Monthly Archives: September 2009

Preview of Saturday’s Green-v-University match at the Swan Ground 

By Dave Smith

On Saturday we entertain the students from Canterbury, their first game of the season, quite how this is allowed to happen every year is really beyond me, but they will no doubt be a useful team with so many people to pick from.  Saturday’s point at Otford was a was deserved one, Otford were a useful side and we defended well and played some good attacking football, this we will need to now carry on doing on a regular basis, so we can move up the league and get into a challenging place for hopefully promotion.  The squad this week welcomes back skipper Glenn Mackett and will also see promising forward Jack Ovenden joining the Saturday set up after a good start with the Sunday side. There are a couple of injury worries with Adam Mercer and Matt Hadlum struggling to be fit.  It is really pleasing to see so many players committing themselves to both days to help build the whole club ethos up and give us a great platform to be successful both days. We have a lot of talent at the club, both young and old and I feel the future is looking bright and I can see all sides developing over the next few seasons with the major trophies returning to the Green.  Squad: C.Smith, T.Poyner, B.Davies, M.Doyle, M.Hadlum, L.Milton, C.Howells, M.Howells, K.Hallett, A.Mercer, L.Hayles, J.Ovenden, C.Norman, R.Smith, G.Mackett.  Players to meet at the clubhouse at 13.45 for a 14.45 kick off.

Midweek: A header by former Green midfielder David Cook provided consolation for Hythe on Tuesday night as they lost their FA Cup replay at Kingfield. Just a goal behind at the interval, the Kent side put up a good show before Woking finally ran out 5-1 victors.

For the Green, there is a weekend looming full of fascinating fixtures. None more so than the visit of University of Kent on Saturday in the Kent County League Division One with the students having their first outing of the season (ko is at 2.45pm). On Sunday the firsts go to Stanhope to meet Ashford Victoria in the Ashford Charity Trophy and as always we will treat opponents from lower divisions with the utmost respect. Ryan Mills will have his lads up for the Vics biggest ever challenge. Our reserve sides face interesting games, going to Borden on Saturday and entertaining Shadoxhurst on Sunday. More news as it arrives.

Monday night live football at the ground: Manchester City-v-West Ham United. Everybody welcome. Just turn up and join us or for further details please contact Ian Holloway or Maxine Smith (details on Contact tab).

Looking forward to next weekend, click on the Fixtures tab for the Green’s forthcoming matches

Tong nets to halt Pilgrims progress

With both Green sides having a free Sunday, Market were able to extend their lead at the top of the Premier with an 8-4 win at Brewmaster and Highfield proved what a threat they are going to be by beating Bliby 3-2. Troggs and Mersham are both still looking for their first win and a goalless draw at Smarden confirms Matt Stanley’s realistic aim of simply retaining Premier status this season. Green’s seconds had a close-fought home friendly with Challock-based Pilgrims which was useful to both camps with the Green manager Phil Wedge able to have a look at some of those knocking on the door for selection to his league side. Pilgrims are applying to join the league next season and one can see them making a real impact in Division Four if they are elected in. In fact the industrious visitors took a 2-0 lead thanks to a combination of their attacking play and the Green’s uncertainty in defence but Ashley Webster (pictured above left) headed home from close range to reduce the arrears. Sean Tong (pictured left) with his first of the season and Kenny Hallett netted to turn the result in favour of the Green. Good to see Kevin Barrett getting back to fitness [although he is not available next week as he is back on army duty] and there were good run-outs for Martyn Dalby and Jamie Hurst who are having to be patient at present.   The Green stay top of the pile with just two matches played in Division Two today: Shadoxhurst were trounced 6-0 at home by Brewmaster Reserves and Fox Sunday triumphed 5-1 at Lydd against Grasshoppers. Away from the league action, Kennington were hammered at home 6-1 by Bethersden in the Ashford Charity Trophy while results for local teams in the Kent Sunday Cups saw just Aldington, with a 6-1 defeat of Charing, get through the preliminary round with Appledore and Galacticos falling at the first hurdle.

