Friday 9 January 2009

SATURDAY RESERVES MATCH AT OTFORD IS OFF DUE TO FROZEN PLAYING SURFACE

Supporters are advised to contact team managers for up to date news on whether games have survived

Sat firsts home New Romney OFF

Sun firsts home Kennington OFF

Sun res away Appledore OFF

U16 home Betteshanger

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6.1.2009

TRAINING CANCELLED FOR SAFETY REASONS DUE TO THE SURFACE BEING SLIPPERY IN THIS ICY SPELL

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Meeting Monday 6.30pm start for everybody

Please note that Monday’s meeting will be a 6.30pm kick off for both Executive and Managers

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4.1.2009 Pitches frozen

Sunday’s games, away to Brewmaster for the firsts and home to Galacticos for the reserves, were both called off due to frozen, dangerous playing surfaces. Next Sunday the firsts welcome Kennington to the Swan Ground for a Premier Cup tie while the reserves travel to table-topping Appledore in Division Two.

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Firsts have wasted trip but Green Reserves notch great win

An annoying Saturday afternoon for the firsts who travelled to Hollands & Blair only for the pitch to be clearly unplayable and postponed by the ref without a ball being kicked. Dave Smith had a strong squad together including new striker Andy Wood. Next Saturday the side is in cup action with New Romney the visitors.

On a much more positive note, at the Swan Ground, the Green seconds kept their noses in front at the top of the Reserves Division with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over previously unbeaten Bearsted Reserves. Jimmy Pickard and Tom Poyner set up Matt Wedge to hit into an empty net to give us a slender lead after a goalless first half in which veteran keeper Lee Williams made two outstanding stops. An evenly fought affair was settled towards the end when Poyner lashed home from the edge of the box. A terrific effort by all the lads who next week travel to fellow title aspirants Otford Reserves. Green: L Williams; S Beale, L Smith, S Dadd, A Bond, L Holman, M Wedge, J Pickard, T Poyner, T Lockett, L Milton. Subs: J Major, D Robson, M Batch

Frozen pitches restricted the action today but there were defeats for both Marsh outfits with Romney losing 2-0 at Otford and Lydd Town going down 3-1 away to APM Mears. In the Reserves Division, where just 4pts separate the leading 7 sides, Kennington Reserves beat APM Mears Reserves 2-1, Lydd Reserves slumped 3-1 at home to Borden Village Reserves and Romney’ second string lost 3-2 at Oakwood.

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Dan Cornell, Ryan Norman and Craig Smith have all made 16 appearances for the Saturday firsts prior to Christmas while Glenn Mackett has received the most man of the match awards … click on the Appearances and Goals tab for full lists

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Ryan Smith who is featured on the Green Playing Staff tab

If you would like to be featured, please email davehomewood@bromleygreen.co.uk

and ask for the club’s Spotlight Form [please supply a recent photo]

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Reminder to officers and managers

Monday 5 January 2009

Executive meet at 6.30pm

General Management meet at 7.30pm

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Opening fixtures for the New Year

Saturday 3 January 2009

First team away Hollands & Blair (Inter Regional Challenge Cup round 3)

Second team home Bearsted Reserves

Sunday 4 January 2009

First team away Brewmaster (Ashford Charity Trophy)

Second team home Galacticos

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P A T R O N ’ S C H R I S T M A S M E S S A G E    2 0 0 8

“I find this so-called ‘period of transition’ a mere metaphor Dave Homewood for mediocrity and the sooner we are back where we belong

talks exclusively to on Saturdays and Sundays the better”

The Green Lane

Another twelve months have sped past and I once again have the pleasure as Patron of Bromley Green FC to wish all our friends near and far a happy, peaceful Christmas and a New Year that sees your hopes fulfilled.

It has not been an easy year, either on or off the field of play, with a sizeable number of long-standing Green players and indeed managers deciding to leave the club for various reasons. We can only thank them for past services and wish them all well in their new pastures. My job, our job, is to steady the ship and ensure that the Green flag is flying high. Historically our club has met adversity head-on and emerged triumphant and, just as in the 1950s, 1960s and early 1970s when things periodically went pear-shaped, we will bounce back even stronger than ever. On the field, all of our teams play at a decent level leaving few openings for experimentation with our marvellous group of promising youngsters. However, whilst I accept we are rebuilding, I view the term ‘period of transition’ as something of a metaphor for accepting mediocrity and the sooner we are back where we belong on Saturdays and Sundays the better.

The year 2008 has been, and indeed still is, difficult for some very close to the heart of the club and my thoughts are with you during what I know are personal ordeals and heartbreaks that push human coping mechanisms to their extremes. Together we must offer support whenever the call comes and cherish the great spirit we have within our organisation. Together we will make 2009 a year to remember for all the right reasons. My thanks to all fellow officers, supporters, helpers, managers, sponsors and of course the players for their endeavours during the past year.

To all Green people, and football lovers in general, wherever you are, have an enjoyable Christmas and a successful 2009.

[Honorary Patron Bromley Green Football Club]

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Former Green striker Joe Galdies sends seasonal wishes to everyone at the club from the southern hemisphere … have a good Christmas and all the best for the New Year Joe to you and family

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Dave Smith reflects on Saturday’s game and the season so far

Another disappointing result losing to 1-0 to a well organised Hollands and Blair team. The first half was mainly controlled by the visitors, but stubborn defending and poor finishing saw us go in level. The second half saw the game open up more and I felt we competed well but we never really created enough. On the hour from a half cleared corner the visitors took the lead, with a good finish from the edge of the box. We did rally and tried hard for the equaliser, our best chance falling to Chris Holmes whose cross shot just skimmed the post. For all our efforts we could not level the game and ended up losing 1-0. In all honesty a fair result in a game where we failed to get going; we can and have played a lot better than this, perhaps the 3 week lay off had affected our momentum. Team: C.Smith, L.Marshall, B.Davies. M.Hadlum. K.Seni. M.Howells. C.Howells, H.Slade. C.Norman. D.Cornell. C.Holmes. Subs: L.Holman (K.Seni) L.Smith (H.Slade) MOM B.Davies gave a solid display and is becoming a regular solid performer.

Review

We have now reached the half way point of 14 league games and the end of 2008. Overall I am pleased with the way the side is coming together, thinking back to August and the mass exodus of so many Green regulars from previous seasons I did wonder how the season would pan out. My first 5 months in charge of the team has been both enjoyable and frustrating, but I can assure everyone involved with the club that I am 100% committed to making the Saturday 1st team successful and helping the club in any way for us all to get back to the glory days that were enjoyed in years past. My squad is now around 18 players with 11 of these still 19 or under; the spirit between the lads is improving all the time. Training is going well now with good numbers and a pleasing thing for me is that I easily get my squad together for each match as the boys are all committed to the team. I know our league position is disappointing and 11 points from 14 games with only 3 wins is not good, but I do believe given the time and if we stick together, we can become a force in the premier league. We all know the club is in the process of rebuilding all its sides and in my opinion the group of lads I have are some of the best talent in Ashford and I am privileged to be working with them. We have 14 league games to go and we will need at least the same return that we have now to stay clear of the relegation zone. I am confident we will do this. We are also still in 3 cups, 2 at the last 16 stage and 1 quarter final to look forward to and I would love to see us get to a final as it would be a good reward for the effort the boys have put in this season so far. Finally I would just like to say a Happy Christmas to all players, supporters, and committee members at the club and lets hope 2009 brings the Green the success we all strive for.

