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KICK OFF TIMES FOR SATURDAY LEAGUE GAMES WILL BE 2.45pm
AND ANY
CUP MATCHES WILL BE
2.15 PM
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Weekend 6th & 7th of February 2010
Sat 1st No Game
Sat Res Team Home to Bromley Green ( League ) Lost 2.- 3
Kennington Goal from Dan Barham and Steve Rice
Sun 1st Home to Market ( Kent Cup) Ko 10.30am at the Ridge - Lost 1-2
Kennington Goal from a Steve Ward penalty
Sun Res No Game
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Weekend 30th & 31st of January 2010
Sat 1st Home to Stapleurst ( League ) Lost 2-4
Kennington goals from Steve Harris and Steve Rice
After last weeks away draw we were confident of a good result at home to Staplehurst. It wasn’t to be in spite of some good passing football and goals from Rice and Harris and perhaps the game should have been out of reach for our visitors if we had killed the game off before they had a chance to get in gear. Some poor defending and even poorer refereeing cost us all three points. It was hard on the players who found themselves under pressure from a referee who failed to see the penalty everyone else saw which if converted would have given us the cushion we needed and the reward we deserved. Not only did he fail to see the penalty but he allowed an equally clear cut penalty against us to be taken and converted while our keeper was pulling up his socks and not looking at the ball. No game on Saturday for us so hopefully we can lend some support to the Reserves at home to Bromley Green.
Sat Res Away to Bromley Green ( Ashford Charity Cup )
Sun 1st Home to Market ( Kent Cup)
Sun Res Away to Highfield Div ( 4 Cup )
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Weekend 23rd and 24th of January 2010
Sat 1st Away to Larkfield ( League ) Drew 3-3
Steve Harris 3
We went to Larkfield for our first Saturday game since December 5th. We were looking to use the enforced six week lay-off as a chance to take stock and start our season afresh after a poor run in the league. We also welcomed back Buster Beaney into the fold for his first Saturday game for us for a few years.
Larkfield probably edged the opening fifteen minutes but it was us that broke the deadlock when some neat interplay from Steve Harris and Danny Barham on the left finished with Harris hitting an unstoppable shot into the net. Larkfield hit back strongly, but with some resolute defending and an in-form Jimbo we kept them at bay untill five minutes before half time when a great cross on the run by their right winger was headed home.
All square at the break, but it wasn't too long into the second half before Larkfield took the lead through their impressive number ten, and when the same player scored a third soon after it was looking like our poor run was going to continue. Larkfield were definately on top and only some outstanding work from Jimbo was keeping us in it.
With a knackered Matt Coglan replaced by Andy Davis and an injured Danny B replaced by Jack Albin we had used our only subs, and with an injured Collo having to stay on as nuisance value it wasn't looking good. However our fighting spirit was never in question and when Harris burst through to cooly finish with five minutes left we were back in the game. Larkfield were now a bit twitchy and defending deeper, we went for broke and were rewarded on the ninety when Harris lashed in a Davis through ball for his hat-trick. We even could have nicked it in injury time when Gaz's shot was hit straight at their keeper, but in truth that would have been too unjust on Larkfield.
So we have stopped the rot with this good away point, and with some long term injuries on the mend and the signing of the impressive Beaney, things are looking brighter, but we still have a long way to go.
TRAINING TUESDAY 6.45 AND THURSDAY 7.45
SQUAD,
J.Hayden, P.Martin, P.Davis, B.Beaney, M.Hodges, M.Coglan, D.Barham, G.Martin, M.Collins, S.Harris, S.Rice, A.Davis, J.Albin.