Late news: Tomorrow morning the Sunday Reserves have a friendly against Pilgrims. Players meet 9.15am at the Swan Ground. The idea is to give all fringe players a game.

Tom Poyner beauty is still not enough as Green have to settle for 2-2 draw at Otford…Green Reserves below par and lose 3-0 at home [for Ali Mehmet's reflection, please click on Latest Match Reports above] … bad day for New Romney who lose 4-0 at AFC Sheppey and the blues seconds falter 2-1 at home to Staplehurst Reserves…Woodstock and Premier share a 10-goal thriller in Sittingbourne…Ashford Town crash 5-1 away to Corinthian Casuals and Gazza’s Ramsgate are beaten 3-1 at Southwood by Dulwich Hamlet…better news from Hythe whose 2-2 draw with Woking earns an FA Cup replay on Tuesday night…with new keeper Chris Cloke having a succession of injuries already this campaign, Mark Bennett is to return to the Green from Ashford Victoria…more news as it arrives…

Dan Allen tops the scoring charts Finding the net for the Green to date this season are: Dan Allen 5, Kenny Hallett 4, Joe Mifsud 4, Chris Gillam 3, Darryl Hagger 3, Ryan Smith 3, Linton Hayles 2, Glenn Mackett 2, Ashley Webster 2, Lee Bloxham 1, Ryan Fitzgerald 1, Richard Floyd 1, Mark Howells 2, Ricky Milton 1, Craig Norman 1, Tom Poyner 1, Adrian Williams 1 [figures include Saturday 26 September 2009].

Congratulations to Terry and Traer on the birth of a daughter Avie Leone who weighed in at 9lbs 5oz

This Saturday we welcome Otford Reserves to the Swan Ground for another league game while the travelling firsts have been charged by their manager Dave Smith to get a result when the respective first teams meet (both games kick off at 2.45pm). Everybody welcome on Saturday for our live showing of the Fulham-v-Arsenal match at 5.30pm. No games fixtured this Sunday for either team although Phil will be holding training for any club member that wishes to attend – feel free to give him a ring for details on 07756568437.

WEEKEND REPORTS ARE ADDED BELOW AS AND WHEN THEY ARRIVE…

Sunday night update with more details to follow: * Veterans Charity match nets £120 to share between the Eve Appeal and the Heather Wynter Cycle for Life. * Market beat Mersham 2-0 to move to the top as Green draw at Bliby (report below). * Wilson the Wonder Keeper as Green seconds go top after 2-1 victory over Fox Sunday and Appledore slip up (report below). * Kenny Lang has at least four weeks to wait before he can begin light training with his metatarsal problems. * Congratulations to Lee Bloxham who is the father of a baby girl, Keeley.

Steve Mailey reports on the draw at Bliby

 Bliby  2  -  2  Bromley Green

Today we travelled to Sandyacres to face Bliby, a game we knew would be a huge test. Bliby have several good players, so this was going to be equally as tough as last week, but for different reasons. If I’m totally honest, I have to be both pleased and proud of the spirit shown. We went in to it with a host of names missing – at least three would be definite starters – yet we demonstrated again that we are now stronger and better equipped than last term. Even so, I feel genuinely annoyed, for a more ‘switched on’ approach may well have given us a victory.

Bliby put a spot kick wide inside 10 mins, and we responded by upping our game. Their ability to ‘earn’ free kicks was becoming a worry -  which we addressed at the break. We battled well, and the lads deserve credit for following instructions and sticking to the formation we chose to adopt. We went in at the interval with our noses in front thanks to Rocky, who dispatched a quality effort following some fine foot work.

The second half was no more than 3 mins old when a mix up at the back (switched on?) saw our full back guide the ball beyond our keeper – allowing Bliby back in. In fairness, we stepped up again, dealing with their threat head on. Pat Law impressed on his debut as a shield in front of our defence until injury forced him off. Paul Allan was strong throughout, thwarting their goal machine and linking well with Ryan Smith, who put in another composed display. They linked well in the opposing area too – a Milton delivery was met by Paul, who flicked onto Ryan, who forced it over the line to restore our lead.

