Green v Easterners

For their final league game of the season, the U16s welcome Easterners to the Swan Ground (Sunday 22 March 2009). Vice Presidents Ian Holloway and Alvin Gigg (left) have kindly agreed to keep the refreshment area open during the afternoon and Alvin is preparing and cooking food. All parents and supporters are invited to join us over the weekend and to have a drink with us after the match on Sunday. Cheers DH.

Squad to meet at 13:10

Liam Wratten, John Holt, Jamie Hurst, Joe Barton (c), Jordan O’Gorman, Martyn Dalby, Adam Jeffrey, Dan Churchley, Arran Neil, George Wall, Krysz Pierzchala, Kieran Hawkins, Reece Murrell, Marcus Dalby, Michael Smith. On holiday Matt Jarvis – Banned Jack Blowers. Those selected for seniors will be informed and I will be in touch. Thanks Craig.

 Another week, another batch of players failing to appear. Getting people out of bed on a Sunday continues to prove a major task. Fortunately, this is not a problem exclusive to Bromley Green – it does seem to be an issue at most clubs. So off we went to High Halden with twelve for the Ashford Charity Trophy match. Among the twelve were two new faces as well as the ever dependable Mark Day. Add into the mix a fitness issue for one, a dead leg in midfield for another, cramp for the last thirty for another, and the minor matter of players not yet knowing each others names! Put it all together and you could be forgiven for not feeling too confident. So we simply agreed at the start to give it our all, avoid criticism and let team spirit and desire carry us. As expected, we began a bit shaky, but began to settle quite quickly. Communication was proving awkward, as was one of our lads having trouble to breathe – every ten minutes! Although the hosts enjoyed more of the ball, I felt we were more than competing, and we reached the break all square. I reminded the lads that we have footballers on our side, and by using the ball we had the ability to take our grip on things. We soon looked more comfortable and confident. The passion was now showing, the desire was starting to give us the edge. A confident, hard working rear line of Terry, young Reece and Valler were near faultless, marshalled by Craig. Our middle three battled for everything (possibly the best all three have played for me in my short term thus far), and young Aaron Neil did everything asked of him out wide – as senior debuts go, this lad should be very proud! Our surge in belief was rewarded when Carter pressured the keeper and gathered a loose ball to slot home to give us the lead. Then came the big test – within minutes the hosts were level through Danny Trapp as our concentration slipped – but we passed the test as we regrouped and battled on. The steady flow of goals lately from Milton [pictured] continued as he latched on to an opening to calmly put us back in front.  Brews continued to threaten, as you would expect, yet I felt fairly happy that the determination we were showing was going to be enough. Tommy Poyner had worked very hard all game, and maybe should have scored earlier, but he is all about confidence and he will keep trying – and by not giving up he got his reward with a very well taken run and finish to seal the game 3-1. Man of the match could come from any one of several really. The three lads in the middle (Mackett, Milton, Robbie) were collectively impressive and adapted well to our shape. However, Terry Perk gets the nod in defence. He added some vital composure at times as well as experience when we needed it. The effort and desire from all was great to see, and to see players responding well to new ideas is pleasing as we continue to build. Many thanks to all. C Smith / Valler / Perk / R Hagger / Neil / L Milton / Greenfield / Mackett / Carter /Holman / Poyner. Sub not used – Day

Report by Steve Mailey

 Aaron Neil who responded brilliantly to an early morning call-up to the Sunday firsts and played his part in a superb 3-1 Ashford Charity win at Brewmaster

Reece Murrell pleased Sunday Reserves manager Phil Wedge in the 3-2 defeat at home to The Albion

Joe Barton once again excelled in a senior shirt for the Sunday seconds

Disappointing is a word i use to describe the whole day, ending in a comfortable 1-0 victory for close rivals Snodland, disappointing that 2 players dropped out last minute, disappointing that we never competed at all in the first 45 mins and disappointing that apart from a couple of players friends no one from the club could make the short journey up the motorway to support us. But this is the norm, as week in and week out, the very few at the club do there bit and the many sit back and moan

As i have stated Snodland came out of the blocks with intent and passion,we looked shocked and were constantly driven back,we needed players to stand up and be counted,but we backed of and Snodland controlled the game.It was 1-0 in the 20th min,again poor defending from a corner,allowed Snodland to score easily.The rest of the half continued with us just holding on and we were lucky to go in 1 down.I make my feelings clear at half time and the players did respond better in the second half,but we never really looked like getting back on level terms and Snodland quite happily controlled the game and run out 1-0 winners,to take them above us in the relegation stakes.

