Worst performance earns vital win!
A much needed victory, with probably our worst performance for a few weeks, against what appeared to be an under strength Lewisham side. This win has moved us of the bottom up 2 places and hopefully will give the confidence to go and pick up more points from our congested finish to the season. First we have the return with Lewisham on Wed 22nd at 8.00 under lights then we face Stansfield away on Sat 25th.
We started the game poorly and Lewisham took the lead in the 10th min when a miss hit cross shot was turned into his own goal by James Gardener. We were having trouble coping with there skilful forwards, but were having joy going forward as there defence looked as rocky as ours, We levelled in the 30th min when Glenn Mackett glanced home Ryan Smith’s free kick,1-1 at half time.
The second half started with both sides pushing forward, but the gusty wind and bumpy pitch made good football difficult. We took the lead in the 65 min when Andy Wood burst through and finished well for his first league goal. Lewisham then wasted 2 good chances to level and were punished for this when Wood again out paced the defence to put us 3-1 up. Again Lewisham missed chances to reduce the arrears, but we also were guilty of this when Andy Wood should have completed his hat trick with a free header and Craig Norman after excellent individual work missed the target.
The game ended 3-1 and the relief was evident from all at the club. Like I have stated it was not our best performance but the guys stuck at it and showed good desire and commitment, well-done to you all.
Team: C.Smith, R.Smith, J.Gardener, M.Hadlum, R.Norman, G.Mackett, C.Howells. L.Milton, D.Cornell, H.Slade, A.Wood. Subs: C.Holmes (C.Howells), B.Davies (L.Milton) C.Norman (D.Cornell)
MoM G.Mackett vital return to the side, gives us an edge
Steve Mailey’s Sunday First Team Report (19 April 2009)
Troggs 1 v 1 Bromley Green
After watching Dave Smith’s side earn a deserved win on Saturday, Green should have been looking forward to a trio of wins this weekend. However, two no shows through work, a no show through family matters and a simple no show meant my small squad was suddenly over stretched yet again. Two 16 year olds and the reliable Mark Day completed the 12 man squad that travelled to high flying Troggs. Attempts were made to strengthen – but that frankly proved to be a complete waste of time and effort!
As for the game, we competed well against a tall and strong side. After a scrappy opening twenty, we began to play some good stuff. We did the simple things and were the better side. We found ourselves on the edge of their area several times without making it count. The close team spirit actually seems to be growing in recent weeks as we continue to battle on regardless. The pressure continued and was rewarded when Robbie, again, gambled and reacted well to smash home form 3 yards to give us the lead at the break.
The second half saw a very even contest. The option of adding more experience was not available to me, yet was clearly needed. Troggs continued to press and levelled the game when we failed to deal with what appeared to be a harmless venture into our area. The game became more stretched as skipper Mackett pushed on and the hosts played into the space left behind him. The result of 1-1 was probably fair in the end.
Yet another ‘new’ back line coped well and my reliable middle three battled for everything. G Rolfe put in a top display up front, getting through a lot of work. The older and more experienced heads came through for me today, guiding the younger ones well. Man of the match will go to Mackett for his all round contribution. C Smith, Poyner, Neil, Perk and L Milton are others worth a mention for varying reasons. Troggs acknowledged the input from young Aaron Neil, although I’m sticking with Macca (sorry Az!).
So just the two wins for Green this weekend – but we did all we could with the players available and they deserve credit for their efforts.
C Smith / Valler / Poyner / Perk / Mackett / L Milton / Greenfield / Neil / Curtis / Hawkins / G Rolfe. Not Used: Day
Dave Smith looks back on a punishing Easter programme
A bank holiday to forget, no points and with Sheerness finding form, we now sit at the bottom of the league. Saturday saw us take on title chasing Orpington,a 3-2 defeat does not look to bad but i felt our visitors had other gears to use when required.They dominated the early play and took the lead when Matt Hadlum,trying to save the ball deflected it in to his own net.1-0 at half time gave us hope and early in the second half a defencive error by our visitors saw Dan Cornell finish superbly to bring us level.The game then turned nasty with Orpington having a player dismissed for a dangerous head butt,we then needed to take control of the game,but Orpington responded well and regained the lead,when Liam Smith deflected into his own net,2 soon became 3,when there forward was allowed to much room in the box and scored easily.We pulled a gaol back in the last minute with another own goal,but could not go on to level matters.A good effort from the lads,who at times played good football, but Orpington are a strong side who now how to win.