Sadly, the moments that followed our goal became the talking point of the day, it affected the rest of the game, and I’m sure it will be taken further. I only mention it because again I want to pay credit to our boys for sticking together, sticking to their jobs and not getting distracted.

Bliby again fought their way back in to it, this time courtesy of some over play on the half way line for no reason whatsoever (switched on?), and allowed former Green man Hodges to enter our area with 9 Green shirts already behind him! The finish was impressive all the same. The game finished 2-2, although moments before the end Allan halted Hodges again and Craig pulled off a quality stop to earn our share of the points.

As well as those already mentioned, Cheesy put in another steady shift, as did Mercer. L Milton stood in as skipper well, and young Jack worked his socks off as a lone striker for an hour before being replaced. Man of the match is between two in my opinion. Rocky was immense today – he worked as hard as usual, yet released the ball a little earlier and found his shooting boots too. However, I’m giving it to Ryan Smith (pictured), as he continues to put in top displays. Today, he demonstrated composure and maturity, yet is still prepared to listen. We have a week off now – time to get some players back and fit in time to face Ashford Victoria in the Charity Trophy on 4 Oct. My thanks to all involved today.

C Smith / N Cheesman / P Allan / R Smith / D Valler / A Mercer / P Law (Greenfield) /  L Milton / L Hayles / T Poyner / Ovenden (Misfud)

Wilson heroics see Green seconds go top

Bromley Green Reserves 2 Fox Sunday 1

Steve Wilson (pictured getting ready!) was the star for a lack-lustre Green side at the Swan Ground on Sunday as he pulled off a string of last-ditch saves to thwart Fox Sunday and, with Appledore losing to the Brews Reserves, send Phil Wedge’s lads to the top of the table. It was in all honesty not a great performance by the home team and the Fox were always in the hunt. Once again it was Dan Allen who came up with the goods when it mattered to slot home and give a 1-0 half time scoreline but the visitors deservedly equalised. Substitutes Darryl Hagger and Dave O’Leary combined to conjure a lovely winner with Darryl heading home Dave’s cross. Although a Sean Tong effort grazed the bar, the Green were sloppy, not their usual selves in midfield, and only the brilliance of Wilson in goal enabled the home boys to hang on for the vital three points.

Friendly wanted: Phil Wedge is seeking a friendly for next Sunday to give some of his younger lads a good run-out. Home or away. Please give Phil a ring on 07756568437 if anyone out there is interested.

Poyner shines in poor team performance

Staplehurst 3 Bromley Green 0

A very poor performance on Saturday saw us lose 3-0 to an average Staplehurst side. This defeat and performance has left me with plenty to think about regarding my team selection for our next game on Saturday. Certain players in my view are just not putting in the level of performance that I expect, so changes will be made. We did start quite well for the first 15 mins, but from Staplehurst’s first corner we fell behind when their defender was left totally unmarked to score easily. Our heads dropped from that moment and we never really looked like getting back on level terms as the first half ended.

Being only 1-0 down I really thought if we upped our performance we could still win the game, but this hope was quickly ended when their striker walked far too easily through our defence to make it 2-0. This in effect was the game over, they added a third soon after and although we did push hard, we were never going to get back in the game. Like I have stated earlier, a very poor performance and we are already starting to be left behind in the league. Otford away next week is now a must win game.

Team: C.Smith, T.Poyner, M.Davis, M.Doyle, R.Smith, A.Mercer, C.Howells, M.Howells, L.Milton, L.Hayles, C.Norman. Subs: K.Hallett(R.Smith) T.Ireland (A.Mercer) D.Webster(L.Milton)

MoM: Tom Poyner, came in at right back and was our best player by some distance, defended and attacked and showed the commitment required.

