Hi Dave,
Match Reports for both Sat 1st and U16s.
Rusthall 2-1 Bromley Green
An 86th minute penalty meant that Rusthall advanced to face Cray Valley in the Semi Final of the Kent Intermediate Challenge Shield. With Dave Smith away Steve Mailey took control for the match and got a positive response from the squad.
Rusthall started the brighter. Lots of possession led to them playing in and around our area for sustained periods of time without really working the goal. The makeshift back 4 of C Howells, L Smith, Matty H and Mickie D soaked up a lot of pressure and reduced the home side to a few long range efforts. In truth it took 15 minutes for us to settle into the game. Once we had though we began to look more of a threat and played a direct counter attacking style which almost bought joy. Dan Cornell was slid in by Craig Norman – the dink over the advancing keeper was stopped by his knees. Minutes later Craig turned well on the edge of the box and a fierce shot was only an inch wide. The half continued with plenty of possession for Rusthall but without much penetration. The home side grew frustrated and there were many complaints from the side but the draw was fair going in at half time – if anything we had the better opportunities.
The second half started well. Andy Wood who was impressive on the right all day linked well with the two forwards and won a corner. From this the ball ricochet out to Andy who fired in a half volley very cooley. At 1-0 it was important for us to soak up the inevitable pressure – however the Rustics equalised in a matter of minutes. A mis hit cross caused trouble and after it bobbled around the Rusthall striker finished very well into the top corner.
The game settled back into the pattern of the first half. Andy fizzed a cross shot along the 6 yards and the Rusthall Target man missed a close range header and extra time seemed destined. The back four continued to impress especially Chris Howells at right back. Liam Holman replaced the injured Matt Hadlum – who was in control at the back – and with Mickie tucking inside we still looked solid. Mackett and Howells linked well in midfield all afternoon and spread the play nicely but an error in the centre led to a 3 on 3 attack which stopped twice by Liam Smith. A home throw was given and this was questionable but directly from this some pulling and tugging between Chris Howells and a Rusthall forward saw the later go down for a penalty. In truth it was 6 of 1 and half a dozen of the other but the penalty taker slotted home cooly. Previously Karl Seni had replaced Craig Norman with Andy going up top in an attempt to get the ball in behind the Rusthall defence and into their box but the penalty came too late for us to react.
A dogged performance and we were very unlucky but with 15 possible 16 games to go we have a lot to play for.
Team: Craig S, Chris Howells, Matt H, Liam S, Mick D, Andy W, Ryan N, Glenn M (c), Mark H, Craig N, D Cornell, L Holman, K Seni. Subs not used S Beal.
MoM: C Howells
Bromley Green 30-0 Hawkinge Youth,
The under 16 lads kept up their title challenge with a record scoreline for a Bromley Green side. (Im told the previous highest was 19-1). Hawkinge arrived with a heavily depleted squad and I first want to congratulate their players who showed what football is all about. They wanted to play Football and they refused to just give in. Tremendous credit to the Hawks.
It was always going to be tough for the visitors and the goals started with George Wall finishing from close range. If I am being honest trying to remember the order will be tough. Jamie tapped home from a corner and then expertly curled a Free Kick in the top corner. Jamie has been working on this all year on Saturdays and Sundays and it was good to see it pay off. Reece Murrell scored a quickfire Hat Trick and Aaron Neil added a couple and Jack Blowers scored. Kryz scored his first goal for the club to in a first half where Martyn Dalby scored with a ferocious shot.
Hawkinge continued to put everything they had in. But the numbers told and we managed to get to 30. Liam Wratten came on up front and scored with a thunderous drive having earlier had one cleared off the line. Joe Barton then missed a penalty before later scoring from a corner. Aaron, George, Jamie, Reece and Kieran all netted hatricks! In total Aaron got 7, George 3, Martyn 2 , Liam 1, Jamie 4, Joe 1, Kieran 3, Jack 2, Krysz 2, Reece 5.
Next week sees us play Betteshanger where a win will put the league firmly in our hands with work to do but any dropped points will see Betteshnager clinch the title. It is a different prospect all together and we must be on point next week. We need to be at our best and work hard for each other and give our selves a chance.
Team: Liam, Martyn, Jamie, Joe (C), Jordan, Jack, Jon, Aaron, George, Dan, Kieran, Reece, Adam, Krysz
MoM: Some good performances. Plenty of assists. Jon with 2. But the Man of the Match is George who was professional and affective all the way through.
