Monthly Archives: May 2009

Last game on Thursday

Posted on 11/05/2009 by | Leave a comment

All are welcome at the ground on Thursday for the last official game of the season as the Sunday firsts entertaine1%20027[1] Bliby (6.30) in the Premier Division. Manager Steve Mailey will be hoping to put a decent side out after a season of utter frustration. Skipper Glenn Mackett is still in Las Vegas but Gary Mickelborough could be back. Central defender John Lockett (pictured) is finishing the campaign in fine form and already looking forward to a fresh start in September. After this week, club night returns to Tuesdays (Ian will open at 6.30) and training will resume on Tuesday 9 June. A reminder that the AGM is on Monday 8 June and the awards night is Friday 19 June. Players looking to join for next season should initially email dhomewood@yahoo.com who will pass details to the team managers (or potential newcomers can just turn up for a chat on club night/training night).

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From the managers…

Posted on 10/05/2009 by | Leave a comment
Our battle to avoid relegation came to an end on Saturday, writes Dave Smith, with yet another narrow 1-0 defeat and the news that Snodland had beaten Cray, to leave us relegated on the goals scored rule. A major disappointment to the club, myself and the players, but the league does not lie and we just have to get on with it and come back better next season.
e1%20105[1]The most disappointing thing about Saturday was the fact that I had 10 players missing form my squad I had used all season, a couple of these are long term injuries but the others were just simply not available, which let the whole club down. I did manage to get 13 players together, thanks to the willingness of the reserves and the fact that 2 players played with injuries. Lee Milton played his 500th game for the club and if a few more had his attitude then this club would be a lot better off, a great achievement and I thank him for all he has done for me this season. The game was tight and we were well in contention until an error in the 30th min from our defence saw the Coney Hall forward walk the ball in.
The second half started with us coming in to the game more and gradually we pushed the home side back, but the equaliser we so badly needed was eluding us. Then to sum it all up in the last minute Ryan Smith beat the keeper only to see his shot hit the post and Dan Cornell narrowly missed the rebound from a tight angle. That was the last action of the game and a quick phone call confirmed our fate. Thanks to the small support we had, Steve, Magri and the Holmans, for making the journey again much appreciated. 
This report is not my reflection of the whole season, I will take a couple of days to think this over and then submit it to the web site for all to read.
 Team: C.Smith (pictured); L. Smith.  M. Hadlum, B. Davies, S. Beal, L. Milton, T. Poyner, R. Smith, H. Slade, C. Howells, D. Cornell. Subs: L.Holman (M. Hadlum), M. Wedge (L. Milton)
MoM Syd Beal came at short notice – superb attitude and never put a foot wrong.

 

Steve Mailey reports on the 2-2 draw at Aldington (10/5/2009)

Aldington 2 v 2 Bromley Green

Writing these match reports can be annoying at times. You need to find the balance between being thankful to those who have put the effort in to the game and being angry at throwing a game away!

With several being away or working and the ongoing injuries to Barrett, R Hagger and J Thomas, I must offer my thanks to Wedge, Bloxham (pictured) and Jackson for coming up from Phil’s side to help us out.

e1%20077[1]As for the game, it’s fair to say we started well and quickly began to dominate. Milton, Bloxham, Wedge and, in particular, young Neil were passing and moving well, causing all sorts of problems for the hosts. In fact, the opening 25 minutes saw us enjoy almost total control of the game. Our efforts were rewarded as L Milton found the net – twice – to give us an impressive lead.

Quite how we never put the game to bed before the break is a mystery. Instead, we failed to react to a lob forward, and found our lead halved at the break. I asked the lads to get back to basics and not get caught going ‘gun ho’ again, or they’d just hit us again. For whatever reason, we still committed too many forward without tracking back, and we paid the price as the score was levelled. Several very good chances went to waste in a game that should never have been a contest after the opening quarter.

