the boys this week.

Last week we suffered a real blow loosing to Sheerness in a game we should have won, but this game gives a chance to pit ourselves against the best side around locally at the moment and I will be looking for all involved to give 100% and show what we are capable off, we have tended over the last few weeks to raise our game in the harder looking fixtures, so lets hope this is the case again. This is the first of 3 cup games in the next 4 weeks which will all determine the shape of the season in the new year.

There are a few changes to the squad this week, with Craig Smith (holiday) Ben Davis (holiday) Dan Cornell(injured) being replaced by Keeper Mark Bennett, striker Joe Mifsud and utility defender Ryan Holloway getting a deserved chance.

Squad: M.Bennett, R.Smith, T.Poyner, M.Hadlum, M.Doyle, A.Mercer, G.Mackett, L.Milton, R.Greenfield, D.Allen, L.Hayles, J.Mifsud, R.Holloway, M.Howells.

Please note this is an early kick off at 1.30 and players are to meet at 12.30.

Congratulations to Mark Bennett who this week became the father of a baby daughter [Sophie]

Sunday double for Green

In terrible weather conditions, both Green sides emerged with maximum points to keep their respective title hopes alive. At the Swan Ground, two superb goals, one in each half, by Adrian ‘Rocky’ Hayles and Joe Mifsud saw off Highfield 2-1. The advantage of playing with the driving rain and wind was questionable as the Green controlled much of the play but struggled to create clear-cut openings; but a Rocky special separated the sides at the break. Mifsud rose unchallenged to head home againt his former club for 2-0 but when Danny Taylor pulled one back the home side were hanging on and glad to hear the final whistle.  The Green are now just one point behind the pacesetters but a whole cluster of sides remain in contention in the title race. Meanwhile Darryl Hagger, T J Tulachan and an own goal proved enough for the seconds who won 3-1 at Appledore. Managers reports to follow (see Latest Match Reports above). Appledore have declined the offer of a return league game next Sunday leaving both Green sides without a game. This is very frustrating at this time of the season but hopefully there will be a friendly arranged for those in need of match sharpness.

Elsewhere, in the Bodkin Cup there were smooth passages into the next round for Galacticos [who beat Ashford Dynamo 4-1] and Bliby [7-0 winners over Fox]. Bethersden were the days top Premier performers with an astonishing 9-2 trouncing of Kennington to maintain their 100% record while Mersham will be happy with a point from an entertaining 2-2 draw with leaders Market. At the bottom of the table, neighbours Brewmaster and Troggs shared the spoils from a 2-2 draw. Former Green man Paul Goericke has been scoring regularly for Egerton and he was at it again with two more in the 4-0 success over previously unbeaten Churchills in Division One. Ashford Victoria provided the smash and grab act of the day by edging out Ashford Cavaliers with two goals at the death after Dale Stringer’s charges looked home and dry at 2-1 in their Sheber Trophy clash. Holders Bromley Green Reserves have been drawn away to Market Reserves in the next round … a tie that will see a re-uniting of former Green players such as Damian Morse and Glen Rolfe. Don’t forget, for all the latest results and tables, click on the link to the right.

Saturday night briefly (more details as they arrive throughout the weekend)

* Lee Milton strike levels the scores during the first half but another missed penalty with the score at 1-1 proves costly as the Green go down 2-1 at home to Sheerness East (action picture left). Also in Division One, Kennington go down 3-0 away to AFC Sheppey and Staplehurst continued their freefall with a 7-2 hammering at New Romney.

* Green Reserves lose 5-0 away to Bearsted Reserves; Kennington Reserves and Otford Reserves are goalless

* In the Kent County League Premier, Canterbury City include much-travelled veteran keeper Paul Hyde but lose again, this time 2-1 at home to Phoenix Sports; while in Division Two Lydd gain a creditable 1-1 draw at Borden.

* Elsewhere, Mickelborough nets again, this time on the hour from the penalty spot as the Rams win 2-1 away to Fleet in the FA Trophy…we could do with Gazza tomorrow one feels! No luck for Buster, Bondy et al as Hythe find themselves 20 points behind the Kent League leaders Faversham after a 2-1 home setback against Norton Sports.

Don’t forget: Saturday after the Green game with Sheerness we will be showing the Manchester United-v-Blackburn Rovers game live

Left: Tom Poyner and Glenn Mackett in action against Canterbury City last Saturday. Both players will be keen to continue their good form for the visit of Sheerness in the league tomorrow.