Dave Smith

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Sunday update…

Sunday was a bad day for the Green with the firsts going out of the Bodkin Cup by way of a 5-3 defeat at Bliby and the seconds crashing 4-1 at home to title aspirants Appledore. At Sandyhurst Lane, it was a great spectacle for the neutrals but for the Green the continual change of personnel on match days is proving costly. With work commitments, holidays,  and one key player not showing up, it was always going to be a difficult tie and the Green found themselves 3-0 behind. In truth but for some great saves by Craig Smith it could have been worse. However, the reshuffled side deserves praise for a tremendous fightback in a contest that at one stage deemed destined for extra time. There were some real positives as the rebuilding continues with newcomers Michael Thomas, Glen Rolfe and Karl Seni each performing well. The boys now rest until 4 January when another stiff test awaits as we go to Brewmaster in the Ashford Charity. To get back to winning ways, we must have the stability that breeds confidence and gives shape to our play. Good luck to Bliby in the next round. A Charlie Clark goal at the Swan Ground is little consolation as Appledore cruised home. Bright spot for Phil Wedge is young Joe Barton who came off the bench to impress. No game for the reserves until 4 January either.

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Saturday night briefly…

* Green firsts go down 1-0 at home to Hollands & Blair

* Green seconds goalless at champions University of Kent Reserves

* New Romney win the Marsh derby, beating Lydd 3-1

* Former Green striker Steve Harris nets a hat trick as Kennington win 4-3 at Otford

* In the Reserves Division: Lydd 1 NR 3 and Kennington 0 Larkfield 3

* Karl Seni is due to make his first Sunday appearance of the season at Bliby in the morning but Glenn Mackett, Liam Holman, Joe Hopkins, Bryn Williams, Jason Thomas and Matt Munday are all non-starters for various reasons

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Dave

Here is our squad for the web site. As rightly stated below a huge fixture with Hollands and Blair looms on Saturday. With the weather set fair we look forward to the match. We need 3 points to push us away from the bottom three and take the pressure off. Our last game was against the same opponents away and despite a good performance we were beaten 3-1; but this does seem to be the norm for us, giving all teams a good game, coming away with credit, but no points. We have a young side, who need to develop together, but this league is very unforgiving; but I am convinced if we continue to progress the way we are, we will become a major force in the county league. Squad: C.Smith, B.Davies, M.Davies. M.Hadlum. L.Marshall. K.Seni. C.Howells. M.Howells, C.Norman. D.Cornell. C.Holmes. L.Holman. L.Smith. S.Carey. Suspended R.Smith. R.Norman. Not available G.Mackett.

Dave Smith

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“It may be the holiday period but this is a huge weekend for our famous old club”

If ever there was a weekend when we needed just that little bit of the rub of the green, it is the final Saturday and Sunday matches of what has been a turbulent 2008. Human nature has meant that many [envious] pundits across the county have waited for us to fall but that has never been on my radar and I am genuinely proud of the five sides that represent us. The managers know they have total support from the Executive and I can only see the good times returning in the very near future. But as we all know, we are only as good as our last game and the Saturday firsts need no reminding that playing good football alone does not guarantee dividends. That is why I hope as many as possible can be at the game on Saturday against high-riding Hollands & Blair to urge the boys to a victory that will make Christmas that much happier. In Dan Cornell, Chris Holmes and Ryan Norman, we have a potent attacking force that on its day can rip sides apart and team chief Dave Smith will be desperate for the lads to deliver on what has become a big occasion. Our chances will not be helped with skipper Glenn Mackett unavailable and Smith (Ryan) and Norman (Ryan) missing through suspension.

Chris Holmes carries the Green’s hopes in crucial fixture

Alfied Pickard and lads sit proudly at the top of the table but along with assistant manager Trent Thomas, they will not take University of Kent Reserves lightly. The students are the current champions and we have had some wonderful games with them over many years. Quite frankly, with the league so tight again this season, all we are concerned with is taking maximum points.

Turning to Sunday morning, we face a testing Bodkin Cup tie at Bliby but if we are in the mood, we can beat them again. Having not played much football over the past two months, the lads will probably be rusty but new faces will again add interest as we continue the rapid rebuild. The squad as we go to publish is: Craig Smith; Michael Thomas, Dean Rolfe, John Lockett, Bryn Williams, Matt Hadlum, Liam Holman, Danny Valler, Glen Rolfe, Gary Mickelborough, Glenn Mackett, Ben Henaghan, Lee Milton, Kevin Barrett, Robbie Greenfield, Matthew Munday, Terry Perk, Tom Poyner. Definitely out are broken ankle victim Joe Hopkins and wide man Jason Thomas who is to be rested until the New Year as he awaits diagnosis of a recurring injury.

Jason Thomas out until the New Year

At the Swan Ground, Phil Wedge has pledged to continue with the policy of building with youth and has promised at least one new signing [in addition to Green youngsters Joe Barton and Reece Murrell]  will be in the squad to tackle leaders Appledore in what should be a game full of entertaining football. The seconds will look to Lee Bloxham to keep up his knack of snatching vital goals. The Under 16s have no game until 18 January next year. Although it is the holiday period, this is a huge weekend for our famous old club and I hope as many of us as possible can be there to cheer the lads on. A quick reminder to all friends of the club that everybody is welcome for a seasonal get-together/drink on Saturday 27 December, meeting at The Phoenix at 1pm. Good luck to all the Green teams this weekend.

Dave Homewood (Patron)

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Player profiles … click on ‘Green Playing Staff’ …

…first up is Saturday first left winger Ryan Norman

Ryan Norman

If you would like to be featured, please email davehomewood@bromleygreen.co.uk and ask for the club’s Spotlight Form [please supply a recent photo]

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Training is on this week, then a break until 6 January

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SATURDAY NIGHT ROUND-UP

Little action for our local sides with the rain again ruining fixtures right across the county. There were no County League Premier games and the only match in the Reserves Division One East section saw last year’s runners-up  New Romney Reserves keep up their challenge with an easy 6-0 defeat of visiting Larkfield Reserves. Looking forward to next week, the Green have a difficult hurdle to overcome in the shape of Hollands & Blair while the Saturday Reserves travel to reigning champions University of Kent Reserves. Sunday sees us once again at Sandyhurst Lane to meet Bliby in the Bodkin Cup with the seconds entertaining in-form title aspirants Appledore at the Swan Ground. The Under 16s have a long break now until the 18 January when we go to Thanet Colts. Let’s hope for a drying week!

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SATURDAY MIDDAY UPDATE…

SORRY BUT ALL 5 BROMLEY GREEN GAMES HAVE BEEN BEATEN BY THE WEATHER THIS WEEKEND

THE MEETING TO CONSIDER FUTURE OPTIONS FOR YOUTH PLAYERS WILL NOW TAKE PLACE AT THE GROUND ON SUNDAY AT 2PM…ALL WITH AN INTEREST ARE INVITED TO ATTEND AND EXPRESS AN OPINION WITH THE EXECUTIVE MAKING A FINAL DECISION AT ITS NEXT MEETING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING EVERYBODY THERE. DAVE.