Manager Mehmet: “I want to make the Swan Ground a Fortress”

Bromley Green Res 4  Staplehurst & Monarchs 1
Staplehurst arrived at the Swan Ground as table toppers and full of confidence. We arrived expecting a tough encounter and were not disappointed. We kicked off the match missing young Tommy Ireland who impressed last week and the late withdrawal of Liam Smith due to an injury, which meant last minute readjustments. Captain Mark Hazell displayed exactly why I rate him so highly, switched to the back four from his usual midfield role he led by example. He organised and structured everyone around him.
There were two debutants today in goalkeeper Paul Miles and defender Paul Wallace. Both players had exceptional games and will be major assets to Bromley Green. The Green started at a high tempo and never allowed our visitors to settle. The work rate of Dan Allen and Joe Mifsud continually unsettled the Monarchs back four. Chris ‘Gilly’ Gillam, a late addition to the squad and Paul Barron dominated the midfield minefield and the genuine pace of Darryl Hagger and Ryan Fitzgerald was always an outlet. Having spurned several good chances we were all beginning to wonder is it going to be one of those days where our hard work and efforts were not going to be rewarded.
Joe Mifsud finally broke the deadlock with a well timed run to beat the offside trap to burst through to dispatch the ball over the keepers head and into the net. 1 – 0 although at this stage we had totally dominated the game. The equaliser came within a few minutes of the restart, a soft free kick awarded to our opponents resulted in a cross to the far post where the impressive Holloway rose to meet the ball and unfortunately plant a looping header over Paul Miles into the far corner for 1 – 1. Dan Allen, who was having a great game, turned neatly and volleyed home from 8 yards into the corner 2 – 1.
At half time a few adjustments were made tactically and the second half was just a case of how many we would score. Joe Mifsud who is making a habit of stepping up to the plate settled our nerves and hit an amazing lob from 25 yards to make it 3 – 1. Changes were made at this stage, Dan Reynolds entered the fray as did Adrian Williams for Darryl Hagger and Ryan Fitzgerald respectively. By now we were playing like a slick, well oiled machine and Joe Mifsud claimed his first hat-trick of the season when he lifted the ball into the net from an acute angle: 3 – 1. Several chances came and went but we were unable to add to the scoreline. Grant Moffat making his league debut replaced Paul Barron and slotted in seamlessly. All in all, a result that makes a statement and other teams in our division will know they have a tough game ahead at Fortress Swan Ground.
MoM: Joe Mifsud / Chris Gillam

19.9.2009 Saturday tea-time briefly: Robbie Greenfield has told me he is also injured and should be added to the crocks list below. Green go down 3-0 at Staplehurst who top the table with three wins from three. Romney beat Oakwood 3-0 but Kennington slip up 2-0 away to Premier. Green Reserves close to within a point of the Eastern Reserve Division leaders after a  4-1 victory over Staplehurst Reserves. Away wins for Kennington (3-1 at Larkfield) and Romney (5-2 at Otford). In the Premier Division, Canterbury City are not having it all their own way, losing 5-3 at Snodland. Wider afield, a draw for Ramsgate, Folkestone are top, a first win for Ashford Town over Whyteleaf; while in the big game in the Kent League leaders Faversham won 2-1 at Reachfields. More info as it arrives.

VETERANS ALL WELCOME

We may not know where all of you are these days  but you know where we play, so any former Bromley Green players who fall into the ‘veteran’ category are invited to join in the fun on Sunday at the Swan Ground. There is a reserve game in the morning but arrive when you like [preferably by 12 noon for  1pm kick off]. Ian will obviously make sure there is plenty to eat and drink! It should be a bit of fun with of course proceeds going to charity. John Webster will be there representing KMFM and Fox Sunday Veterans (presumably he will not be playing in the morning!). Some of the names we know are coming include Brian Hayter, Mark Howland, Peter Ewbank, Mark Waters, John and Paul Brenchley, Alvin Gigg … anyway don’t be late or you’re fined!

Previews from the managers

Dave Smith: On Saturday we travel to Staplehurst for our third league fixture of the season. Staplehurst have had a good start to the season and top the league after two away wins. Our defeat at Woodstock last week means we need to be taking points from this game. We need to be able play the good football we are capable of, for longer periods of the game, and not to give cheap possession away. At Woodstock last week we were in control of the game but ending up losing because we continually gave the ball back to our opponents and eventually they broke us down. This was a flaw in my team form last season as again we played well in many matches, but ended up being defeated because we could not close the game out. Once we can do this regularly, I have no doubt that we will be a force in this division.