Steve Mailey reflects on the Charity Trophy exit
Bliby 6 v 1 Bromley Green – after extra time
(1-1 after 90 minutes)
Anyone reading the score line will assume this was all one way traffic. Well for 100 minutes it was a close fought physical cup tie. With some key players missing through injury, rule restrictions or simply not turning up, we had little to call upon other than the spirit of those present. The first half saw us compete well, although we were a little nervous with the ball. Even when going a goal down, we still managed some good chances ourselves. At the break, I asked for us to calm things a bit and keep the ball more. We didn’t have to wait long to be back in the tie as Robbie Greenfield again popped up with a superb strike to level things.
The second half continued with, I feel, us looking more dangerous than our hosts. Our back line was working very hard and our keeper pulling off some key stops whilst playing with an injury. Barrett looked solid and Robbie lively as we fought hard to cope with the Bliby middle quality. Carter & Neil both offered well out wide in a game played at a high pace in a warm temperature.
With the scores level at full time, we went into extra time feeling we were more than capable of winning the tie. An early strike by the visitors set us back and a third seemed to completely flatten us. Some had played a lot of football this week and were suffering as a result. Everyone had worked so hard and all the aches and pains hurt more once the tie seemed to be slipping from us. In the end, we were dead on our feet, as we collapsed to a 6-1 defeat. I wish Bliby well in the semi final.
For 90 minutes we were matching our hosts, and I’m sure could beat them with the return of certain players. However, we cannot escape the fact that, today, the fitter side went on to romp home in this one! Many thanks to all for the effort shown, and a mention for Kieran Hawkins – the young lad came along to ‘sample’ how we do things and ended up playing 120 minutes! Man of the match is a tough one – but I’m going for Terry Perk again. Also a special mention for all those who came to support the side.
C Smith / Valler / Hadlum / Perk / L Milton / Barrett / Greenfield / Carter / Hawkins / Poyner / Neil.
Not Used – Day / Coglan
Allison reports on the Sunday Reserves march into the Sheber Cup final
For the second week running the lads dictated the pace of the game from the kick off, after going close on a couple of occasions early on. It took a wonderful strike from young Darryl Hagger to open the scoring and this was closely followed by a close range effort by MoM of the match Charlie Clarke. After a 10 minute spell of passing the ball around Ash Webster popped up to slot home goal number 3. This was soon followed by an absolutely sublime 35 yard volley from Matt Wedge and that’s how things remained till half time.
10 minutes into the second half a Burton Grove forward got lucky with a misplaced back pass and pulled one back for our visitors. But with Martin D’Agostino (pictured left) looking solid, this is how things remained till the final 10 minutes when Ash Webster once again popped up to do the business. Final score Green Reserves 5 Burton Grove 1.
Manager Phil Wedge added that he is really proud of the boys’ attitude and temperament in getting to this final: “I just hope we continue to play the way we have done in the last few games and do the club proud on 3 May. Special thanks also go our Vice President Ian Holloway for opening up the bar today”. Discipline was much better today although D’Agostino picked up a yellow card.
Dave Smith reflects on Wednesday night’s defeat in Strood…the old story of careless errors and missed chances
I could quite easily cut and paste a previous report from the games against Bearsted,Holland and Blair,Rusthall or Orpington as again we played good football,controlled the game for good periods but ended up losing 2-0,to a side that took their chances.
We started badly and were a goal down within 5 mins,when poor defending from a needless free kick saw the Bly forward slot home.But full credit goes to the team,which had seven regulars missing as we gradually took control of the game and created some good chances,but a lack of composure in front of goal saw us go into the break 1-0.
The second half started with us again taking the game to the home side,three blocked shots in 30 seconds seemed to sum our night up,but we continued to show great determination and desire.But again as in several games this season we paid for some sloppy defending which saw Bly increase their lead to 2-0.This all but finished the game,but to the teams credit we drove ourselves on to the end,but all to no avail.