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Friday night update (12.12.2008)

Sheerness call Saturday’s game off

Saturday’s crucial Kent County League fixture on the Isle of Sheppey has been called off by Sheerness. This is a big dampener as the Green were confident of bringing back maximum points. Patron Dave Homewood said “This is typical of our season. I’ve no doubt the lads would have done the business tomorrow, gained the three points and opened some daylight up between us and the bottom cluster. Now, who knows, we could well have to travel up there at some incovenient time when they have improved their form. I don’t know why the game is off but it is most disappointing for Dave Smith and all concerned”.

The weekend ahead

More crucial games for all our teams this weekend with both Saturday sides facing bottom of the table opponents: away to Sheerness East and home to APM Mears Reserves. The Sunday firsts are already without Bryn Williams, Terry Perk, Jason Thomas and captain Glenn Mackett for the short trip to Ashford Cavaliers but Dave Homewood will again be calling on Kevin Barrett to return and provide that something extra that he always brings to the side. The rebuilding continues with Glen Rolfe, Michael Thomas and Liam Holman all in a revamped squad as the Green experiment with their line-up. At the Swan Ground, the Sunday Reserves welcome Churchills. Both games kick off at 10.30am. Sunday afternoon sees the big top of the table clash with the Green entertaining Betteshanger (2pm).

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Sunday tea-time headlines

Bloxham debut double earns fighting cup win

Reece Murrell hat trick sinks local rivals

Only two games due to waterlogged pitches but nevertheless two superb results for the Green at the weekend with Phil Wedge’s charges digging deep to win a marvellous cup tie at Egerton and the Under 16s keeping up the pressure at the top with a 4-1 beating of Ashford Borough Colts.

Spirited Green battle their way into semis

At Rock Hill on a spongy surface both sides deserve praise for a game full of enterprising football and, although the Green nicked the semi final spot, in all honesty Egerton for long spells looked the better side. As it was, praise must go to all the lads for battling for the whole ninety minutes and somehow holding on to progress by virtue of a 3-2 win. Lee Bloxham returned to the club and on his debut snatched two opportunist goals with the other provided by the home keeper who punched an awkward ball into his own net. Five-star performances by Chris Burden and keeper Shawn Dadd, plus another solid outing for Reece Hagger saw the Green through to a tasty semi final with league leaders Appledore.

Turkey stuffs local rivals

Reece Murrell did his chances of breaking into the Saturday Reserves in the New Year no harm at all with a well-taken hat trick at The Ridge as the Under 16s proved too good for local rivals Ashford Borough Colts. Murrell is keen to feature in the senior set up as soon as he is 16 and has already had talks with co-manager Trent Thomas. Also on target in a 4-1 victory was defender John ‘Turkey’ Holt. Next week we entertain Betteshanger in another vital league match. Full report of today’s game to follow on Youth Football tab.

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Saturday night snippets

With the Green completely out of action due to waterlogged pitches, attention turns briefly to our neighbouring sides on County League duty this afternoon. The news is not particularly good from the Kennington camp: the first team had only a Matt Coglan goal to show for their efforts in 5-1 defeat to New Romney down The Avenue while their seconds lacked any real penetration in a 4-0 reversal to the Blues Reserves. Perhaps a minor upset was in the Reserve Division East with the University boys losing 2-1 away to Platt Reserves. Lydd continue to struggle following a 9-1 home hammering by Canterbury City in the Les Leckie Cup. Next Saturday is a big day for both Green sides as the firsts travel to bottom side Sheerness East looking to gain the maximum points that will give some more daylight between themselves and the foot of the table while Alfie’s boys entertain another bottom side, APM Mears Reserves. Incredibly, the Reserve Division One East has at least eight teams still in with a real shout of the title. But for the Green who head the pack there will be no complacency and again three points is the order of the day. Team news later in the week.

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6.12.08 Saturday morning update…

Rain ruins prospect of great entertainment

The weather has again badly decimated our fixtures this weekend with the overnight rain proving the final straw for the Swan Ground playing surfaces. Pitches duty man Phil Wedge and Saturday chief Dave Smith left it until Saturday morning but there really was no chance and reluctantly they called off all home matches. At the time of going online, two games survive: the seconds in the cup at Egerton on Sunday (10.30am) and in the afternoon the Under 16s at The Ridge in the league against Ashford Borough Colts (2pm). Updates here as soon as we receive any news. Many of the lads are bitterly disappointed at the postponement of two mouthwatering clashes against Lewisham and Kennington respectively that promised 5-star entertainment. For the Saturday firsts it presented a chance to gain the three points that will make the table look so much healthier while the Sunday firsts were expected to include four new signings in their squad. But let’s hope for a drying few days and have everybody back in action next weekend. We rarely all get together these days as a club, and I know money is tight, but on 27 December your Executive hopes you can all meet for a drink or two…starting at The Phoenix at 1pm. One bad piece of news is that Sunday first midfielder Joe Hopkins, who has yet to feature this season, has broken an ankle whilst playing in a 5-a-side competition. We all wish him a speedy recovery. As I write, news has filtered through that the Saturday Reserves game at Borden has also fallen victim to a waterlogged pitch. For most of you, all I can say is enjoy your weekend off! Dave Homewood

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Fixtures for the weekend

Sat firsts home Lewisham OFF

Sat Reserves away Borden Village Reserves OFF

Sun first home Kennington OFF

Sun Reserves away Egerton (Cup)

Under 16s away Ashford Borough Colts

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Holiday cup game is off on 27 December so Green go through to next round of the Weald of Kent Charity Cup

Our scheduled opponents for 27 December, Downslands, have pulled out of the Weald of Kent Charity Cup tie. Beaten finalists for the past two seasons, perhaps we can go one further this time round.

With no games over the holiday period, all the Green players, officials, parents, friends and supporters are invited to meet up for a few drinks around the town. Starting at The Phoenix at 1pm. Hope to see you all there.

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Plenty of positives in defeat at Hollands & Blair

Dave Smith reports…

Another 3-1 defeat, played on a energy sapping heavy pitch, but a really good performance, which even saw the excellent referee stating that he did not know how we never came away with at least a point.
We had the worst start as we struggled to get a grip of the pitch and after 10 mins we were 2-0 down, I feared we could take a real hammering, but the lads dug in and played some excellent football, with Chris Howells and Ryan Smith taking a grip of the midfield and wingers Mark Howells and Ryan Norman, supplying the chances for our hard working forwards Chris Holmes and Craig Norman. We came close on several occasions before in the 30th minute Chris Holmes scored with a delicate lob. We continued to push on hitting the bar and post, but reached half time 2-1 down.

The second half started in a similar fashion, with us pushing on hard searching for the equaliser, Holmes, Howells and Norman all came close but we could not level the game and in the 85th minute, we conceded a third as we tired purely from the effort we had put in on such a heavy pitch.

Overall it was a good team performance, one of the best of the season and if we had taken our chances we would have won and although our league position looks bleak, we, in my opinion are improving as a team and as a squad. Training attendance is improving and this is adding a good spirit and building a better understanding between the lads.