Photo: courtesy of City’s website where more action photos are available. Link through County League news on the right of this page.

Team news as it arrives: Dave Smith expects to be at full strength for the visit of Sheerness East (2.45pm) while Phil Wedge has Chris Cloke (leaving do at work), Paul Barron (ankle injury) and Daryll Hagger (work) missing for the testing trip to face Bearsted Reserves.

Good luck with the op Chris

Popular forward Chris Holmes undergoes surgery today on his troublesome knee. Chris has been sidelined since April and has not kicked a ball during the current campaign. His record for the Saturday first team reads 25 appearances with 10 goals. The club sends its best wishes for a speedy return to the action.

Too many vacant dates for this time of year

Being without a single league fixture for four weeks is not ideal for Steve Mailey as the Green try to keep pace with leaders Market in the Sunday Premier. A blank day on 8 November and another free date on 29 November means there will be no league action until December after Sunday’s home clash with Highfield. On 15 November we are away to Boxley in the Kent Sunday Premier Cup whilst the following Sunday there is a trip to Appledore in the Ashford Charity Trophy. Phil Wedge will not be happy that his side are also twiddling their thumbs on 8 November … why not play Appledore at home in the league as they are also free? Scheduled Sunday Reserve fixtures are 15 November home Grasshoppers in Division Two and 29 November away Shadoxhurst in the Division 2 Cup.

Thanks to all who made the evening at The Curry Leaf on Thursday such a success. Maxine deserves praise for organising the event and the restaurant staff were exceptionally professional in their ability to serve all 38 of us with what we wanted in decent time. Well done to all concerned! One small note, there is still one member to pay. Maxine and the Patron know who it is so please let’s avoid any bad feeling and get the money to Max on Saturday and no more will be said. Thanks. For more pictures, please click on ‘Curry Night Photos’ above.

Whilst on the theme of food and drink, the traditional Xmas Green tour of the pubs seems to be popular amongst a number of players…can you give me some idea of the date before Christmas when most of you can make it and I will try and come up with an itinerary. Our Christmas meal will be either at the The Curry Leaf or Downtown Diner – again preferences and dates to The Patron or Maxine as soon as possible please. Maybe you want to have the pub crawl culminating with the meal on the same day? Up to the players but please let us know within the next couple of weeks your preferences to enable bookings. DH.

Preview of Bromley Green-v-Sheerness East Saturday 31 October 2009 by Dave Smith

After three great wins a row, we face Sheerness East, the side who were relegated with us last season from the Premier Division. This to me is the most important game of a very good month for us, as after two good cup wins the previous two weeks, we need to make sure we take all three league points on offer, to move us up the league. Again I keep a settled squad, which in my eyes is adding to a consistent way of playing, with players getting to know and understand each other better. Looking back at the difference between the side of last season and this, there are 6 changes, which is a lot and helps to explain our erratic form early on in the season. I have stated my squad is settled at the moment, but I will always be looking for improvement, so the lads performing well in the reserves are always in my thoughts. Sheerness are always an unpredictable side and after 6 games this season sit in 10^th place in the league, so they will be keen to get something out of the game to help their position.

Squad: C.Smith, T.Poyner, M.Hadlum, R.Smith, M.Doyle, A.Mercer, R.Greenfield, G.Mackett, L.Milton, L.Hayles, D.Cornell,  D.Allen, M.Howells, B.Davies. Players to meet at 1.45 at the ground for a 2.45 ko.

Patron’s rider: I agree with Dave, this is the big one if we are to make an impact in the league this season. The last three weeks have been good but it is the bread and butter of league points that we so desperately need to mount a sustained challenge for promotion back to the Premier. I feel at this point we should also say thanks to the supporters that are gradually coming back to watch us – at County level, only Hythe Town, in the Kent League Cup, had a bigger attendance than the Green last Saturday when we narrowly overcame Canterbury City. On behalf of all the lads, I know how much they appreciate a decent crowd to boost their confidence, please keep coming and be a part of it all. DH.