I was pleased with all the players,especially Syd Beal,Lee Milton and Liam Holman,who all came in at short notice from playing for the reserves the night before.
We now face 2 tough games over Easter with title challengers Orpington our first visitors on Saturday,then second placed Fleet coming to the Swan centre on Monday.I know my team will be up for these 2 crunch games and if we can reproduce some of the attacking football that we played yesterday,then we could pick up some much needed points.
Thanks to Dave, Tommy, Steve, Mr Holman, Max and Sara for their support, much appreciated by all the lads.
Team: C.Smith,S.Beal,L.Smith,M.Hadlum,M.Davies,A.Wood,H.Slade,R.Smith,L.Milton, D.Cornell,C.Holmes subs K.Seni(D.Cornell) L.Holman(M.Davies)
MoM M.Hadlum.When he plays like this he adds so much to the side.
Team; C.Smith,B.Davies,L.Smith,M.Hadlum,S.Beal.R.Smith.H.Slade.A.Wood,L.Milton. D.Cornell,C.Holmes subs K.Seni(A.Wood) L.Holman(R.Smith) R.Strand not used.
MOM B.Davies great game but needs to do this every week
Bank holiday Monday saw us take on table topping Fleet. We new this would be a tough game a Fleet’s style,of long ball play with a constant aerial threat is hard to deal with. The first 45 mins saw us defend this tactic very well,with Ryan Smith and Matt Hadlum outstanding.I stressed at half time the need to carry this on,but a early penalty given away form keeper Craig Smith form a poor back pass saw us go 1 down,this in truth finished the game and Fleet added 3 further goals to end up winning 4-0.
The lads all came off very tired from two hard games in two days,but with no let up in the hectic fixture schedule,caused by sides calling games of to easily,we need to re group and dig deep,we now have games against a host of mid table sides,starting with Lewisham at home on Saturday.
Thanks to all the people who came and supported us over the weekend and to all at the club,who helped with setting up the two games,with their hard work and dedication to the club.
Team; C.Smith,B.Davis,M.Hadlum,R.Smith,L.Marshall,A.Wood,L.Milton,C.Howells,H.Slade
D.Cornel,C.Holmes subs S.Beal(B.Davis) M.Howells(L.Milton) K.Seni not used
MOM Ryan Smith great game and has the capability to become a really good defender.
Alfie Pickard (left) has resigned as Saturday Reserves team manager with the side being taken until the end of the season by Phil Wedge and Trent Thomas. The team is in action next on Wednesday at New Romney (6.30). Monday’s game with Premier leaders Fleet Leisure ended 4-0 in favour of the visitors after we were in the hunt following a goalless opening half. Players interested in being involved should show an interest in training tomorrow night at the ground (details below).
Leisure visit the Swan Ground for a Kent County League Premier game that holds huge implications at both ends of the table. A boost for the club is the return after injury and suspension of midfielder Chris Howells (pictured left). Kick off is at 2.30pm.
(pictured left) who celebrates his 60th birthday this weekend. On the pitch, no luck again for the Green first team on Saturday, missing out 3-2 to second placed Orpington after Dan Cornell had given hope during the second half. Liam Marshall was added to the long injury list before kick off but at least Chris Howells should be back for Monday’s home clash with table-toppers Fleet Leisure. Dave Smith’s report to follow. No game for our reserves today. Tomorrow the firsts hope to have Kevin Barrett and John Lockett back in action for the trip to Bliby while the seconds chase Sheber Cup success against visitors Burton Grove at the Swan Ground. 
Vice President Lee Williams is poised to make a dramatic Sunday return in goal for the Sheber Cup semi final against Burton Grove. Davies who captained the Saturday seniors on Wednesday night is gutted that yet again injury is going to force him to be a bystander at a crucial stage of the season. Goalkeeping legend ‘Lurch’ (pictured left) has answered an SOS call from Phil Wedge to replace the injured Shawn Dadd. Wedge has already stated that should we reach the final then the experienced Williams will stay in goal with Dadd hopefully fit to slot into a defence already robbed of Reece Hagger.
Steve Mailey has suffered another blow with the news that the versatile Liam Holman (left) now has to work every Sunday. Liam has been the perfect clubman since joining us mid-season and always gives 100% whichever team he is selected to play for.