Next week we are at home to Lewisham, always a lively encounter and we will be going all out for a win and if we can build on Saturday’s performance I am sure we will get something out of the game.

Team: C.Smith, L.Marshall, L.Smith, M.Hadlum, B.Davies. M.Howells, C.Howells,
R.Smith, R.Norman, C.Norman. C.Holmes.
SUBS L.Milton(L.Smith) D.Cornell (C.Norman) K.Seni(M.Howells)

Mom 2 Ryan Norman for his superb attacking play a constant threat
Matt Hadlum marshaled the defence allowing us to attack.

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Reminder: Officers and managers are reminded that there is a joint Executive and General meeting on Monday 1 December beginning at 7.30pm prompt

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4.20pm Saturday 29.11.2008 Firsts play well but go down 3-1 away to Hollands & Blair in our only game of the weekend. Dave Smith’s report to follow.

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Sat 29/Sun 30 November 2008

GREEN HOME GAMES OFF THIS WEEKEND

The incessant rain has forced the cancellation of the Saturday Reserves and Sunday Firsts home games this weekend

Also now off…U16s match and Sunday Reserves away fixture with The Albion

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Cup win for Green but Dave Smith praises Kennington’s commitment

A thrilling encounter in Arctic conditions, saw us progress to the next round of the intermediate shield and a clash with New Romney. The 6-4 victory after extra time in my view was well deserved, but I would give Kennington tremendous credit for there commitment and effort.We started well, with a Strong wind behind us and took the lead in the 20th min, when Craig Norman finished well against his old club, but some slack defending from a long free kick saw a Kennington defender head home to level matters. We now upped the tempo and Chris Howells restored our lead with a brilliant 30 yard free kick,2 soon became 3 when Dan Cornell, turned and shot leaving the Kennington keeper with no chance. A 3-1 half time lead looked comfortable, but with the wind now against us we new it would be difficult.Kennington got the best possible start, when a long free kick was mis-judged by keeper Craig Smith, making the score 3-2, then in the 60th min a debatable offside decision, saw former Green forward Steve Harris level the scores. The game was now in the balance and Kennington looked to have won it in the 85min,when Harris again scored with a header, we were rocked, but a superb solo run and cracking strike from Mark Howells in the 89th min saw us level and take the game into extra time.The strong wind had now died, which helped us, we got the ball down and made Kennington work hard, but we were unable to break through in the first period of extra time. We made 2 changes at the start of the second half, with Karl Seni and Liam Smith coming on and this was to prove crucial, as from a superb 30 yard pass from Smith, saw Seni, beat his fullback and deliver a great cross for Chris Holmes to put us back in the lead, the same 2 players combined again and when the keeper could only parry, Dan Cornell scored our sixth, to finish the game.In my view this was a great win and showed the spirit which is building amongst our young squad, our fitness told as training has now picked up with good attendance. Next week we are back in league action, when we visit high-flying Hollands and Blair, but as usual we will go there ready to give our best and play good football and will be looking for a third straight win.

Team C.Smith, L.Milton, M.Hadlum, L.Marshall, M.Howells, C.Howells, R.Smith, R.Norman,C,Holmes, D.Cornell,C.Norman. Subs B.Davies (C.Norman), L.Smith (M.Hadlum). K.Seni (R.Norman)

MOM Mark Howells, great goal capped a superb display, full of skill.

Dave Smith
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The Sunday firsts game at The Ridge was called off by the referee due to a dangerous pitch

No details in from the Sunday Reserves who were at home to Wye

U16s go out of cup in 5th minute of added time (see report on Youth Football tab)

Jack Blowers leaves to join Ashford Town

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Sunday firsts again forced to make changes

Yet again the Green go into a tough Sunday fixture with no consistency of form or settled team plans with players unavailable for a variety of reasons. Brilliant one week, pitiful the next, this is proving a strange season. Latest player to drop out on Saturday night is Jason Thomas who joins other absentees Kevin Barrett (work), Glenn Mackett (ban), Bryn Williams (Spurs) and Tom Poyner (injured) for tomorrow’s game at The Ridge against leaders Market. With new signing Glen Rolfe transferring from Aldington and Joe Hopkins making his first appearance of the campaign, the Green are expected to go with the following squad and well, if the first part of the season is anything to go by, anything can happen!

Craig Smith; Danny Valler, Matt Hadlum, Dean Rolfe, John Lockett, Michael Thomas, Lee Milton, Ben Henaghan, Terry Perk, Gary Mickelborough, Glen Rolfe, Robbie Greenfield, Joe Hopkins.

Those already at The Ridge might wish to stay and support the Under 16s who bid to make the last four of the League Cup when facing Ashford Borough. A tight and tense game is expected in what is arguably our biggest test of ability and application to date.

Meanwhile at home, Ashley Webster makes his last appearance for the Reserves for a while as he goes on his travels abroad.

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Firsts win another cup battle but need extra time

Bromley Green 6 Kennington 4 (aet)

On a bitterly cold Saturday afternoon, the firsts recorded a second successive cup win, following up last week’s Inter Regional victory at Otford with a nailbiting triumph over local side Kennington in the Kent Intermediate Challenge Shield. The Division One outfit put up a tremendous show but in the end the Premier lads prevailed. Full report from team manager Dave Smith to follow. Next week the lads return to league action when they are away to Hollands & Blair.

The Green seconds stay top of the Reserve Division East despite having no fixture and next week should be capable of seeing off bottom side Platt at the Swan Ground. Local teams in this division, Kennington and Lydd, both lost. Kennington went down to a solitary Kent University strike at Ulley Road while Lydd also suffered a home reversal at the hands of well-placed Staplehurst (5-0).

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Alfie “I am enjoying the challenge”

Sitting at the top of the table, Saturday Reserves boss Alfie Pickard spoke exclusively to The Green Lane following the comfortable 5-3 victory at Larkfield on Saturday:

“We are doing well and there is a growing confidence in the team. We were far more dominant than the score suggests so it is a shame we have no game this week. Trent Thomas is also giving me excellent advice and support and I am enjoying the challenge, I am also confident the lads will keep giving 100% as will myself”.

At Larkfield a 30-yarder from Jason Thomas was the highlight with the tally completed by Ashley Webster 2, Tommy Lockett, Tom Poyner and a freak own goal. [Editor: I make that 6 Alfie...confirm when you get chance please. Thanks Dave]

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Dave Smith on the cup win at Otford…next week home to Kennington in the Intermediate Shield

Dave

Here is the match report for Saturday

A comfortable 2-1 win but not as comprehensive as it should have been. On a difficult surface we started well with crisp passing and good movement and took the lead in the 20th min when Ryan Norman finished well after a slick 5 move. We doubled our lead in the 30th min when Craig Norman,created and finished his own chance. We should have now controlled the game, but sloppy defending just before the break allowed Otford to reduce the arrears.The second half saw us control the possesion and were unlucky on several occasions not to increase our lead, Otford to there credit contrinued to work hard,but lacked a real cutting edge to level the scores and we rang out 2-1 winners. Next week we have Kennington in the Intermediate shield at home,which promises to be a interesting affair as they are coming into form now and derby games always carry that extra edge. Team:C.Smith,L.Smith,M.Hadlum.L.Milton.L.Marshall.R.Smith.C.Howells.M.Howells,

R.Norman.C.Norman. C.Holmes. Subs D.Cornell, B.Davies.

