[Steve Mailey reflects on the 6-5 win at Headcorn on Sunday]
Headcorn 5 – Bromley Green 6
Our first run out together began a bit patchy, then became one way traffic, and ended up being an 11 goal thriller! Three new players I had hoped to use were unable to play for various reasons, and another three from last season were also absent. Yet we still managed to field a fairly strong team.
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.
Our middle had a different look too, with new boy Ryan Smith looking strong from start to finish. Both Lee Milton and Terry Perk altered positions during the game, both contributing largely to our better moments in the game!
Up front we had a near faultless showing from Ash Webster, claiming a hat trick in the process – rounding off a fine weekend of first team action for him!
Other goals came from Perk, notching twice, and L Milton.
I’ll offer more in depth reports once the season starts – but this game left us with several positives and probably as many negatives, which is why the pre season is so important. Pleasing was the movement, desire and quality of some of our play – going into a 4-0 lead. Not so pleasing, obviously, was failing to deal to the reaction from the home side who decided to make a game of it. Some seemed too quick to find something or someone to blame.
Anyway, it served a purpose and I was able to learn a couple of things that will be useful in the future. My MoM will go to Ryan Smith & Ash Webster, as there was little between them. Next week we travel to Simla – a dip in attitude against them will be very costly!
Our thanks go to Headcorn FC for their hospitality. Over the weekend, I worked with both first team squads – my thanks to all involved for the effort shown.
Squad: C Smith / Valler / Allan / J Lockett / Holloway / R Smith / Mackett / L Milton / Neil / Poyner / L Smith / Perk / Webster
Ali Mehmet reports from Headcorn
[8.8.2009] Manager Ali Mehmet reflects upon today’s pre-season friendly
Headcorn Reserves 3 Bromley Green Reserves 6
The mood within the camp was very positive as we arrived at Grigg Lane, Headcorn for the next chapter in the remodelling of Bromley Green Reserves. Four new players were making their debuts for the Green, and what great assets they will be to the club. The strength, guile and immense passing ability of Paul Barron, the sheer pace and raw talent in the shape of Dan Allen, the steady reliable work rate of Grant Moffat and the feline agility of ‘The Cat’ Chris Cloke!!
Bromley Green dominated the first half, missing several chances to open the scoring, with the lively Joe Mifsud being the unluckiest of forwards on show. Amazingly, against the run of play, Headcorn took the lead with a 25-yard lob into the top corner. 
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.
With some adjustments made, formation changed and the 2nd half underway, the players were getting used to the new formation when Headcorn scored a third goal. It was an amazing spectacle, Bromley Green dominating and yet trailing 3-1.
Again, the response was very positive, players supporting each other, constantly encouraging, advising etc. Martyn Dalby, Jamie Hurst and Grant Moffat were introduced and all three played very, very well indeed. Joe Mifsud then decided it was time for him to step up to the plate and get the reward his efforts deserved. A superb hat-trick followed. Some of the set up play was subliminal, one touch passing, the movement of the ball, the work rate off the ball and the searching balls played by Paul Barron and Mark Hazell ensured every attack almost resulted in a goal. Dan Allen trying hard not to be outdone by Joe Mifsud scored two goals and was only denied his hat-trick by the crossbar . Matt Wedge was also denied his second of the match by the post.
FT Headcorn 3 – BGFC 6
In conclusion, we are very much a work in progress, the mood and atmosphere within the camp is excellent. The Hagger Boyz once again excelled; Reece was composure itself and Darryl’s dancing twinkle toes dazzled us all. Shawn Dadd led the back line superbly, Adrian Williams and Sid Beal were solid and reliable as usual. Matt Wedge had a great game as did Mark Hazell. Special mention to Paul Barron and Hat-Trick man Joe Mifsud.
My MoM, that’s a toughie, choose between the whole squad today, anyone could quite rightly claim that honour, but I’ll sit on the fence and name two, Paul Barron and Joe Mifsud!
Tuesday night: A late report from Craig Smith who reflects on Saturday’s win against MALGO
Bromley Green 4-1 Malgo
Our first outing in pre season saw us come through with a 4-1 win at home to an up and coming Malgo side.
It was good to get more or less the whole squad together for the first tine and despite it being just a friendly you can already see the desire from the boys involved last year to get straight back up. Pre season has seen Ryan Norman and Liam Holman move on with Liam Marshall unavailable but the squad took a nice shape on Saturday.
It took 10 mind for the lads to settle but when we did we looked dangerous going forward. A fine goal from Mark Howells got things under way. Some good football from the back saw Chris Howells pass to new signing Tom Head who whipped in a superb ball which Ash Webster converted. 2 became 3 when Ash turned onto his left 30 yards out and curled one on the top corner. Another new signing made it 4. Alex skipper breaking in on the right and finishing neatly.
Malgo are a young side with lots of energy but the experience of the Howells brothers and Mackett controlled the first half with Hadlum marshalling a strong back unit.
Credit must go to the Maidstone outfit who regrouped and played dome good football in the second half. Scoring with a hood strike from just inside the box. There is plenty there to suggest they will be challenging in their league.
The second half for us showed we could soak pressure a trait that if we learn will be a major improvement on last year.
Overall a good first workout and a step in the right direction. Mackett sprayed the ball all day, Ash was clinical and everyone contributed.
Team – C Smith/ Hadlum/ R Smith/ M Davies/ Head/ M Howells/ Mackett (c)/ C Howells/ Milton/ Webster/ Norman/ Skipper/ Greenfield/ L Smith.
MoM: M Howells
This Friday sees the 50/50 Auction…we have lots of goodies already from golf clubs, to ladies riding boots, some fantastic pictures, tyres from Trent (Trent if you email me details I will advertise them in advance), dvds, etc, etc. Please bring the stuff down on Tuesday any time from 6pm. Latest time is 5pm on Friday. Viewing is from 5pm with the Auction starting at 7.30pm. Remember whatever is sold is on a 50/50 basis with no seller or buyer commission and most objects have no reserve! What doesn’t go can either be taken away or donated to Steve’s Boot Fair stall which is a week Sunday.
Jamie’s Poker Night is nearly here…it is next Sunday at the ground so please come and give your support or at least have a social get-together for those that don’t play. No, unfortunately she will not be there.
Each player has been asked to bring at least one item for the Boot Fair Stall. Please make the effort. Thanks.
For a free pint [or pot noodle for those under 18!] just for a laugh, think of a caption to accompany this photo of Lee Milton and Craig Smith at the awards night 19 June 2009. Click on ‘Comment’ and type in your entry … it is as simple as that. Closing date is Saturday 4 July and the winner will be announced at the quiz night.