Upon reflection, I’m not happy with this outcome and I do actually feel it’s the most disappointing result so far. As I said at the top, taking nothing away from those who gave it their all, but purely because this was a game we simply threw away – no matter how you try to dress it up. Man of the match will go to L Milton, although Neil, Wedge and Bloxham all put in a good 65 or so minutes. Our final game of a strange season is this coming Thursday against Bliby at the Swan Ground, 6:30 kick off.

C Smith / Valler / Poyner / J Lockett / Perk / L Milton / Bloxham / Neil / M Wedge / Jackson (Hawkins)/ G Rolfe

Not Used: Day

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Sunday action…kids give us hope

Posted on 09/05/2009 by | Leave a comment

UPDATE SUNDAY LUNCH TIME…

Reserves and First Team both record score draws

Dalby man of the match in draw with Galacticos

Bromley Green Reserves 1 Galacticos 1

John Lockett BGvAldington 24 March 2009Champions Galacticos were held to a draw by a Green second string fielding a number of youngsters who are already beginning to make their mark. Reece Murrell was unlucky not to snatch a winner for the Green when his shot was cleared off the line, while superb performances from Jamie Hurst and man of the match Martyn Dalby give real hope for the future. Ashley Webster was again the Green scorer.

Aldington 2 Bromley Green 2

How the first team could have done with him as they laboured to a 2-2 draw at Aldington after leading 2-0 at the break. Lee Milton, in his 501st senior outing, notched both the Green goals, but Steve Mailey was disappointed at dropping two points. Full credit to Lee Bloxham and Dan Jackson who came into the side and did really well until running out of steam. John Lockett (in action above left) and Matt Wedge kept going but in the end the Green paid for conceding two sloppy goals.  Elsewhere Dale Stringer took Ashford Cavaliers for their last game in the Premier but, after holding Bethersden to 3-3 at half time, it was the villagers who ran out 8-3 victors. Green match reports from Steve Mailey and Phil Wedge plus other local details as they arrive.

Mailey will again turn to youth

The Sunday firsts play their penultimate fixture tomorrow at Aldington and again a number of key players are unavailable or injured. Steve Mailey, who already has youngsters Reece Curtis, Kieran Hawkins and Aaron Neil in his squad has drafted in centre forward Lee Bloxham and the in-form Matt Wedge. Glenn Mackett is on holiday while it has been confirmed that Kevin Barrett has ruptured an achilles and now faces a long haul to be fit for next season. The reserves are minus the working Richard Floyd but could field young stars Joe Barton, Reece Murrell, Jamie Hurst and Martyn Dalby against visiting Galacticos. Both games kick off at 10.30.

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Relegation on ‘goals scored’ rule

Posted on 09/05/2009 by | Leave a comment

A single goal defeat at Coney Hall has sent the firsts down on the ‘goals for’ rule after the Green had finished on the same points and goal difference as Milton & Fulston. Losing premier status is a hard pill to swallow but the Club has been quick to defend manager Dave Smith. Patron Dave Homewood reflected: “The writing has been on the wall from the day we missed out on the title when Clive was manager. None of us ever really recovered and results have become slowly but progressively worse since then. Dave cannot be blamed and in fact was let down by several players who voted for him to become manager at the end of last term and then buggered off. The current crop of players have all given maximum effort and I thank them for that. The Club will be sitting down with Dave and Steve Mailey over the next three days to discuss the retained list; while planning and policy implementation talks for next season are already under way. I am not going to use the pathetic line of ‘this will give us chance to rebuild’, as relegation hurts and was not on our radar. Today, which should have been an afternoon of celebration with Lee Milton making his 500th senior appearance,  we were forced to field a patchwork side and have narrowly missed out. But we will be back make no mistake”.

Meanwhile the prolific Ashley Webster was at it again, scoring both goals in the seconds 2-0 win over Platt United Reserves at the Swan Ground. Reports to follow on both games under ‘Match Reports’.

