Monthly Archives: November 2009

Statement issued by the Club 22.11.2009

Ian Mace: still getting over Spurs scoring 9!

“Due to work opportunities, Phil Wedge has had to step down from the post of Saturday Reserve team manager. The Patron and Chairman have thanked him for deputising in recent weeks and have subsequently held talks to ensure stability for the players during the remainder of this season. To this end, we are pleased to announce that with immediate effect Ian Mace will assume the responsibility and be assisted by Trent Thomas. It is appreciated that Ian (left) and Trent may need to curtail somewhat their input on a Sunday but this will be discussed further at the next committee meeting on 7 December. In the interim period talks will be held with Phil [who continues as Sunday Reserve team manager] and Steve Mailey on maintaining appropriate levels of support on Sunday mornings.”

Never mind the big two … look out for the Dens!

Over the past decade punters would rarely look beyond current champions Market and the Green for the Sunday Premier title. That’s not being boastful, just look at the record books. But any ideas that the race for the top spot was destined to be a two-horse affair, with perhaps a threat from Bliby if Marcus Hodges stays fit, were thrown out of the window on Sunday with Bethersden maintaining their 100% league record thanks to a thrilling 5-3 home success against Bliby. This can only be good for local football and we at the Green welcome the emerging challenge of John Ripley’s boys.

The weather caused the postponement of many fixtures but there were a few interesting results with Mersham doing ok but again lacking penetration in their 2-0 home defeat by Simla in the Kent Sunday Premier Cup. Red Heathens came unstuck against the merry men of Robin Hood in the Kent Junior Cup (3-1) while the all-local ties in the Kent Junior Trophy ended as follows: Man of Kent 7 Brabourne 1, Kennington Res 6 Bliby Res 1, Ashford Cavaliers 2 William Harvey 6, Ashford Spartans 2 Mid Kent Athletic 3. Meanwhile Churchills mini slump continued with a 3-0 setback against Market Reserves in the Division One Cup, former Green defender Chris ‘Pogo’ Petts notching twice for the winners. Market seconds now face Ashford Dynamo in the semis after Paul Prior and Ted Revell’s boys overcame talented but unpredictable Hamstreet 6-1.

Division One’s only game produced a 4-2 home win for Egerton against Galacticos while in Division Two Fox Sunday picked up maximum points from a 4-2 victory away to Shadoxhurst. Ashford Victoria left it late to grab a 2-2 draw at home to Burton Grove after  trailing 2-0 with the clock ticking; Eagles were never really in it against visiting in-form side Aldington Reserves who triumphed 5-0; while Newchurch were solid all round in their 4-0 success over Park Farm.

* Appledore have called off Sunday’s Ashford Charity Trophy game owing to the state of their pitch

* MACKETT DOUBLE CLINCHES LOCAL DERBY

Two goals from skipper Glenn Mackett proved the difference in the local derby at Ulley Road. Kennington, despite being snappy in the tackle, were by their standards largely unimpressive and visiting keeper Craig Smith was not called upon to make a single serious save; but full marks to the Green who thoroughly deserved the maximum points. After an accurate glancing header to a cross to open the scoring, Mackett again showed his technique with a superbly taken goal to see his side 2-0 ahead at the break. Joe Mifsud ended a thrilling run by rattling the crossbar but the scoreline remained the same and the Green left with three valuable points. Full report from the manager later on ‘Match Reports’ tab.

Top scorers of the day were Canterbury City who hammered New Romney 8-0 in the Inter Regional Challenge Cup while Hamstreet edged away from the Division Two relegation zone with a 3-1 triumph at Tenterden. Former Green stalwart David Cook kept alive Hythe’s hopes of mounting a challenge in the Kent League with the only goal at Beckenham [leaders Faversham lost for the first time today] but no luck for Gazza’s Ramsgate who went out of the FA Trophy at the hands of an impressive Bishops Stortford.  A good point for Ashford Town who drew 2-2 away to Burgess  Hill Town.

