Scroll down for report on Adam Mercer and Chris Gillam’s impressive first starts of the season on Saturday
Report from Steve Mailey on Sunday’s game
Simla 3 Bromley Green 3
Sunday 16 August ‘09
We set off on our second pre season trip, this time to East Peckham, to face the much talked about SIMLA outfit. A few Ashford sides have come away from here licking wounds, so the size of the task was clear to all. The game began at quite a frantic pace, and never really eased up. It was competitive throughout and I doubt very much if we will face a side as well organised during the coming season as these were. My plan to build a versatile squad is showing reward already – as we were without Mackett, Mickelborough and two new signings are still yet to be available.
Our back line changed several times, although the starting combination impressed for the bulk of the game. Perk and BJ are very dominant and Hadlum put in a top display. Valler is responding to the competition for places too. That back line includes Craig – his first 45 in particular were near faultless. The middle included new lad Mercer, who will be a sound addition to the club as a whole, and a central pairing of R Smith and P Allan were powerful from start to finish. Ash up top worked hard against a top side and he will hurt many sides over the coming months.
Add in to the mix players such as L Milton and Poyner, both changing position when asked to, and Holloway, L Smith and Fitz getting to grips with the pace, and we suddenly look quite strong in most areas. That’s not to forget Robbie, who is not quite fit as yet with an ongoing ankle problem.
As for the game, well we improved hugely on last week, and I feel our first half display was full of so much promise, possibly the best we’ve played for quite some time. A set piece from L Milton found the net to put us ahead as we began to look the better outfit. Milts again showed his experience to pounce on some sloppy defending to make it 2 after the hosts had levelled from a poorly defended corner. Matt Hadlum arrived at the far post to give us a well deserved lead at the break.
The score became 2-3 soon after the restart as SIMLA finished off a fine football move with a quality finish. Unlike last week, we didn’t panic. We kept battling and showed some real team spirit. The multiple changes forced us to lose our balance, as expected, yet everyone accepted the need to use the squad available and we continued to compete. By his own admission, an error of judgement in goal allowed the hosts to level the score with a well taken lob.
In fairness, we were starting to die on our feet at the back, and the full time whistle came at a good time. Had this been a competitive match, without so many changes and with the missing ones present, I feel we would have won the game. The players represented themselves well as a unit and it will serve us well.
Man of the match is a tough one because of all the effort shown, but I will give it to Lee Milton (left). Two goals, good link up play between midfield and attack, and an impressive work rate from someone who was told to improve his fitness back in May!
Squad: C Smith / Valler / BJ / Perk / Hadlum / Holloway / R Smith / Allan / Mercer / Fitzgerald / L Smith / Poyner / L Milton / Webster / Greenfield.
Adam Mercer, in his first game for the Green, and the returning Chris Gillam both gained man of the match awards on Saturday at the Swan Ground. Here the managers reflect upon two entertaining tussles.
Craig Smith reports on the morning game…
Bromley Green 7-1 Woodchurch
Our pre-season continued with a 7-1 win at home to local side Woodchurch. Our thanks go to visitors as this fixture was arranged last minute and they provided a good test despite the scoreline.
The first 30 minutes were especially tight – despite controlling the game our composure was coming in spells and Woodchurch looked spritely on the break. Their big number 6 provided them with a strong outlet and he was very difficult to deal with – Mark Godfrey was also having a good game for them. When we got the ball down we looked good but a rather furtuitous goal saw us go in front. Robbie Greenfield struck from distance and it looped over the keeper with a deflection. 1 became 2 when a teasing Chris Howells cross was diverted into the goal – a good cross so we can give him the goal.
At half time the instruction was to get the ball down for longer periods and I feel we delivered this. Adam Mercer who was very impressive throughout found himself one on one and he buried it in the top corner.
Woodchurch to their credit rallied and started pushing on for goals – this however left them exposed – Mercer grabbing a second before Kenny Hallett nothced 2 – he deserved his goals as he was in and around the box all game. Tom Poyner was looking lively up front and Martyn Dalby and Jamie Hurst stepped up and contributed well.
Woodchurch deserved their goal and it came from a free kick. The number 10 saw Craig Smith dreaming off his line and curled one in the top corner. Milton scored with a good strike to make it 7 and complete the scoring.
Overall it was a useful workout and good to get the team together again. We welcomed back Ben Davis and he played well in a number of positions. Matt Hadlum and Ryan Smith also played well at the back. Mercer and Tom Head provided good outlets and it was clear that we are gelling as a team – our preparations continue!
Team: C Smith/ R Smith/ Hadlum/ Davis/ Head/ Mercer/ Greenfield/ Milton (c)/ C Howells/ Poyner/ Hallett/ Dalby/ Hurst
MoM: Adam Mercer
Ali Mehmet reports on another reserves win
Bromley Green Res 3 – Nutfield FC 1
Following the success of the 1st team’s victory earlier in the day, the pressure was on the reserves to keep the momentum going with another victory.
Our opponents were Surrey Combination league outfit Nutfield FC. After two successive victories we felt, as a team, we needed a tougher test. To test our resolve and from a personal perspective, to observe how the players would react to an adverse result. Nutfield FC were everything we expected, a strong, tall, physical, busy and hard working side.