Mom: Liam Marshall another solid display becoming Mr consistent

Dave

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Latest Sunday results…

Green 1 (Thomas) Troggs 2

Never having a settled side is costing the boys dearly and again, although having plenty of the play, the Green lacked any cutting edge. Jason Thomas returned to first team action and gave new options while side-lined club skipper Glenn Mackett was superb as the referee. But inevitably there will be changes for next Sunday’s trip to old friends Market.

Eagles 0 Green Reserves 3 (Webster 1, Floyd 2)

Ashley Webster plays his last game this coming Sunday before another long holiday and his goalscoring prowess will be missed by the high-flying Reserves. Another long-serving player, Richard ‘Kasper’ Floyd, netted a brace in this solid team performance.

Hawkinge Youth 1 Green U16s 12

Please click on Youth Football for report

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It’s a Green double as firsts reach last 16 of the Inter Regional Cup and the Reserves go top of the table!

Congratulations go to team chiefs Dave Smith and Alfie Pickard as the Green win 2-1 at Otford and 5-3 at Larkfield

Managers’ reports to follow…

Also today, next week’s opponents Kennington hit form with a 3-0 victory over AFC Sheppey in the Inter Regional. In the Reserves Division One East, New Romney Reserves win 2-1 at Staplehurst and Kennington seconds edge in 3-2 at Lydd.

Good luck to our teams tomorrow against Troggs, Eagles and Hawkinge respectively

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Alfie looks forward to his new role

“I am looking forward to a very successful season with the Reserves and everyone has been so helpful”.

New manager Alfie Pickard takes his Saturday Reserves outfit to Larkfield on Saturday as the Green aim to stay well in contention at the top of the Eastern Division One Reserves table. Goals from Ashley Webster (2), Tommy Lockett (2), Jimmy Pickard and Tom Poyner earned a comfortable 6-2 win against Staplehurst & Monarchs last week and Alfie will be looking for more of the same.

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Wednesday 12 November: Rep game off

Tonight’s Kent County League Rep game against Sussex has been called off

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The coming weekend

Away Otford in the second round of the Inter Regional Cup; Saturday Reserves away Larkfield in League; Sunday first home to Troggs in the Premier Division; Sun Reserves away to Eagles; preview of U16s away fixture with Hawkinge is on the Youth Football tab

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Dave Smith reflects on the defeat at Fleet

Due to work commitments I was unable to make the game on Saturday, which ended in a heavy 8-1 defeat. According to various reports, I have had we were in the game at 2-1 at half time after Dan Cornell scored with a good header, but conceded 6 set piece goals in the second half to leave us well beaten. A disappointing result that leaves us just above the relegation positions.
As usual we now have to move on and we now have a break from the league, with 2 cup games, the first of which is away to Otford, followed by a derby game against Kennington. This will give me a chance to assess where we are are, with our progression and whether I need to look to add more players to the squad, we also now lose our skipper Glenn Mackett for 5 weeks, due to suspension. Certain players have, let their high standards of performance and commitment drop over the last few weeks and this will also be addressed in the next couple of weeks, so when we return to the league action, we will be ready to give 100%, to improving our league position.

Team C.Smith,L.Marshall,M.Davies(G.Mackett),M.Hadlum,L.Milton,R.Norman
D.Cornell(K.Seni) C.Norman,R.Norman,C.Howells,M.Howells.

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Saturday evening briefly

· Green firsts lose 8-1 away to Premier leaders and title favourites Fleet Leisure

· Green seconds climb to second in the table after 6-2 defeat of Staplehurst & Monarchs Reserves but leaders Oakwood Reserves win 10-0 at Lydd

· Kennington and New Romney share the spoils from a 3-3 draw in Division One East with loyal servant Sam Cridland netting two of Kennington’s goals

· Our Weald of Kent conquerors on Good Friday, Staplehurst, are humiliated 11-2 on their own patch by Kent University

· Canterbury City have their colours lowered at home by Hollands & Blair 2-1 in the Inter Regional Cup

More details of Green’s games to follow from managers

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Alfie Pickard new Saturday Reserves manager

The new reserves team manager, following the resignation of Steve Wilson, is Alfie Pickard who will be assisted by Trent Thomas. The new arrangement takes effect immediately.

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Preview of this weekend’s fixtures to follow later in the week

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Above:The Kent County League Representative squad that included Green stars Glenn Mackett, Ryan Smith, Matt Hadlum and Craig Smith. The game with Essex ended 1-1, and the lads have been invited to the next match which is at Tunbridge Wells on 12 November against old adversaries Sussex. Last night, Patron Dave Homewood spoke on behalf of the Executive: “What a fantastic tribute to everybody at the club that, despite having a host of players leave us for pastures new, Bromley Green can still provide such quality for the league rep side. Obviously from a tender age Macca has had to assume the mantle of former icons Tommy Stafford and Gary Holloway but Craig, Matt and Ryan have already shown us with their commitment and attitude that they are Bromley Green through and through. We are all very proud of them”. Scroll down for Dave Smith’s comments.

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Saturday first team manager’s report on the Bearsted game

Another close fought game in very wet and windy conditions saw us lose 3-1 to a well-organised Bearsted side, with some appalling refereeing thrown in. We started with the wind and rain at our backs, but in the first minute the referee awarded a penalty against us when Ryan Smith’s momentum from the conditions carried him into the Bearsted forward, a very harsh verdict,1-0 soon became 2 when slack defending allowed the Bearsted winger to finish well. We now decided to play and were rewarded when Craig Norman touched home Ryan Smith’s free kick. 2-1 down at half time, I told the lads the need to play football on the floor as we were now to be playing against the elemements, the response I got was very good and we dominated the game and were unlucky on several occasions, not aided by some very odd decisions by the referee, with time running out I changed the formation to 4,3,3 but this backfired as Bearsted caught us on the break to make it 3-1. With ten to go the game was over, but as the referee was keen to confirm he was not up to refereeing at this level, he sent Ryan Norman off for a strong challenge borne out of his frustration of being kicked all day. There were probably 8 bookings to go with this in a game without a really bad challenge. All in all a frustrating day, we again played well, but this league is tough, every week we play well organised sides and most at the moment just have the edge and experience we lack at times. We visit table-topping Fleet next week, but we will go there with confidence, as we are capable of giving every team in this league a good game and perhaps we may get some luck going our way for a change, as at the moment it feels everything goes against us.