I have had to make three changes from last week, with Glenn Mackett and Matt Hadlum away on holiday and Ben Davies who has to work, in come returning Mark Howells and new signings Dave Webster and Terry Ireland. Dave will bring us a bit of experience to the side and Terry brings pace and aggression, both these factors could be the missing link we need for more consistent performances.

Squad: C.Smith.T.Ireland. M.Doyle. R.Smith. M.Davies. A.Mercer. M.Howells. L.Milton. C.Howells. C.Norman. L.Hayles. T.Poyner. K.Hallett. D.Webster

Squad and spectators to meet at the clubhouse at 1.00pm. Ground address: Jubilee Sports Ground, Headcorn Road, Staplehurst, Kent TN12 0DS

Injury list worsens! Terry Perk is the latest crock with a broken wrist. Keeper Chris Cloke has not broken a finger as earlier feared but may not be fit for this weekend. Very frustrating for the managers who also have the following missing at present for a variety of reasons: Tom Head, Lee Gilham, Jason Thomas, John Lockett, Kevin Barrett, James Major, Chris Holmes, Tommy Lockett, Lee Bloxham, Keith Shaba, Reece Hagger, Charlie Clark, Shawn Dadd plus unavailable this weekend are Glenn Mackett, Ben Davies, Matt Hadlum and Chris Gillam. New signings Dave Webster, Paul Wallace and Lloyd Carpenter could all feature this weekend – more details in the managers’ previews.

Please scroll down for the weekend news and reports as the information arrives…

Saturday firsts lose to last minute goal at Woodstock after Ryan Smith had put the Green ahead during the first quarter  (report from Dave Smith is below)

Sunday firsts end all square at 1-1 against Market (report from Steve Mailey below)

Saturday reserves win handsomely (report from Ali Mehmet below)

Sunday reserves comfortable 5-1 winners at Shadoxhurst (Phil Wedge comments below)

Please keep scrolling for reports from the managers…

Best result for our local teams in the County League Division One was Kennington’s 3-1 victory away to Otford. New Romney made the trek to Sheerness and the Blues came away with a point from a match where both sides had spells of supremacy, the final scoreline ending at 3-3. The Eastern Reserves Division looks as though it will once again be keenly contested with the Green second string hitting form to beat Oakwood Reserves 4-0 but early-season favourites Canterbury City Reserves only managing a 1-1 draw at home to Otford Reserves. New Romney Reserves went down at home (1-0) against Larkfield & New Hythe Reserves while Kennington’s seconds could not emulate their seniors with the Ashford boys missing out 3-2 at Staplehurst Reserves. Elsewhere, former Green men Dave Cook and Pat Kingwell were the goalscoring heroes as Hythe beat Faversham 2-1 in the FA Cup but there was another defeat in the Ryman League Div One for Gary Mickelborough’s Ramsgate.

On Sunday, a late notch from substitute Joe Mifsud earned the Green a well-deserved 1-1 draw and a share of the spoils against visitors Market who had led through Liam Whiting. Bliby gained their first win (7-2) and it was ex-Green striker Marcus Hodges with a nap hand that was the real difference between them and hosts Kennington. Meanwhile, Mersham and Troggs were battling out a 2-2 draw which leaves both camps with just one point from a possible six. Appledore head Division Two on goal difference following their 9-2 win at Charing. Former Green man Aaron Carlton got on the scoresheet at Hopes Grove, but at the wrong end. All ended well though with Brewmaster Reserves fighting back to defeat Fox Sunday 3-1. Wye were too strong for Grasshoppers, who traditionally are not good travellers, and a 6-1 victory ensued. The Green Reserves meanwhile did enough to defeat the Dockers 5-1 at Hornash Lane but as Phil Wedge comments below, we were not that impressive. The injuries continue to mount up with Kenny Lang breaking his 4th and 5th metatarsals and keeper Chris Cloke following up his shoulder injury with a broken finger.