* Do please have a trawl for updates and lots of comments including on The Thoughts of Chairman Stan, The Green Story so Far and the Front Page. Remember, unlike most other websites, we do not censor contents of messages other than if they are offensive or abusive in any way. All opinions expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of either the editor or indeed the Club itself. We enjoy having a huge and loyal readership right across the footballing fraternity and everybody is welcome to have their say. DH

* MESSAGE FROM PHIL WEDGE FRIDAY AFTERNOON: HOME GAMES AT THE SWAN GROUND THIS WEEKEND ARE OFF DUE TO THE WETNESS OF THE PITCHES AND TAKING THE FORECAST INTO ACCOUNT

Quick reminder: Saturday firsts pop across to Ulley Road for a local derby with Kennington (2pm), while on Sunday morning the first team are at Appledore in the Ashford Charity Trophy (10.30am)

Supporters: please check with this website or the respective team manager reference the first team games being on before setting out

Note from the Patron: The chairman and myself have met with Andrew Myall, manager of The Albion public house, and agreed a sponsorship donation of £200. The money is to be used to repair and secure the two dug-outs which are in need of attention, especially after last week’s windy weather. It was felt that this will benefit all of the clubs players. ‘Will’, as Andrew is better known, will present the money at the ground in a couple of weeks time and I will be asking Paul Carter to take a photo or two. In the meantime, has anyone the time and expertise to get the dug-outs mended please?

Notice to those who were going to lay paving slabs on Saturday: please note that as the first team have a game away at Kennington that the slabs will now be laid on the morning of Sunday 29 November.

Preview of Saturday first team game by Dave Smith

KENNINGTON V BROMLEY GREEN   K.O. 2.00pm

On Saturday we make the short trip to Ulley road to face Kennnington, in  a derby game that I am sure will be highly competitive , as both sided are desperate for the points to start a run to move up the league, Kennington like ourselves have been good one week and poor the next, so all to play for both sides. The games between the sides are always tightly fought with no quarter given, but we will all share a beer afterwards no matter what the outcome is and the winners will be able to hold the bragging rights for a while until we meet again.

After last week’s wash out at Oakwood , the squad will remain the same, which should see us go into the game fresh and eager to put in a good performance. An extra bit of spice to the game could be Kennington’s inclusion of now former Green player Chris Howells, who I find out today(Wednesday) that he has transferred to our local rivals. Just so there is no misunderstanding of the situation, I spoke to Chris at the club open evening and explained if he performed well for our reserves, then he would get his chance back with the first team squad, he expressed his views which I took on board, he seemed to accept this and shook my hand. The next I know is that the club have signed his transfer form, this was not verified by me or signed by the club secretary. I will not be wishing Chris all the best at his new club, I will thank him for all his efforts last year with the first team in the premier league, but I feel I have always given him a fair go. I understand that he thinks he should be a first team regular, but in my view as the manager he has not performed at the level he should have this season, he, like any other player I feel is not giving me what I expect on a Saturday will be in the same position, I have no favourites or particular drinking chums whose places are set in stone and anyone who thinks that is sadly mistaken.

Training at the Stanhope 3G was very well attended, with 32, our third of a pitch was not enough, but luckily we were able to sneak onto another section to makes things better. A good effort from everyone there, but I would ask the ones who did not pay there £1 to pay it in there subs this week as I only collected £24, bit disappointing .Please keep an eye on the website for next week’s time as I need to discuss with the people at Stanhope about a larger area. As I was the only manager there again disappointing,  the list below may help others in picking there teams this week as we seem now to be getting to the stage where people get picked over the ones who make the effort to train, we should all be encouraging all the players to train, it improves the teams at not only fitness but builds team spirit and understanding. I for one will not hesitate to leave someone out for that reason, we do have to reward commitment.

C.Smith, T.Poyner, M.hadlum, R.Smith, M.Doyle, A.Mercer. R.Grenfield, G.Mackett, L.Milton, L.Hayles, D.Cornell, B.Davis, M.Howells, J.Mifsud, T.Head, L.Smith, M.Wedge, S.Dadd, K.Hallett, M.Halpin, L.Holmann, D.Allen, S.Tong, R.Holloway, R.Milton, R.Hagger, D.Hagger, R.Fitzgerald, M.Bennett, J.Thomas, T.Lockett, A.Nother(appolgies one young lad I never knew).