Team: C. Smith, B. Davies, R. Smith, M. Davis, L. Marshall, L. Milton (C. Holmes), C. Howells, G. Mackett, R. Norman, D. Cornell, C. Norman. Subs C. Holmes, L. Smith, M. Hadlum (awol) Mom Glenn Mackett gave a captain’s display

Dave Smith was talking exclusively to The Green Lane

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Sunday briefly…reports to follow

Green lose 5-1 at Brewmasters … only early Mickelborough strike to show for poor effort at Hopes Grove…teams meet again next Sunday, same place, same time, in the Charity Cup

Reserves win 8-1 in Sheber Cup … no report received sorry

Under 16s work hard for 4-2 victory against a useful Easterners side…see Youth tab

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Saturday tea-time briefly…

* Green lose 3-1 at home to Bearsted

* Romney sink to new low with an 11-2 Inter Regional Cup defeat at Bly Spartans

* Former Green striker Michael Ward wins cup match for Fleet at Greenways (1-0)

* City win the the big Canterbury derby in Div One by a decisive 6-2 margin

* Kennington’s match at APM Mears abandoned after 50 minutes due to weather

* Kennington seconds slump 6-1 at home to Borden Village Reserves

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Weekend fixtures at a glance

Sat 1st home Bearsted; Sat Res away Platt Res; Sun 1st away Brewmaster; Sun Res home Wye (Sheber Cup); Under 16s home Easterners

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Green proud of its rep side players

At last nights representative match between Kent and Essex all four Green lads played their part in an entertaining game, which ended 1-1. Ryan Smith and Matt Hadlum played as part of a back three for the whole game and both performed well, with solid defending and good distribution. Glenn Mackett was introduced in the 55th minute with Kent 1-0 down and helped in getting us back on level terms. Craig Smith was less fortunate and only had 20 minutes, but in that time his handling and distribution were excellent and showed that he should be part of a good Kent squad. The next game is against Sussex on 12 November and all four players are in the squad again, which is a great credit to themselves. Dave Smith was speaking exclusively to The Green Lane.

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* Green Under 16s now at home on Sunday

* Manager situation must be resolved by Monday night

* Sunday firsts looking to boost squad to add cover

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> Our youth team fixture against Easterners this coming Sunday has been switched to the Swan Ground with the Green looking to extend their long unbeaten run. Let’s hope for another big crowd to cheer the boys on.

> There is much speculation about the Saturday Reserve team manager’s post  with Steve Wilson in charge for the last time this weekend away to Platts Heath United Reserves. A decision on the side’s future will have to be made at Monday night’s Executive and Managers meetings with the club still hopeful a suitable candidate will step forward and take up the challenge.

> The Sunday firsts have built up a great squad spirit but Dave Homewood is adding at least one, possibly two, new signings as injuries, work and suspensions start to bite in the long winter months.  Talking to The Green Lane he said this morning: “We have been unable to field a settled side and it is clearly going to be one of those seasons. But what is so pleasing is the attitude of the lads…for instance on Sunday at Bliby we had Marty Valle, John Brewster, Bryn Williams and Gary Mickelborough on the bench and their willingness to put the team first was so pleasing. Their turn will come but with suspensions around the corner and injuries always likely to upset things, we still need to add a couple of quality players to the squad. I expect to complete the transfer of a midfielder in the next few days and am also confident of a new striker coming over. Add to this the fact that Kevin Barrett is going to be available for large chunks of the season and Jason Reynolds is still to be with us on a regular basis and the reasons for optimism are obvious.” The lads are looking forward to Sunday’s trip to High Halden to meet an in-form Brewmaster side that always tries to play attacking football and if the 5-5 draw earlier in the season is anything to go by, we are in for another dose of thrilling entertainment.

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Dave Smith laments silly errors as we go down to Phoenix

Saturday saw us come away from Phoenix with another reasonable performance but no points, our problem again being our inexperience costing us goals at vital times. We play good football and compete and then throw the game away in a second, with an error or simple mistake. Phoenix came at us hard and fast from the first whistle and took the lead in the 10th min when there left winger was left with to much space and slotted home. We responded well and in the 25th min were level when good harrying work from Ryan Norman, left Dan Cornell to finish well. It stayed like this until half time. Again Phoenix came at us hard, but we were doing well to contain them, until we failed to defend a corner properly and there striker found himself unmarked and fired home, 2-1.We again came back well and the impressive Craig Norman burst into the box to level matters only for the linesman to adjudge he had handled, a decision no one expected and one i found hard to accept, 2-1 then became 3-1 when a mix up between Craig Smith and Chris Howells left a phoenix player to tap home. This was basically the game over, apart form the referee to make two glaring errors, firstly not to send a Phoenix player off for trying to break Ryan Normans jaw and then to send the unlucky Ryan Smith off for a more than debatable last man challenge when himself and the Phoenix forward just got their legs tangled and both players ended up in a heap, on this the Phoenix management have stated they will back us with an appeal. Onto next week now, with Bearsted our visitors, already a must win game now to get us back to the mid table pack, we should be at full strength and hopefully get plenty of support to help us out. A big thanks to all that came Saturday, it is much appreciated by myself and the lads and as a group we are building a good spirit, not just on the pitch but off it as well. Team Craig Smith, Lee Milton, Ryan Smith, Ben Davies (Matt Hadlum), Ryan Norman, Karl Seni, Glen Mackett, Mark Howells (Chris Howells), Mark Wallis, Dan Cornell (Chris Holmes), Craig Norman. Subs Matt Hadlum, Chris Howells, Chris Holmes MOM Craig Norman battled well and always gave us a threat

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Manager wanted urgently

Bromley Green FC invite enquiries for the Team Manager post of their Saturday Reserves Kent County League side. Steve Wilson is stepping down for personal reasons but still hopes to play. Anyone interested in this immediate appointment is asked to contact The Patron at davehomewood@bromleygreen.co.uk

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Great team spirit earns Green vital win

Poyner double and one from Barrett sinks Bliby

Bliby 1 Bromley Green 3

A terrific battling performance full of determination and pride saw off title hopefuls Bliby at Sandyhurst Lane on Sunday. Top marks to all the squad and the spirit now in the camp suggests we can still have a real crack at honours again this season even though it is one of rebuilding and transition. Bliby, with Hythe Town star Pat Kingwell holding their back line together, played their part in a match that had plenty of good football and must have been good viewing for the neutrals. A hard, low drive from Tom Poyner put the Green ahead early on and only two incredible saves by the home keeper kept out long range pile drivers from inspirational midfielder Ben Henaghan and the ever-dangerous Lee Milton. At the other end Craig Smith had to be alert throughout with Bliby always capable of pulling something out of the bag. As it was, the home side thought they had gained the ascendancy when former Green midfielder Harry Hrehorow lashed in a left-footer early in the second half. Perhaps a famous win was in the offing. However, the likes of Valler, Mackett, Lockett and Rolfe have that level of experience that has clinched numerous titles and cups down the years and they gradually used their nous to set about engineering a Green victory that maybe has shocked a few people locally. A sublime pass from the impressive Robbie Greenfield set up Poyner who rolled in his and the Green’s second and it was all over when a superb break down the right ended with Kevin Barrett sliding in number three. Matt Hadlum again showed his versatility and willingness to put the team first with a superb performance at left back in a clash well controlled by referee Steve Brown. Next week Lee Milton is unavailable as the Green face a tough away game with Brewmaster but Terry Perk and Jason Reynolds will hopefully be back.