Respect: “It has to be earned” says manager Smith

Woodstock 2 Bromley Green 1

Three points lost in a 2-1 defeat, which I hope my players have learnt a lot from, because this type of game will be typical of most in this league. Woodstock used a very physical approach, which the very poor referee allowed to go unpunished, added to this Woodstock’s own linesman constantly flagging as soon as we crossed the halfway line, we never had any chance of playing football especially in the second half.  No doubt there will be reports coming in about scuffles after the game, but the Kent County Football League run the respect programme but in my view respect is two sided and the referees should earn that respect by adhering to the rules. I lost count of how many times the ref was verbally abused and some crude tackles went unpunished; these were not hard decisions to deal with but when the players know they can get away with things then the worse they become. We started the game well and played some good football and were rewarded when Ryan Smith scored with a 25 yard free kick in the 20^th minute. We looked well in control and in the 35^th minute Craig Norman headed home at the far post, only to see the linesman flagging for a dubious offside decision to have the goal ruled out.  At half time I told the players to keep playing their football and ignore the poor decisions that were going on but this was to prove difficult to do. Woodstock bought on a substitute who could throw the ball into our box from nearly anywhere in our half and changed their linesman to someone who just constantly flagged. The pressure mounted and mounted as the half went on and in the 60^th minute Woodstock levelled from a scramble from a long throw. We were now really struggling under a constant aerial threat and still unable to get out of our own half without being flagged offside. The killer blow came in the last minute when a cross come shot looped into the net, to seal Woodstock their win.

Team: C.Smith, B.Davies, M.Davies, M.Hadlum, M.Doyle, R.Smith, G.Mackett, A.Mercer, C.Howells, L.Hayles, C.Norman. Subs: T.Poyner, L.Milton, K.Hallett. Sub not used M.Wedge

Booked: R.Smith

Man of the match: Mick Doyle – battled all game and held the defence together

Hat trick for Gillam as seconds bounce back

Ali Mehmet reports

Bromley Green Reserves 4 Oakwood Reserves 0
Today’s performance justifies why we love our national game as much as we do. Two extremes, from the non-performance last week to a performance this week that was nothing short of sensational.
The return to the team of Captain Mark Hazell, the busy Joe Mifsud, the solid Ryan Holloway and the influential Chris Gillam helped settle the nerves of the players who felt they had points to prove after last weeks match.
To be honest we dominated the game as a whole. Ryan Fitzgerald was a thorn for the Oakwood defence and the movement and tenacity of Joe Mifsud never allowed Oakwood to settle.
Chris Gillam was weaving his magic pulling the strings and with Paul Barron and Mark Hazel dominating the engine room we were always in control.
To give Oakwood credit, they arrived confidently at the Swan Ground on the back of a 7-1 victory last week and rightly so.
Straight from the kick off we passed and moved, Liam Smith and Ryan Holloway quickly formed a good understanding. Tommy Ireland played in an unfamiliar role at right back and showed once again why I rate this youngster so highly and will no doubt have a huge future at the Green
We went one up as Mark Hazell played a slide rule ball in between the two Oakwood centre backs for Gillam to run through and rifle home from 20 yards. It became 2 – 0 when good team work again put “Gilly” through to lift the ball over the ’keeper. It became 3 – 0 when “Gilly” claimed his hat-trick when he “cool as you like” slotted home after drawing the keeper off his line.
Changes were made and Dan Allen entered the fray and gave me food for thought having scored a great goal and our fourth of the ame. There was still time for Dan Allen to be denied his second by the woodwork and on another day, Joe Mifsud could and maybe should have scored two. All in all, a good day “at the office” but the hard work begins now, winning becomes a habit, a habit I certainly don’t want to kick!!
MoM : Chris Gillam & Ryan Holloway

