Without strikers Harris, Collins, Mifsud and Cornell, the Green were clearly lacking in firepower on Saturday and had to settle for a 0-0 stalemate with visitors Saga. A really good contest, well officiated by Kevin Lee. Managers report to follow. Tomorrow sees Kevin Lee take the whistle yet again for the Sunday Reserves at home to Albion Eagles (10.30).
In the Kent County League Premier Division, there were some high scoring affairs and Woodstock Park have come down to earth with a bump after last season’s triumphs, being pointless after three games – the latest a 6-1 home humiliation by Lewisham Borough. Phoenix thrashed promoted Charlton Athletic Community 6-0 while once invincible Bearsted were trounced 7-0 at home by Cray Valley PM. Early leaders of the pack are Rusthall with a maximum nine points after their 3-2 victory over Canterbury City.
It was FA Cup day for several of our local clubs with the Kent derby at the Charles Ground ending Deal Town 2 Hythe Town 4. Goals from Andy Hadden and Aaron Robinson were not enough for the home side who were beaten by scores from Lee Winfield, David Cook, Craig Thompson and Brendon Cass. Norton Sports came through 2-0 at the expense of Banstead Athletic with goals by Lewis Rivett and Ashley Baverstock, while at the Culverden Stadium Tunbridge Wells clawed back a 3-1 half time deficit to earn a replay against Dulwich Hamlet. Keelan Mooney, Andy McMath and Benji Agana (in the last minute) were on target for the Wells in a game that kept the 172 spectators entertained throughout. VCD drew with Eastbourne Town 1-1 while Faversham will be looking for a good cup run to boost finances after seeing off visitors Pagham 2-0 at Salters Lane. A pleasing performance by Whitstable Town who kept a clean sheet at home to Croydon and progressed with goals by Stuart Vahid (2) and Gareth Cornhill.
In the Ryman Premier, it is a generally dismal scene locally with 5 of the bottom 6 sides coming from Kent. Folkestone Invicta and Margate have just a point apiece while Cray Wanderers, Maidstone United and Tonbridge Angels have yet to pick up a single point. Cray went down 3-2 at home to Tooting & Mitcham on Friday night while today a James Peacock goal proved of no avail to Maidstone who lost 2-1 to visiting Bury Town. Sutton United overcome Folkestone 1-0 while the Angels were far from their best against their visitors Harrow, goind down 2-1. At Crown Meadow, Lowestoft edged in 2-1 against the Gate while Hastings, who top the pile with seven points from their three opening games, gained a creditable goalless draw away to Hendon.