Green: C Smith; D Valler, J Lockett, D Rolfe, M Hadlum, K Barrett, G Mackett, B Henaghan, R Greenfield, L Milton, T Poyner. Subs: B Williams, J Brewster, M Valle, G Mickelborough

Reserves draw 2-2 away to Grasshoppers … no details received as yet

Under 16s hit five as they make further cup progress…see Youth Football link

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Saturday evening brief round up…

In the Premier, Green go down 3-1 at Phoenix with Dan Cornell on target

Green Reserves well in title hunt following 4-0 win over Lydd seconds … no details received

APM Mears still unbeaten in Division One thanks to 1-1 draw away to City Kennington slump 3-0 at home to Otford

Kent University 6 points behind City with two games in hand after 5-1 win at Lydd

Mixed day for Romney: firsts lose 3-1 at Lanes End in the Les Leckie Cup while reserves grab 3-2 win at Borden Village seconds in Reserves Division One East

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Weekend ahead

Saturday firsts away Phoenix Sports

Saturday reserves home Lydd Reserves

Sunday firsts away Bliby

Sunday reserves away Grasshoppers

Under 16s away Park Farm Rangers (Cup)

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Weald of Kent Cup draw: home to Downswood (Maidstone Premier) on Saturday 27 December with a party atmosphere and food to follow … all Green members welcome … further details to follow from Ian Holloway

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Dave Homewood reports on a frustrating County League stalemate

Entertaining but goalless as Green are held by Snodland

Bromley Green 0 Snodland 0

After a shaky start, the Green gradually assumed the upper hand for much of this sporting encounter at the Swan Ground on another glorious Saturday afternoon; but were unable to pierce a stubborn visitors defence backed up by their quite brilliant keeper Rigden. Settling quickly to their task, Snodland hit a post early on, and rued not taking advantage of their dominance of the opening exchanges as the home side grew in stature and came out buzzing for the second half. Even without injured skipper Mackett and leading scorer Holmes, the Green still did enough to claim maximum points and substitute Seni again caused havoc down the right with his telling runs and teasing crosses. But despite a late onslaught it wasn’t to be as Cornell, Smith (R) and Milton all came within inches of grabbing a decider. The contest, well controlled by Mr MacLeod, illustrated that scoreless matches can at times be exciting and compelling viewing to the end with both outfits going all out for the winner. Neither team are likely challengers for the title this term as their rebuilding takes place but they should make a lot of friends along the way. Next week manager Dave Smith will hopefully be back to full fitness to take his lads for their really stern test away to a Phoenix Sports team tucked in just behind the leaders. Green: C Smith; B Davies, M Hadlum, R Smith, L Marshall, R Norman, M Howells, C Howells, L Milton, M Wallis, D Cornell. Subs: C Norman, K Seni

Reserves earn worthy point at Bearsted

Bearsted Reserves 1 Bromley Green Reserves 1

The Green second team took a strong line-up to Maidstone for this tough-looking league encounter and fully deserved a share of the spoils, which keeps us closely on the heels of the pacesetters. A praiseworthy all-round performance with Liam Smith voting himself man of the match! Tom Poyner was outstanding down the left for the Green whose goal was netted by Ashley Webster. Next week the reserves entertain mid-table Lydd Town Reserves in another Eastern Reserves Division league match. Green: L Williams; S Beale, L Smith, M Davies, D Robson, J Thomas, T Poyner, J Pickard, J Major, T Lockett, A Webster. Subs: A Bond, M Batch, M Wedge

Our local friends did not fare too well today with Kennington going down 5-3 to APM Mears in the Les Leckie Cup while the blues reserves lost again, 3-1 at home to Otford Reserves. An equally disappointing afternoon for the Marsh giants in Division One with New Romney losing 8-1 at home to a rampant Kent University side and Lydd narrowly missing out 2-1 at Staplehurst & Monarchs United. More joy however for the Lyddites seconds who overcome Larkfield Reserves 3-1.

Buffalo gifted late winner in Kent Sunday Premier Cup

Buffalo 3 Bromley Green 2

Goals by Tom Poyner and Terry Perk looked sufficient to see the Green through to the next round of the Kent Cup but amazingly it was the ten-man Maidstone side that finished the stronger to snatch victory with two minutes remaining. Perk, Matt Hadlum and Ryan Holloway were arguably the pick of a Green side still rebuilding. Full marks to all the lads who gave their best and with a little luck might have emerged victors.

Plenty of promise from young Green Reserves

The Locomotive Maidstone 6 Bromley Green Reserves 4

Much more important than the result in this Kent Junior Cup match was the promise shown by so many of our rising stars who will soon hopefully be pushing for first team places. For some reason we managed to clutch defeat from the jaws of victory but many of the youngsters will have gained vital experience. On target for the Ashford boys were Jason Thomas (2), Daryl Hagger and Dan Jackson.

Four Green players chosen for County League Representative side

Dave Smith is rightly proud that four of his boys have been selected for the Kent County League Representative squad for the the next two matches. Glenn Mackett, Craig  Smith, Matt Hadlum and Ryan Smith have all made the cut. Well done lads! Further details as we receive them…

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Under 16s have local derby in League Cup

The Green have been drawn away to local side Park Farm Rangers in the next round of the Albert Baines Memorial Cup. The tie will be played on 26 October and the boys will again look forward to seeing our brilliant supporters there to cheer the Green into the last eight. For the full draw, click on the Youth Football tab

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MESSAGE FROM CHAIRMAN STAN: THE CLUB BAR IS OPEN AFTER TRAINING ON TUESDAY NIGHTS FOR THOSE MEMBERS WHO WISH TO GO BACK THERE

TRAINING FOR SENIORS AND JUNIORS EVERY TUESDAY AT HIGHWORTH SCHOOL

Please arrive 7.15 for 7.30 start

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Fixtures

Saturday firsts home Snodland

Saturday reserves away Bearsted

Sunday firsts away Buffalo (Kent Sunday Premier Cup)

Sunday reserves away Locomotive (Maidstone) (Kent Junior Trophy)

Under 16s game with Dover is off as Dover have a cup commitment

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Reserves boss far from happy

A disappointing show against MALGO in the Kent Junior Cup on Saturday that resulted in a 5-1 home defeat has left Steve Wilson and his assistant Alfie Pickard preparing to go back to the drawing board.  Wilson declined to name players publicly but is clearly concerned with the attitude of some reserve team regulars and has revealed he is looking to bring in new signings unless there is a rapid change in commitment. Tommy Lockett netted the Green goal before going off with a dislocated ankle. This Saturday the seconds are at Bearsted Reserves.

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Dave Smith reflects on Rusthall defeat
Another tough fought game and again real disappointment of not coming away with a least a point. We started the game playing up hill on a very poor surface, but controlled the early stages and took the lead when Ryan Norman finished well after good work from Dan Cornell, we continued to have the upper hand and were unlucky not to go 2 up when Dan Cornell hit the cross bar. The game changed in the 30th min when the erratic referee awarded Rusthall a soft penalty and 5mins later we were behind, when a long free kick into the box ended up with a Rusthall forward, heading home unchallenged. With the slope now in our favour for the second half, we were confident of getting back in the game. We slowly started to take control, Ryan Smith had a header tipped over and Ryan Norman, Chris Howells and Mark Howells all went close, but for all our endeavour we could not level the game up and it ended in a 2-1 defeat. We had battled well and showed a good attitude and with a bit more luck could have won the game, but this is how things are at the moment, with every game being hard fought and tense to the end, but the big plus is that we are showing on a regular basis that we can compete with all the teams in this league. Snodland at home this week, which now becomes a massive game and we will be going flat out for all 3 points.