Saturdays squad. C.Smith, T.Poyner, M.hadlum, R.Smith, M.Doyle, A.Mercer. R.Grenfield, G.Mackett, L.Milton, L.Hayles, D.Cornell, B.Davis, M.Howells, J.Mifsud

Team to meet at Kennington’s ground in Ulley Road by 1.00 latest.

Joe Mifsud (left), who has fought back from long-term injury, claims he is never on this website. Not true in fact as will be discovered by trawling through previous articles – but to keep dear Joseph quiet (well, relatively) here he is again. Please complete the spotlight form Joe  and you will also be featured on ’The Players 2009-2010′ page. Likewise Tommy Lockett who is whingeing he has not been pictured lately. Well Locko you have not been playing so action shots are somewhat difficult! Also, fill in a spotlight form please. With his suspension coming to a close, Tommy is adamant that he will go through the remainder of the season without a booking as he is a reformed character. Anyway, here is Tommy wearing his Little Red Riding Hood boots playing in goal pre-season.

“It is so long since I won any medals that there must be a good depth of dust on them now!” Calum Davenport, also known as Michael Doyle, is our latest profiled player. Click on The Players 2009-10.

HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY to Ryan Fitzgerald on Wednesday

Ryan is seen here pictured between Liam ‘The Pole’ Smith and Darryl Hagger

The Green needed extra time at Mote Park today to ovecome a gutsy challenge by Boxley in the Kent Sunday Premier Cup. In perfect conditions the Ashford boys were superior in all departments and really should have sewn things up in the first twenty minutes. The penalty jinx struck yet again (I know I am a moany old bugger but that is four in a row I have seen missed recently). It is hard to criticise the villain on this occasion though as skipper Glenn Mackett was undoubtedly the driving force behind this win, epitomised by our opening goal when he headed off his own goal line before seconds later Lee Milton was set up to tuck home. And so it stayed at half time and indeed until the dying embers when the initiative seemed to be handed back to the home team and their centre back gleefully thumped in a leveller to take the tie into extra time. There is no doubt our reputation goes before us and the Maidstone Leaguers were sniffing probably their biggest-ever scalp. The fact that we had a quality bench of Danny Valler, Paul Allan, Pat Law and Tad Greenfield proved critical and in the extra time our fitness and superior class showed with super goals from Rocky and Robbie. Lots of pluses, including Tom Head coming through unscathed after his broken ankle. Trent and Ian Mace were there of course but I have to say as Patron that the level of suppport considering there was no second team game, and we were just twenty minutes up the motorway, was pathetic. We made hard work of it but nevertheless go through to the next round. Well done boys. Green: C Smith; T Poyner, R Smith, M Hadlum, T Head, A Mercer, L Milton, G Mackett, R Norman, J Mifsud, L Hayles. Subs: P Allen, D Valler, R Greenfield. Sub not used: P Law. Full report from Dave Smith will follow on Monday. DH

Other Kent Cup results involving local teams

Joining us in the next round of the Premier Cup are Bliby who had hat-tricks from former Green men Tommy Dawes and Marcus Hodges in their 6-2 win at Tonbridge over Gardeners Charcott. Brewmaster were in the same region but suffered a 7-1 defeat by Artois. Also out for another year are Churchills who went down 2-1 to Tonbridge Origin in the Junior Cup; but better news in the Junior Trophy where Mersham Reserves, Newchurch and Marsh Athletic all progressed.

Two fixtures survived on the domestic scene with the upset of the day seeing previously 100% Bethersden go out of the Ashford Charity Trophy by virtue of a 4-3 loss to Hamstreet after the Dens had twice held a two-goal advantage. It has been a turbulent time for Shadoxhurst but the Dockers rallied to gain their first point of the season in Division Two with a 1-1 draw against Charing at Hornash Lane.