MoM Mercer best display yet in a Green shirt

Bromley Green 1  Market Hotel 1

We welcomed the current Premier champions to the Swan Ground on the back of a pleasing opening day last week, and with Market also winning a week ago, this promised to be quite a clash. The first thing that must be said is the conduct shown by both sets of players today was a credit to the division. A rivalry to match any level of football, this game was as intense as it was tough – yet all involved ensured the rivalry was purely a sporting one – and refereed well by the man in the middle. The game began at quite a pace and our lack of composure at the back may well have been punished on another day, although we did settle down and looked strong and capable after the opening ten or so minutes. An injury to Hadlum meant a change after 25 minutes as Poyner came off the bench and R Smith dropped back in to defence. The change was quite seamless – which is a credit to the squad and its ability to move around and still perform well. In fact, as the half went on, we began to edge things. We had more of the ball, were getting onto the last third more and more and were defending well. We found ourselves in and around the area a few times, yet showed nowhere near enough conviction to make it count. We spoke at half time about having more belief in the final third and the importance of taking the chances we have. Market grew stronger in the second half and we needed to keep our heads to deal with the growing pressure. I felt we had ridden the storm well and was preparing to alter the forward line – and as I was, Market took the lead. Full credit to our lads, as we rolled up our sleeves and went again! Our back line had looked strong and continued to cope well with Market’s obvious attacking threat. The midfield was not a place for the faint-hearted, with Mercer (pictured above left)  in particular putting in his best display in a Green shirt thus far. Rocky & Ash had worked hard up top, yet had struggled to impact against the visitors’ rear guard. We introduced young Jack Ovenden, and then new signing Joe Misfud, in a 3 4 3 attempt to get something. It could have backfired of course, but I felt we deserved something from the game and a gamble was needed. Our desire and drive was rewarded with just 2 minutes remaining as all three subs combined to open up the defence and secure a well deserved share of the points as Misfud pounced from close range.  I was proud of everyone today and delighted the lads weren’t left empty handed after the effort they had put in. Most notable among a fine squad today were Ryan Smith – dominant in defence & midfield – Cheesy (pictured) settling in nicely, Valler making my job hard, Perk had a good 60 and Craig made sure our late goal was not just a consolation with a couple of fine stops. Yet my man of the match will go to Adam Mercer, who showed maturity as well as terrific energy. Changes are forced upon me next week as we travel to Bliby – another huge test as I get to see just how versatile we are!

C Smith / N Cheesman / M Hadlum (Poyner) / T Perk / D Valler (Misfud) / A Mercer / G Mackett / R Smith / L Milton / A Webster (Ovenden) / L Hayles

Manager not happy with 5-1 win

Shadoxhurst 1 Bromley Green Reserves 5

Manager Phil Wedge was not happy despite the scoreline, emphasising that the division could well be decided on goal difference come next May. “It is quite possible that goals will be important this season with the competition likely to be strong between a number of very able sides in what is a small Division Two. We should have had double figures by half time against a team that now lacks the glory hunters who have predictably moved elsewhere and I hope we don’t end up paying for a host of wasted chances.” The point was rammed home with leaders Appledore winning 9-2 at Charing. Wedge named Adrian Williams (pictured) as his man of the match and the seasoned campaigner was joined on the scoresheet by Dan Allen (2), Ricky Milton from the penalty spot and Ryan Fitzgerald. Other steady performances from Sean Curry and Matt Wedge meant the result was never in doubt but all the lads will want to up the tempo a tad for next week’s visit of old friends Fox Sunday. The consolation for the Dockers came from Josh Bolton. Green: Sean Tong; Ricky Milton, Sean Curry, Kenny Lang, Richard Floyd, Ryan Fitzgerald, Matt Wedge, Adrian Williams, Darryl Hagger, Dan Allen, Kenny Hallett. Subs: T J Tulachan, Carl Rossiter, Ryan Holloway. Subs not used: Jamie Hurst, Dan Jackson

Saturday night update: Ryan Smith gave the Green a half time lead at Sittingbourne but Woodstock came back to level and snatch a decider in the last minute. Further uploads later tonight.

Holmes out for the season

Striker Chris Holmes (pictured left) faces a further long wait until he returns to the action with the news that he is to have a knee operation within the next two months. The surgery, for ruptured cruciate and torn ligament damage, will mean Chris is unlikely to be back in training until the season ends.