The boys in Green started well in a fairly evenly contested first half. The tackles were flying in with no quarter being given nor taken. Bromley Green had what seemed like a valid goal disallowed for offside when Matt Wedge ran onto a diagonal pass to put him clean through to beat the Nutfield keeper. Shortly after, Joe Mifsud fell foul of the dreaded linesman’s flag to have a daisy cutter chalked off. As the first half wore on the Green were being frustrated by the well drilled offside machine called the Nutfield defence. The machine was finally breached when Chris Gillam timed his run to perfection to coolly slot past the keeper. HT: BG 1 – Nutfield FC 0. The second half got underway and Nutfield came out on top in the early exchanges, but gradually the Green worked their way back into the game. The artistry of Chris Gillam in midfield alongside the strong presence of Paul Barron finally took a grip and the wave of attacks began. Mark Hazell, as captain playing in an unfamiliar role out wide on the left continually encouraged and prompted his team mates. Ashley Webster and Joe Mifsud worked tirelessly for the cause and Joe got the reward his efforts deserved. Once again great team play and unselfish running allowed Joe to pick his spot and finish with ease. 5 goals in 3 games, not bad Joe!!
Substitutions were made with Mark Hazell moving into his more accustomed position of centre midfield at the expense of Paul Barron, Ryan Fitzgerald came on to play wide right and with virtually his first touch, rifled home from the edge of the area. (An inspired substitution some might say!!) Once the Green were 3-0 up the game as a contest was over. Sadly however, a defensive mix up between Shawn Dadd and Craig Smith allowed Nutfield a consolation with an accomplished finish from their striker.
In conclusion: We got what we wanted and got what we deserved. The Green always had that little bit extra when in possession and in the end that extra class and quality proved decisive.
Liam Smith and Shawn Dadd were a tower of strength in the middle of the back four. Reece was outstanding at right back and Sid was as reliable as ever at left back. The midfield was hard working and creative and the forwards were at their busy best. My MoM again is a tough one, and I’m afraid, I am going to have to get used to sitting on the fence. Take a bow Joe Mifsud and Chris Gillam
I would just like to say a big thank you to Ian and Jill for the lovely buffet today. Your kindness was very much appreciated.
A big thank you to all who helped make the Vets game a great success. To all the players who put themselves out to play I can only say thanks and hope you are not hurting too much! When we have the final total, I will put it on the website. Once again cheers and pop down for a drink any match day or training night. Ian Holloway [pictured on presentation night with Macca (who was away on holiday this weekend)].![IMG_0646[1]](http://bromleygreen.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/img_06461.jpg?w=300&h=289 "IMG_0646[1]")
A stunning first minute strike from captain Matt Wedge immediately put plucky Man of Kent on the back foot on Wednesday night and an own goal plus a deft Dan Allen header gave a 3-0 interval scoreline. In all honesty the Green should have had a hatful in the first period with Ryan Fitzgerald, Lee Bloxham, Kenny Hallett and Richard Floyd all involved in some smart interchanges but somehow failing to hit the target. For long periods stand-in keeper Paul ‘Jammy’ Robinson was inactive during his first appearance in a Green shirt for many years. The pub side deservedly pulled one back following hesistancy in central defence but this lifted the home lads to move into another gear and as fitness told the goals began to flow. Martyn Dalby, who was impressive with his overlaps and link play with Reece Hagger and Steve Wilson, netted before another own goal made it 5-1. The influential Allen, again, Hagger and Shawn Dadd also hit the net as one-way traffic ensued towards the end. A touch of class from the old master rounded things off as Wilson arrowed his left footer hard and low, a fine example to the youngsters of how to finish. Good displays from Carl Rossiter, Dalby and Jamie Hurst (apart from those ghastly foul throws which hopefully will never be repeated Munch!) give great optimism for the future. And with Chris Cloke, Sean Tong, TJ, Dan Jackson and Darryl Hagger to come back in there are certainly some selection posers for the management! With everybody buzzing, it is difficult to choose a man of the match but watch out for Hallett who, despite missing a number of chances tonight, gets in the right places at the right time. When the rustiness has gone, he will surely prove a real handful for any defence. Thanks to Roger Corkhill who controlled the match well. Pictured are Steve Wilson and Richard Floyd who will be expected to guide the youngsters this season.
Striker Kenny Hallett in action on Wednesday night. The new capture is predicted to have a big future at the Green.
Our back line was quite new, and the lack of understanding was both evident and expected. Equally obvious was the lack of fitness shown by one or two, who now may appear on Tuesdays! That said, the defensive display included an impressive debut from Paul Allan (pictured), the welcome return & display from BJ and my first chance to see Ryan Holloway in action.
The injustice of this goal seemed to inspire the Green to step up another level and we duly equalised when the impressive Matt Wedge (left) fired home from the edge of the area. At this stage Keith Shabba had to leave the action due to an injury received in a crude lunge from behind. Keith was replaced by the muscular powerhouse Dan Allen. On the stroke of half time Headcorn once again hit us on the counter attack and struck home from close range. HT 2 -1 to Headcorn.