My lads need to learn from this,we have 11 matches to go and make no mistake we are in relegation danger and i will expect a lot more from everyone,commitment,passion,heart and the desire to keep us in the premier league.

Team C.Smith,S.Beal,L.Smith,M.Hadlum,R.Smith,R.Norman,G.Mackett,M.Howells

         D.Cornell,C.Holmes,A.Wood. SUBS L.Holman(S.Beal) C.Norman(C.Holmes)

         K.Seni(M.Howells)

MoM Sorry if anyone thought they played well,have a re-think

Dave Smith (Manager)

GREEN GRIT GUARANTEES RUNNERS UP SPOT!!!

The under 16s confirmed their spot as EKYL Division 2  Runners Up with a truely remarkable display of grit and determination at the Swan Centre. It was fitting that the only side to beat us in the league this year were the ones who we confirmed our runners up spot against.

Going into the game we knew that a point would guarantee our place. After last weeks gut wrenching draw to Betteshanger the boys responded superbly – focusing on the task at hand. Our preparations were hampered as we missed John Holt and Jordan O Gorman was carrying an injury and Kieran has been carrying a couple of knocks but the boys who were selected focused and ultimately delivered.

The game was controlled by a wind which swirled from one way to the other and they boys decided to attack with it first. All season we have been better against the wind but we knew that it was an oopportunity that we should try to take and play to our strength second half.
We started well, looking dangerous down the wings – early stages of the game saw us knocking it out wide with some neat passing. The threat against us was when Kennington got the ball down in the middle of the park – some clever passes – never straight, always with an angle, put our back four under a lot of pleasure – it took a while for us to learn to defend it – we started very square but eventually Jordan, Joe, Martyn and Jame read the balls and dealt with the balls. There were two real oopportunities in the first half. Jack smashed the post with a drive from outside the area and Liam had to be on top form the hook a ball over the Bar after a good effort. The first half was even. Kennington would have certainly been happy knowing they had the wind with them next whilst we were happy that we didnt. To often in the first half Kieran was chasing balls down but he had so far to run as the ball went so deep and the defenders had time. Against the wind Kieran would be able to get closer to the play and I felt we could profit from this. I reminded the boys of performances against Betteshnager and Thanet where we were better against the win. We had to play high and play counter attacking football.

To Kenningtons credit they really came at us in the second half. We were playing counter attacking football but finiding it difficult to get the ball out of our half. Liam again came to the rescue as a cross looked to be curling in but for another fine stop. When we did get in and around their area we looked threatnening. A fine stop by the keeper denied first Aaron and then Kieran whilst Jack and Dan were getting joy out wide.
The best chance of the game when Liam saved a long range effort with his feet and the follow up by the striker caught him unaware as he put it wide. In an ever increasing wind the boys battled bravely. Jordan was visibly struggling with his ankle yet refused to give in. Jamie, Adam and Martyn at full back forced Kennington narrow often and oe had one of his best games all season. Discipline was key and Aarons performance alongside Krysz and George in midfield was key as they constantly backed up the defence. Kieran and Reece were left to feed on scraps and Kieran especially chased everything all day. The boys held on and deservedly clinched second.

We were gritty on Sunday and I am proud of the boys. Over the course of the season I think we deserve at least runners up and I am glad the boys have been rewarded. Ultimately the league was settled by the top 3s perfromances against each other. Betteshanger took 7 points, We took 5 points and Kennington took 4. And that is the order we have finished in.

Congratulations to the boys as we look to finish the season on a high a week on Sunday against Easterners.

Team: Liam, Jamie, Jordan, Joe (c), Martyn, Aaron, George, Jack, Dan, Reece, Kieran, Krysz, Adam. sub not used Matt J.
MoM: Tough again but it goes to Liam who made some critical stops!