Tuesday update: Tonight’s result Sussex County League 0 Kent County League 2

At the Three Bridges football ground, Tuesday evening Kent beat their Sussex counterparts 2-0. After a goalless first half, Kent controlled the second period and eased to a win. Keeper Craig Smith played 80 mins and was very assured in all that he done, with good handling and distribution. Defenders Ryan Smith and Matt Hadlum both played the last 30 mins and each done enough to warrant their inclusion in any further squads.
A good night for all 3 lads who all represented our club well. Dave Smith.

Any teams looking for a friendly on Sunday [for the young lads who will form the basis of a third team] please contact Dave Homewood asap on 07761101988

Tom Head is almost ready to make his return after broken ankle.

Thursday night out: If your name is on the list and you are not going, please let Maxine know at once…thanks. Meet The Swan at 6.30pm for those who fancy a drink beforehand.

Vice President Chris Watson celebrates his 50th birthday today (Tuesday) and the club sends its greetings. ‘Watto’  came through the youth ranks, clocking up 602 senior matches and notching 264 goals in the process. Able to play almost anywhere, Chris began as a wide player with us when he was 15 but he enjoyed many years as an influential midfielder, going on to win a mass of trophies. Along with Paul Brenchley and George Magri, Chris rates amongst the most skilful of players to adorn the Green jersey – a pleasure to watch. Chris is pictured here in 2005 with goalkeeping legend John Kelly and Vice President Ian Holloway.

Mackett snubbed by League but Patron claims “It won’t be long before Glenn is lifting the trophies again. Ican’t wait!”

Good luck to Ryan Smith, Matt Hadlum and Craig Smith who are in the County League Rep squad that faces Sussex at Three Bridges on Tuesday evening. Amazingly manager Mark Edwards has phoned Craig to say that he has not included Green skipper Glenn Mackett in his final squad, prompting Saturday boss Dave Smith (left) to consider the club’s position on this: “Glenn has been outstanding this season and this makes no sense at all. Being the man he is though, he still wants the other boys to go and try and make a name for themselves. I am not happy with the treatment of Glenn and I don’t buy the line that they don’t have his phone number; but after consulting the club’s officers I will go and support the other three lads.” Patron Dave Homewood felt Macca would not be too deterred by this: “Glenn has seen it all before and his main love is Bromley Green. On a selfish note, I hope he will be at training on Tuesday and report fit and ready to lead us at the weekend in two crucial games against Sheerness and Highfield. I also really hope that Matt, Craig and Ryan enjoy their night and have decent run-outs.” On a general note he added ”We have a real spirit in the Club now and are getting there – not just on the field but off it as well. The balance of experience and youth is paving the way to future success and nothing or nobody is going to stop us. It’s hard work with so many of our former quality players elsewhere but this club has bounced back on numerous occasions from far worse than this during the last eighty years and it won’t be long now before Macca is lifting the trophies again. I can’t wait!”

Curry Night on Thursday - if you are a bit early, meet in The Swan at 6.30pm for a drink before we go to the Curry Leaf. A reminder: you must wear your Bromley Green tie to this function. There are still a few of you that need to buy one and Maxine will not allow you in without it…so there will be some at the ground at training on Tuesday night. Cash to DH up front please…there is strictly no ‘paying later’! All enquiries re Thursday to Maxine please (Contact Us has phone number).

 Adam Jeffrey to return

Utility defender Adam Jeffrey, who featured in the Under 16s last season, is returning to the Green. Phil Wedge will hold talks with the player at training on Tuesday. Patron Dave Homewood said: “It will be great to see Adam back but he will need to be patient like our other youngsters. We are determined to reward those who have stayed with us by providing adult football and the sooner we can secure regular friendlies in preparation for a third team next season the better. I think Adam could surprise a few people if he has self belief and we look forward to seeing him again”.

25 October 2009: Bromley Green 3 Mersham 1 (for report, read Steve Mailey on Latest Match Reports)

Pictures courtesy of our photographer supreme Paul Carter

Adam Mercer looks to the stars after blazing wide from close in … in the words of our cameraman Paul Carter this was the “Miss of the season”

On the Sabbath thou shalt pray: Dan Allen as usual gave everything but it was a frustrating morning

Ben Davies who performed well in midfield for Mersham

Ryan Smith (below right) with two goals and no booking … well done! Pay your annual sub and the Patron might yet find some sponsor money!

Green Army linesman Trent (below left) before hearing Jackie had pranged the car (not in Jason style thankfully) …

… (bottom) Ian Mace after hearing Jackie had pranged the car!