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Lots of positives for Sunday manager

Posted on 09/05/2009 by | Leave a comment

Sunday First Team Report Thursday 7 May 2009

 Bethersden 2 v 2 Bromley Green

For the first time since my arrival, we were able to field a strong squad for this league clash. The hosts are a side I rate highly and the tough encounter that followed came as no surprise. As strange as it sounds, having a good side available also had its problems – for we played the first 20 minutes like a team of strangers! The share of possession was probably equal for the entire half, although Bethersden appeared far more comfortable and less hurried.

We struggled when losing the ball to adjust our shape, and that is dangerous against a side full of quality who attack in numbers and at pace. As a result we failed to deal with a lofted delivery and found ourselves a goal down. The shape we use clearly struggled with the narrow pitch, and the lack of options I have defensively limited any obvious solutions.

It’s not often that an injury changes a game, yet losing Carter midway through the half allowed Perk to come in – the shape and balance suddenly much more comfortable!

We agreed at the break to play on the floor and show more belief. We began brightly and were looking strong. A fine move involving a quality cut across from Poyner allowed Mickelborough to dispatch a superb finish to bring us level. In fairness, Mickelborough caused the hosts problems all game as they struggled with his power and movement.Tom Poyner 26.4.2009

Another little dip in concentration in our area was duly punished as we went 1-2 down. After going a bit flat, we began to push again and started moving the ball around well. Mackett was becoming more and more instrumental, finding our front men and the hard working Poyner (pictured right) with precision. A fine all round display from Liam Holman, a player I believe has lots of potential, was rewarded when he delivered a faultless ball in to the area, right on the foot of Poyner, who found the net well with just minutes remaining to earn us an impressive 2-2 draw. Man of the match will again go to Mackett for his driving influence. Others to note not already mentioned include BJ and Lee Milton (499 not out!).

So still just the one league defeat so far – with a constantly changing line up. Even though we are set to be very short for our next outing, Aldington this Sunday, there are more positives than some may realise. Well done to all.

 C Smith / Valler / Poyner / J Lockett / Mackett / L Milton / Holman / Neil (Greenfield) / Carter (Perk) / Mickelborough / G Rolfe

Not Used: Hawkins / Curtis

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Mickelborough and Poyner on target as Dens and Green battle out a 2-2 draw

Posted on 07/05/2009 by | Leave a comment

Bethersden 2 Bromley Green 2

G Mickelborough 7May2009The Green, sponsored by Keith Cornell Waste Paper, were twice behind in this sporting end-of-season encounter on Thursday night but deservedly scored 2 minutes from time to earn a share of the spoils. Gary Mickelborough and Tom Poyner both netted super goals. Again, plenty of positives for manager Steve Mailey whose report will follow shortly on the ’Match Reports’ tab.

Left: Gary Mickelborough strikes to bring us level at 1-1 in Thursday night’s 2-2 draw at Bethersden

This Sunday the side is away to Aldington in the league (10.30) leaving the Swan Ground at 9.30

Final game for the Sunday firsts is Thursday 14 May at home to Bliby (6.30)

 

 

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Milton closing in on milestone

Posted on 05/05/2009 by | Leave a comment

We may need to get something from the trip to Coney Hall on Saturday. Let’s hope by Saturday evening we have retained our Premier Division status. Glenn Mackett is away but Dave Smith will be seeking one last super effort from the boys and if last week’s fightback is a pointer perhaps confidence has returned in the nick of time. The Saturday Reserves entertain Platt United Reserves. On Sunday the firsts are at Aldington, and already Steve Mailey has a handful of players unavailable for a variety of reasons. Darren Carter is the latest injury victim, having hurt his neck against Bethersden in midweek. Matt Wedge earns a deserved recall to first team duty and there could be others given a chance. Meanwhile the Sunday Reserves entertain Galacticos.

Lee Milton is just two outings away from joining the elite band of players who have clocked up 500 senior appearances. If all goes to plan he will become the youngest player to hit the 500 mark on Saturday, providing he plays on Thursday evening. It will be a superb achievement by a loyal clubman who joined us as a 13 year old and the club is planning a night out to celebrate.