Welcome!  We extend a warm welcome to two new players who have been joining in training and are looking for a chance to be part of the Green’s future: local 17-year-old Lloyd Carpenter and Paul Wallace (25) who has been representing Liverpool University before his move to Ashford. Also it is good to hear from Steve Byrne (pictured) who has contacted the club with a view to playing again after a few years in the football wilderness. Steve and twin brother Jamie last played when Mike Perk managed our Sunday Reserves.

Scroll down for previews from the managers

Dave Smith: Saturday Firsts away to Woodstock

Our second league game of the season sees us travel away to Sittingbourne-based Woodstock Park. This is the first of three successive away fixtures, so it is vitally important we come away with something from the first of these matches. Woodstock, who lost the opening fixture 4-1 at home last week, will be equally determined to get their season up and running, so a tough game is expected.

From my point of view I will be looking for the team to build on last week’s win against Sheppey and to continue playing the neat football that served us well in that game.

I have had to make three changes from the squad from last week. With the impressive Mark Howells on holiday, Ashley Webster has other commitments and Joe Mifsud being released to the reserves to get more football. I bring in Lee Milton, back from suspension, Tom Poyner back from holiday and promote young Kenny Hallett from the reserves, who impressed with a 4-goal haul on Sunday. There is a lot of talent at the club and I am always keen to hear of players who perform well for the side they are picked for. When the chance arrives I will not hesitate to put them into the first team squad.

Squad: C.Smith, B.Davies, M.Davies, M.Doyle, M.Hadlum, C.Howells, R.Smith, G.Mackett, L.Hayles, C.Norman, L.Milton, T.Poyner, K.Hallett. A.Mercer

Squad and supporters will be meeting at the Burger King near the cinema complex at 13.00 Saturday to travel. Everyone welcome.

Ground address: Woodstock Park, Kent Science Park, Broadoak Road, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 8HL

Ali Mehmet: Saturday Reserves home to Oakwood Reserves
Our first result of the season could not have been any worse !!
Having spoken to most of the players involved in last weeks debacle, they are still hurting, still brooding and determined to make amends. So I am throwing the gauntlet down to the boys in Green now, Show me how hurt, show me the pride, show me how determined you are to make amends for last week.
We welcome Oakwood this Saturday, and I am expecting the return to action of Mark Hazell, Chris Gillam and Joe Mifsud, all three sorely missed last week. I’m looking forward to good game with the Green boys giving 110%

Steve Mailey: Sunday Firsts home to Market

Phil Wedge: Sunday Reserves away to Shadoxhurst

Lee Bloxham is out of the trip to Hornash Lane with a rib injury but Matt Wedge returns from suspension

Well, having waited in vain for a respectable time for congratulations to flood in from across the borders on England’s World Cup qualification, we will have to praise ourselves! Of course, ultimate success is a long way off and we must not get carried away … but you have to be in it to win it. Add the recapturing of The Ashes [silly limited over slogs don't really matter] and it has not been a bad few weeks. June and July will be interesting in 2010.

Monday morning snippets …

Overall, it was a successful weekend for the club with the only dampener the away defeat to Canterbury City Reserves. We continue to make new signings as building for the future moves forward in earnest and at tonight’s committee meeting we plan to arrange an event aimed at getting all the new lads together for a welcome night out. More details on that later but it is remarkable how quickly new young players such as Adam Mercer, Kenny Hallett and Jack Ovenden have settled in and made an instant impact. There are many more and let’s hope it is not long before they are successful and making website headlines! The injuries continue to mount with John Lockett out for some time with a broken jaw, joining long-term sufferers Chris Holmes, James Major, Lee Gilham and Jason Thomas on the sidelines. Thanks go to Maxine for cooking at the weekend and to Phil for organising the goals/pitch alterations. Committee meeting tonight, training Tuesday and England hopefully cementing their place at the World Cup on Wednesday…it will be a busy week as we build up to another exciting batch of fixtures next weekend (previews to follow).