Saturday night update: Saturday’s weather has led to the postponement of Sunday’s home second string game with Grasshoppers. There are numerous Kent Cup ties already postponed and scheduled for next week, with Ashford Victoria-v-Mote Park Rangers an early casualty in the Kent Sunday Trophy. A reminder to those travelling to the Green’s game at Mote Park for the Kent Sunday Premier clash with Boxley that kick off is 11am. It might be advisable to contact Maxine before setting out just in case there is a last minute call-off. Maxine as you can see (pictured)  is somewhat distraught because Dave did not mention her in his profile!

Congratulations to Lee Bloxham and Lisa Watts on the announcement of their engagement. Baby Keeley Paris is doing well. Meanwhile, Mark Bennett and Natalie wish it known that their new addition is named Lacey [not Sophie] … sorry! I blame all wrong information on Allison of course … especially as I am not within striking distance! Here we see Allison holding the Ernie Wedge Memorial Trophy [named after Phil's father, himself a former Bromley Green manager].

TRAINING: Would ALL players try and make training please. 7.30 sharp start at Pitchside 3G on Tuesday. Bar open at the ground for those that want to come back afterwards.

More ‘Curry Night’ photos have been uploaded by the way if you want a quick look

Hailstorm frustrates dazzling Green

Bromley Green Reserves 3 Platt Heath United Reserves 0 (abandoned 30 minutes)

Wouldn’t you just believe it! Looking in terrific form the Green stormed into a 3-0 lead through Ashley Webster (2) and the outstanding Ryan Fitzgerald (pictured) but then the elements gave the referee little option but to take the players off. Perhaps the game could have been resumed and finished a little later but understandably the visitors were keener on an early shower. Home keeper Chris Cloke had only one serious save to make, which he did effectively with his feet on the treacherous surface, as the Green dominated in all departments. The game will have to be rearranged for later in the season. Green: C Cloke; S Beal, R Hagger, L Smith, R Holloway, RFitzgerald, P Barron, D Webster, A Webster, K Hallett, D Hagger (Subs not used: R Milton, S Tong, D Allen, T Head, M Wedge)

Not many league games played this weekend. Best result of the day undoubtedly goes to our neighbours Kennington who won 3-2 at Snodland in the Kent Inter Regional Challenge Cup.

The Morning Line latest:

The Saturday first team game away to Oakwood is OFF

Saturday am pitch inspection…the Saturday Reserves home fixture is ON

For supporters travelling to the Kent Sunday Premier Cup tie away to Boxley on Sunday – a reminder that the kick off is 11am

* No previews received for the Reserve sides who are scheduled to play at home to Platt Heath United Reserves and Grasshoppers respectively this weekend. Supporters should phone Phil to check if games are on after the incessant rain on Friday. If we hear anything about the state of the pitches, it will be published on this website immediately. A win over Platt will move the side into the comfort of mid-table but a defeat would leave us fourth from bottom. As for Grasshoppers the following day, they are always a danger with the boys from Lydd traditionally unpredictable performers, especially away from home. Definitely not involved on either day are youth clubman Jamie ‘Munch’ Hurst and former double youth clubman Martyn Dalby who have both sadly left the club to find football elsewhere. They have been first class, loyal clubmen for the past three years and I wish them well – and hope they will be back before too long. DH.

* Editor’s note: our Kent Sunday Premier Cup opponents Boxley play in the Premier Division of the ‘Raja of Kent Maidstone & Mid Kent Sunday League’ and lost 4-2 last week at home to Holtwood. Although they sit modestly halfway up the table in 6th place, Boxley are only 3 points behind the pacesetters Star United.

First team previews by Dave Smith

Boxley-v-Bromley Green 

On Sunday the Green first team travel to Maidstone based side Boxley in the second round of the Kent Sunday Premier Cup. With Steve Mailey away due to work, I will take over the side for this game. Little is known about our opponents, but as normal any game in the Kent Cup is always keenly fought and gives the players a break from playing against the usual Sunday sides. To carry the Ashford banner as far as we can in this cup is always a mark of a good side, certainly something I think we are more than capable off.

