The weekend

Congratulations to Mark Bennett who this week became the father of a baby daughter [Sophie]

Sunday double for Green

In terrible weather conditions, both Green sides emerged with maximum points to keep their respective title hopes alive. At the Swan Ground, two superb goals, one in each half, by Adrian ‘Rocky’ Hayles and Joe Mifsud saw off Highfield 2-1. The advantage of playing with the driving rain and wind was questionable as the Green controlled much of the play but struggled to create clear-cut openings; but a Rocky special separated the sides at the break. Mifsud rose unchallenged to head home againt his former club for 2-0 but when Danny Taylor pulled one back the home side were hanging on and glad to hear the final whistle.  The Green are now just one point behind the pacesetters but a whole cluster of sides remain in contention in the title race. Meanwhile Darryl Hagger, T J Tulachan and an own goal proved enough for the seconds who won 3-1 at Appledore. Managers reports to follow (see Latest Match Reports above). Appledore have declined the offer of a return league game next Sunday leaving both Green sides without a game. This is very frustrating at this time of the season but hopefully there will be a friendly arranged for those in need of match sharpness.

Elsewhere, in the Bodkin Cup there were smooth passages into the next round for Galacticos [who beat Ashford Dynamo 4-1] and Bliby [7-0 winners over Fox]. Bethersden were the days top Premier performers with an astonishing 9-2 trouncing of Kennington to maintain their 100% record while Mersham will be happy with a point from an entertaining 2-2 draw with leaders Market. At the bottom of the table, neighbours Brewmaster and Troggs shared the spoils from a 2-2 draw. Former Green man Paul Goericke has been scoring regularly for Egerton and he was at it again with two more in the 4-0 success over previously unbeaten Churchills in Division One. Ashford Victoria provided the smash and grab act of the day by edging out Ashford Cavaliers with two goals at the death after Dale Stringer’s charges looked home and dry at 2-1 in their Sheber Trophy clash. Holders Bromley Green Reserves have been drawn away to Market Reserves in the next round … a tie that will see a re-uniting of former Green players such as Damian Morse and Glen Rolfe. Don’t forget, for all the latest results and tables, click on the link to the right.

Saturday night briefly (more details as they arrive throughout the weekend)

* Lee Milton strike levels the scores during the first half but another missed penalty with the score at 1-1 proves costly as the Green go down 2-1 at home to Sheerness East (action picture left). Also in Division One, Kennington go down 3-0 away to AFC Sheppey and Staplehurst continued their freefall with a 7-2 hammering at New Romney.

* Green Reserves lose 5-0 away to Bearsted Reserves; Kennington Reserves and Otford Reserves are goalless

* In the Kent County League Premier, Canterbury City include much-travelled veteran keeper Paul Hyde but lose again, this time 2-1 at home to Phoenix Sports; while in Division Two Lydd gain a creditable 1-1 draw at Borden.

* Elsewhere, Mickelborough nets again, this time on the hour from the penalty spot as the Rams win 2-1 away to Fleet in the FA Trophy…we could do with Gazza tomorrow one feels! No luck for Buster, Bondy et al as Hythe find themselves 20 points behind the Kent League leaders Faversham after a 2-1 home setback against Norton Sports.

Don’t forget: Saturday after the Green game with Sheerness we will be showing the Manchester United-v-Blackburn Rovers game live

Left: Tom Poyner and Glenn Mackett in action against Canterbury City last Saturday. Both players will be keen to continue their good form for the visit of Sheerness in the league tomorrow.

Photo: courtesy of City’s website where more action photos are available. Link through County League news on the right of this page.

Team news as it arrives: Dave Smith expects to be at full strength for the visit of Sheerness East (2.45pm) while Phil Wedge has Chris Cloke (leaving do at work), Paul Barron (ankle injury) and Daryll Hagger (work) missing for the testing trip to face Bearsted Reserves.