Team Craig Smith,Liam Marshall,Ben Davis(Haden Slade),Matt Hadlum,Ryan Smith,Mark Howells,Chris Howells,Glen Mackett Lee Milton,Dan Cornell,Ryan Norman, subs Haden Slade,Karl Seni,Liam Smith.
MOM Ryan Norman carried our biggest threat all game.

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Poyner snatches late Premier Cup winner

Pride and commitment sees Green through

Aldington 0 Bromley Green 1

In an entertaining cup tie that saw both sides play some enterprising football, the Green settled things in the closing moments when Tom Poyner ended the deadlock by forcing the ball home after a Matt Wedge shot had been blocked. In truth, the home side should have put the game out of reach in the first half as the Green battled away but created few clear-cut openings. However, a combination of luck, the width of the woodwork and a string of wonderful stops by back to form keeper Craig Smith, led to a 0-0 scoreline at the interval. A more evenly fought second period saw both sides go close but it was the Green, whose unparalleled experience in cup situations is almost worth a goal in itself, who booked a place in the next round. Full marks to the whole squad who refused to be beaten and a special mention to Marty Valle and Matt Wedge who were prepared to put the club first and become cup tied. Also thanks to Ricky Milton who offered to run the line. We have a few injuries, a few that turn up spasmodically and a different line-up each match; but no-one can doubt the commitment of the players and it paid dividends today. Next week we travel to old enemy Buffalo in the Kent Sunday Premier Cup. Man of the match: all the boys were terrific but the great saves of Craig Smith at crucial periods of the game gives him the edge.

With all teams capable of dropping points, epitomised by Kennington’s 4-3 win over Market today, it should be the most open title race for many a year. Bliby are favourites but there is a long way to go yet. For the Green, it is about getting our best side out each week, but it looks like being a season of changes by the week. Steve Mailey, who resigned as Ashford Cavaliers first team manager two weeks ago, made a shock playing comeback this morning but the Premier side suffered perhaps their most humiliating defeat against Ashford Crusaders in the Bodkin Cup.

The afternoon mauling of Thanet Youth Colts was a great way to finish off the weekend and there was further evidence that the future is bright with Jordan O’Gorman, Reece Murrell and Aaron Neil outstanding in a fine squad performance. (See Craig’s report on the Youth Football tab). Next week we welcome our next victims, Dover Town, in what is expected to be Ashley’s last Green appearance.

Next senior games coming up: Saturday home Snodland; seconds away Bearsted Reserves

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Weekend round-up briefly

Poyner snatches dramatic late Premier Cup winner at Aldington

Market lose in league to Kennington…title race is all in the melting pot again

Mailey playing comeback ends in Cavaliers embarrassing loss to Crusaders

Green U16s slam Thanet 4-1 in front of big crowd  at sun-baked Swan Ground

Red Heathens with the Bond boys beat Churchills in Bodkin

Green Saturday seniors lose 2-1 at Rusthall

Reserves Kent Junior Cup…5-1 home defeat against MALGO

Kennington crash 4-2 at Lydd as relegation battle looks likely

Reports of the weekend’s action to follow

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The Green begin their quest for the Sunday Premier Cup with a trip to in-form Aldington.  Absentees include Terry Perk, Joe Hopkins and Jason Reynolds. We are expecting to travel with the following squad but will try not to ‘cup-tie’ players that normally feature for the reserves: Craig Smith, Danny Valler, Dean Rolfe, Ryan Holloway, John Lockett, Kevin Barrett, Bryn Williams, Tom Poyner, Glenn Mackett, Lee Milton, Robbie Greenfield, Gary Mickelborough, John Brewster, Ben Henaghan, Matt Wedge, Marty Valle, Ricky Milton. All meet Swan Ground at 9.15 please.

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Bye in Ashford Charity

Sutton Saints have withdrawn from the Saturday section of the Ashford Charity Trophy…which means the Green boys move into the quarter finals

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Saturday: firsts away Rusthall; reserves home MALGO

Sunday: firsts away Aldington (Prem Cup); reserves no game; Under 16s home Thanet Colts*

* The home clash with formidable Thanet is expected to be the last home appearance of midfield maestro Ashley Wojtowicz who is leaving the area…let’s have a good turn-out to wish Ash a fond farewell

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TUESDAY NIGHT TRAINING FOR ALL CLUB MEMBERS [SENIORS AND JUNIORS] IS NOW AT HIGHWORTH SCHOOL UNDER LIGHTS. PLEASE ARRIVE AT 7.15 FOR A 7.30 START. TRAINING IS FROM 7.30 UNTIL 8.45. REMEMBER WE ARE USING THE FACILITIES OF ANOTHER ORGANISATION AND TOTAL RESPECT FOR THEIR STAFF AND SURROUNDINGS IS REQUIRED.

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Dave Smith reflects upon Saturday’s important win at Milton

Three points won in a tough,physical game,is the best way to describe our 4-2 away win at Milton.We again got the perfect start,in the first minute a rasping shot from Mark Howells hit the bar and Ryan Norman headed in.We were playing down the slope with an ever increasing wind,but credit to the side as we tried to keep the ball on the floor and play football.We went 2-0 up when a defencive mix up allowed Chris Holmes to slot home and soon it was three when Chris Howells cross,come shot evaded everyone and nestled in the bottom corner,this gave us a comfortable 3-0 lead to take into the second half. The second half started fairly comfortably for us,but as the wind got stronger,we were gradually pinned back and Milton scored there first goal,with a sharp finish in the 53rd minute,we were now under the cosh and form a wind as sited pass a Milton forward brought them back to 3-2.With 15 Min’s to go looked to be in trouble,but the lads,raised there game and dug in and from a twice taken free kick,cleverly taken by skipper Glen Mackett we regained our 2 goal advantage,with ten to go,tempers frayed and we picked up a couple of bookings as the referee failed to get control a few tasty challenges,but we battled it out and deservedly won 4-2. I give full credit to all the boys today,as we showed we can play good football and also showed we can dig in when we needed to. Next week we have Rusthall away,never a easy place to go,but with them just behind us in the league,we will go confident of coming away with something especially if we continue to play football as we have been,we will have every chance. Thanks to all the people who came and watched last week,it was nice to see and much appreciated. Team;Craig Smith,Lee Milton,Ryan Smith,Matt Hadlum,Mark Howells,Chris Howells,Glen Mackett,Karl Seni,Ryan Norman,Dan Cornell,Chris Holmes,Subs Mark Wallis,Ben Davis,Liam Smith. MOM Chris Howells Battled all game as well as trying to play football.

Dave Smith

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Cup draws

Weald of Kent: Green home to Downwoods

Kent Sunday Premier Cup: Green away to Buffalo

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Green look forward to two huge challenges…

Bromley Green’s Saturday firsts go to Rusthall next Saturday knowing that maximum points for the Ashford side will open up a comforting gap between Dave Smith’s boys and the basement pack. Chris Howells, Chris Holmes, Glenn Mackett and Ryan Norman were on target in the terrific win at Milton and with spirit high here’s hoping for another victory. Meanwhile the seconds, who had Ashley Webster on target in the disappointing extra time cup defeat at New Romney last Saturday, entertain Maidstone based MALGO in the Ashford Charity Trophy.

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Sunday 3.40pm first with the news…