I for one, think our squad is good enough to have a good run in this cup and it is the one major honour that has eluded us over the years. With a good balance of players that play both days, plus several that are Sunday only, it shows the strength we have. Over the last few weeks, the side has picked up useful wins and sit second in the Premier Division, but I think there is still al lot more to come from this side, as at times we seem to just about do enough to get a win, whereas I think we should be capable of dominating games.

With no game last week the squad will show little change from previous weeks, but one addition will be Tom Head, who has just signed for the club and I think will go on and prove to be a real asset both on Saturdays and Sundays. Terry Perk will be the one notable absence as he has been unwell in hospital this week, but is now on the mend and could well make the trip to support the team.

Squad: C.Smith, T.Poyner, R.Smith, M.Hadlum, T.Head, R.Norman, P.Allen, P.Law, A. Mercer, G.Mackett, L.Milton, L.Hayles, J.Mifsud, R.Greenfield, D.Valler. Game is an 11.00 kick off and will be played at Mote Park.

Bromley Green-v-Oakwood 

Simply a league fixture we must win this week, against an Oakwood side who are bottom of the league with no points from 6 games. On paper this looks good for us, but I have never been away to Oakwood and ever had an easy game, so we will need to make sure our attitude and preparation is spot on. We really need to put a long unbeaten run of league games together now to, to get ourselves into a challenging position, there are a couple of sides pulling away now and we need to keep in touch.

An open forum on Tuesday rather than training proved useful and has given me some items to address in my team, it is clear the level of commitment is there and the players desire to well is commendable. The squad this week has only a couple of changes, which I think is important to get good understanding between the players. Keeper Craig Smith returns from his short break, as does utility player Ben Davies, Dan Cornell is fit, so he returns to the squad, Dan Allen, Ryan Holloway will return to the reserves, but more good performances will again see them pushing for a place again. With Chris Howells, Dave Webster, Liam Smith and Reece Hagger, also performing well for our second string, my players at present will need to up their levels to keep their places, no one has a automatic place, which is the only way it can be.

Squad: C.Smith, M.Hadlum, T.Poyner, M.Doyle, R.Smith, M.Howells, G.Mackett, L.Milton, R.Greenfield, B.Davies, A.Mercer, D.Cornell, L.Hayles, J.Mifsud. Players to meet at 12.15 latest at the club. Ground address: Honey Lane, Otham, Maidstone, Kent,ME15 8RG.

* An excellent turnout on Tuesday with everybody having their say. A very mature approach by all…thanks. Some players felt a monthly evening such as this would be a positive move but perhaps once a term is more fitting. All members of course have the right to make representation at committee meetings and no-one can question our freedom of opinion policy on this forum. Apart from abusive or offensive racist material, we never stifle an individuals right to freedom of speech.

* Details of training arrangements for the next few months will be posted here and on the notice board at the ground.

* John Lockett continues to be frustrated after his jaw fracture … the indefatigable centre back has had to postpone his return to the action until the New Year.

* Picture: “You must wear your tie!” The message has reached Shawn Dadd, Ryan Fitzgerald and Ryan Holloway. Photo courtesy Ian Holloway.  More photos will be added to the Curry Leaf Gallery shortly.

* Christmas meal at Macca’s haunt The Hooden will be on 16 December. Full details at the ground but we can only have 40 places so first come first served. Meal preference and £10 deposits to Max please by the end of this month. Club ties will of course be required [order/pay DH please].

* Chris Howells has recieved backing from his former captain at Ampthill Town FC. Rob Russell is sure he will come good at the Green and said “If you get his confidence up he will be a great asset to the club in the future”.