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The last knockings with more injuries

Posted on 05/05/2009 by | Leave a comment

Chris Holmes and Matt Hadlum out for remainder of season just about sums it up for Smith and Mailey

Dave Smith and Steve Mailey are already planning their squads for next season and it is no secret they will be happy when this frustrating campaign comes to an end. Long-term injury victims Lee Gilham and Joe Misfud have not kicked a ball all season, Jason Thomas has had a handful of games and still awaiting surgery; while Kev Barrett is finished for the season as is striker Chris Holmes, stalwart Steve Wilson and the versatile Matt Hadlum. Next fixture is Thursday night at Bethersden in the Ashford Sunday Premier (6.30pm kick off).

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Sat 1st managers weekend review

Posted on 05/05/2009 by | Leave a comment
After the 2 weekend fixtures,it all comes down to next weekend’s last game against Coney Hall away in London. After throwing away possible victory on Saturday going down 2-1 to Cray,we just managed to beat Rusthall by the same score after a tense,tight affair on bank holiday Monday.This now leaves us fourth from bottom,so a point will keep us up,if we loose and Snodland beat Cray then we will slip 2 places and be relegated on goal difference.So one more big effort is required from the team.
Saturday,s game on a hot day,saw us compete well with a useful Cray side,a goalless first half was a fair reflection of the game.We took the lead in the 4th min of the second half,when a great run from Ryan Norman,saw Andy Wood score from close range.We then should have had a penalty for a blatant push in the area on Craig Norman,but are appeals fell on deaf ears.Cray were then reduced to 10 men,but this spurred them on and equalised in the 75min,we now fell to pieces,arguments started as the tension got to us and Cray scored the winning goal from a poorly defended corner,with 10 mins to go.
We left the field knowing we had let ourselves down,a win was there,but our tendency to switch off at crucial moments had punished us again.
So Monday’s game against Rusthall now took even more importance.Rusthall with so many fixtures were not at there strongest.We started strongly and dominated the first 20 mins,but were wasteful in front of goal,this allowed Rusthall to come into the game,but again we went in goalless.Rusthall started the second half in control and took the lead in the 65 min from a mistake from a free kick.In all honesty we looked dead and buried,but the introduction of Mark Howells lifted us and he levelled superbly from a great cross shot from the left,we now pushed on and in the 85min Andy Wood broke through and finished well to give us the lead and the much needed victory.A hard game to watch,as it lacked quality,but the result was the most important issue of the day.
 
Sat team: C.Smith,L.Milton,C.Howells,R.Smith,J.Gardener.A.Wood,R.Norman.H.Slade
               G.Mackett,D.Cornell,C.Norman subs L.Smith,M.Hadlum not used
MOM       J.Gardener added strength at the back controlled the defence.
 
Mon team:C.Smith,L.Milton,C.Howells.R.Smith,B.Davis,G.Mackett,H.Slade
               A.Wood,R.Norman,C.Norman,D.Cornell, subs M.Howells(D.Cornell)
               L.Smith not used
MOM       M.Howells only played 30 mins but changed the game.
 
 A special thanks to Max,who was up early preparing the BBQ food and to Ian,Alvin and Pete for there help,just a real shame more people did not attend,but thanks to the ones that did.People do work hard  behind the scenes at this club,just looks at times whatever is done is not enough.
 
Congratulations to the Sunday reserves and there manager Phil Wedge for there victory in the Sheber cup on Sunday.

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Local rivals can’t raise a side

Posted on 04/05/2009 by | Leave a comment

Kennington unable to field a team for Premier clash

Tuesday night’s Ashford Sunday League Premier Division match between Bromley Green and Kennington is off with the blues unable to raise a team. Green manager Steve Mailey is not happy: “I have spent four days putting a side together. Several of my players are exhausted and would have played 5 games in 6 days but we were committed to fulfilling all our obligations to the league”. The Green are next in action on Thursday when they travel to Bethersden for a 6.30pm kick off.

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