Club night Tuesday…all attend please

With lots to talk about for officers, managers, players and supporters [and taking into account the unkind weather forecast] it was agreed on Saturday that Tuesday’s Club night will be used  to reflect and refocus for the remainder of the season. ”Football evokes opinions and passion and to sit calmly and all try and understand each other and the policies of the club and the team managers will be no bad thing. We are all fighting for the same thing but maybe there is not total harmony on how we get there. Tuesday will provide the ideal chance for players to air their questions and for all of us to dissolve any niggling issues. There are some new players that never mix…I want to know why, we don’t bite…and you are as much a part of the club and its future as everybody else. So everybody, if you can make it, please attend 7pm. Thanks.” DH

Weekend as it happens…

* The club sends its thoughts and condolences to Alvin and his mother following the peaceful passing of Alvin’s father, Jimmy Gigg, in the early hours of Thursday morning.

* Sunday: The only Premier Division game saw a 1-1 stalemate between Mersham and Kennington. In Division Two, Wye edged to a 2-1 home success over much-improved Shadoxhurst.

* Well done to Jamie Hurst (pictured below left) who had his first experience as a qualified referee when he ran the line at the Swan Ground on Saturday. Patron Dave Homewood said: “Jamie is our Youth Clubman and, while most of us want to see him playing more, I hope he continues to do well as an official. He is very young and has a great opportunity to go all the way to the top; and of course Bromley Green will support him all the way.”

* In the Kent Inter Regional Challenge Cup, the Green firsts went down 2-0 at home to holders Hollands & Blair. A solid Saturday first team debut by keeper Mark Bennett (below) and another fine display by Mick Doyle were positives but when Lee Milton’s effort was tipped over by the stand-in visiting goalie it was clearly going to be one of those days. Hollands had been reduced to ten men during the first period when their keeper was shown a red card for upending Rocky Hayles outside of his box. A goal in each half proved enough. Meanwhile in the Eastern First Division, New Romney cruised to a 4-0 victory over Otford while Kennington’s 1-0 defeat at APM Mears leaves them locked with the Green with seven points from seven games. Worst result for the local sides came in the shape of Tenterden’s  7-2 hiding at Chartham.

* Keeper Chris Cloke (left) and centre backs Reece Hagger and Liam Smith were the pick of the Green Reserves as they chalked up a 5-2 win away to bottom side Borden Reserves in the Eastern Reserves Division. Ashley Webster (2) and Kenny Hallett (3) were the Green marksmen. No joy however for Kennington Reserves who missed out 2-1 at home to Bearsted Reserves. Full reports on all Green games to follow [click on Latest Match Reports]. No fixtures for either Green side this Sunday.

* Midfielder Chris Howells is contemplating a transfer to Kennington after being relegated to the Reserves on Saturdays. Howells (pictured right) said on Saturday night: “I don’t really want to leave Bromley Green but last season I played in the firsts and that is where I really want to be now.” Howells will hold talks with the Club on Tuesday night. A Club spokesperson stated: “Chris must make his own mind up. He is keen [in the future] to help bring the youngsters through but feels at the age of 22 that he wants to concentrate on his own game for some years yet.”

Dave Smith previews Green-v-Hollands and Blair

This weekend we take on unbeaten Premier Division leaders, Holland and Blair in the Inter regional challenge cup. Our opponents are the current holders of this trophy and also the current premier league champions, so a tough challenge faces the boys this week.

Last week we suffered a real blow loosing to Sheerness in a game we should have won, but this game gives a chance to pit ourselves against the best side around locally at the moment and I will be looking for all involved to give 100% and show what we are capable off, we have tended over the last few weeks to raise our game in the harder looking fixtures, so lets hope this is the case again. This is the first of 3 cup games in the next 4 weeks which will all determine the shape of the season in the new year.

There are a few changes to the squad this week, with Craig Smith (holiday) Ben Davis (holiday) Dan Cornell(injured) being replaced by Keeper Mark Bennett, striker Joe Mifsud and utility defender Ryan Holloway getting a deserved chance.

Squad: M.Bennett, R.Smith, T.Poyner, M.Hadlum, M.Doyle, A.Mercer, G.Mackett, L.Milton, R.Greenfield, D.Allen, L.Hayles, J.Mifsud, R.Holloway, M.Howells.

Please note this is an early kick off at 1.30 and players are to meet at 12.30.