Sat Res Home to Borden (League) Lost 2-3
Goals from Grant Langfield and Mark Kerry
Sun 1st Home to Maidstone Tornadoes ( Premier Cup )
Sun Res Away to Bliby ( Sheba Trophy)
Kennington Vets Home to Cudham Old Boys ( Beckenham Hospital Charity Cup ) Lost 1-5
Our goal coming from Jamie Raffle
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Weekend 16th and 17th of January 2010
Saturday 1st Team Home University of Kent ( League) Cancelled
Saturday Res Team Away to Canterbury City (League) Won 2-3
Goals from Steve Harris with 2 and 1 from Steve Rice
After roughly a 6 week absence from football due to bad weather and Xmas the Reserves where back in action against Canterbury City at the weekend. For the 1st 10 mins of the game you could easily tell that both teams had not played football for a while as both sets of players huffed and puffed and played some scrappy football. It did not take long for the game to settle though as both teams started to get to grips with the conditions. Kennington started to play some good football and started to cause the Citys back 4 some problems with some very good service to our 2 forwards. This resulted in two good chances for Mark Kerry who was unfortunate not to put away one of them. Then from Citys 1st meaningfull attack we conceded a penalty due a handball. A fantastic save from Bill Rice though meant the scorline did not change. Kennington upped the pace and started to play some of there best football of the season. A goal looked on the cards and it duely arrived on the 25mins when Liam Blackwell sent a great ball over the top to which Steve Harris calmly lobbed the keeper from 20yards. City equalised almost immediately from a free kick to bring the game level. The Res continued to take the game to City and roughly 10mins later scored a 2nd again from Steve Harris, but credit must go too the rest of the team aswell as the move started from the keeper and nearly all the guys had a touch before Steve Rice sent a sublime past through for Harris to finish. The 2nd half continued very much like the 1st with both teams playin some good football but our 2 centre halves Pete Gladwin and Micheal Hodges where execpitional and with Chris Howes sittin just in front of them dictating the play the team look solid. The game opened up in the last half hour as both teams tired and this was shown when a lazy tackle related in a penalty for us which was cooly slotted away by Steve Rice. We where then reduced to 10men as Liam Blackwell was sent off for a late tackle which we felt was a bit harsh and a shame cause filling in at left back Liam was easily having his best game this season. Russell Woods and Mark Hughes where then replaced and both where nearly crawling off the pitch due to the unselfish work they both put in on the wings but Chris Howes then took a bad knock which meant we where now down to 9 men. City then managed to claw a goal back in the 90mins but the boys managed to hold out till the final whistle. On reflection it was a fair result as we dominated the majority of the game and created plenty of chances aswell as lookin solid in all areas of the team. Special thanks to all the guys who where available at the weekend for the manor the game was played in and the commitment and workrate was 2nd to none. Well done guys and lets hope we can keep up the good work this Saturday.
Team: B Rice, K Rice, P Gladwin, M Hodges, L Blackwell, M Hughes, S Rice, C Howes, R Woods, M Kerry (capt), S Harris
Subs: J Conlon, T Whitehead and G Blackwell
Sunday 1st Team Away to Bromley Green (League) Drew 1-1
Our goal coming from Kennington Legend Jes Field
With the Kent Cup game postponed once again, our much awaited 1st Team Sunday game since the middle of November saw us travel instead to local rivals Bromley Green. It proved to be a bit of a damp squid with a shortage of quality passing, control and finishing on both sides, even the usual passion was missing. The possession we enjoyed was squandered in the final third with the Green nearly capitalising on our inability to look after the ball with several good chances and fortunately for us poor finishing. We were lucky to come in 0-0 at half time although you would have thought we were losing 2-0 with the negative body language. We all knew what was wrong and resolved to put it right in the second half but it proved easier to say than carry out with our mind set seemingly already locked into poor habits. It was the Green who took the lead well into the second half with a free kick missing out the congestion in the box and finding its way into the net via former Kennington player Rob Greenfields left foot. This spurred us into action and soon started to use the ball better with players prepared to make more intelligent runs in an effort to get us further up the pitch. However we were still not getting ahead of our forwards or making good use of our wide men and a change was made to introduce our only sub, Jez Field to play behind the front two and go narrow with a middle three.It wasn’t long before sick note came up with the goods to meet a quality cross to place his header over the Greens keeper into the net. 1-1 and game on with Kennington now in the ascendency. With just a few minutes to go Jez worked his way into the box only to be upended before releasing his shot but with the referee, not up with play, deciding it was just outside. The resulting free kick missed the target and the game ended all square at 1-1. To have taken all three points would have been hard on the Green as they had a good claim for a goal turned down with a ball not deemed to have crossed the line.
With such a long layoff you can understand some of the poor play but basics such as control, passing and movement should be always be there. We laboured to achieve even the most simplest of short passes and one touch football to which we have become accustomed. The vision must be shortened to see passes to the nearest player in space, find the return pass to keep the ball and work our way into the final part of the field. We must allow our play to develop from the defence through midfield with intelligent running from the front. This must also work in reverse with defending from the front , back into midfield to help out in front of our back four. As I said earlier it is easier said than done but we have the players and the ability it is really a question of confidence and faith in ourselves and team mates that they can do the job. We must use this game as a platform to build from, starting with a early meet at 6.45pm on Tuesday for a warm up run prior to training so we are ready to make full use of our time on the Astro.
Sunday Res Team Away to Highfield Res ( League)
Kennington Vets Home to Cudham Old Boys ( Beckenham Hospital Charity Cup ) Cancelled
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WEEKEND 9TH & 10TH OF JANUARY 2010
ALL GAMES CANCELLED
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Weekend 2nd and 3rd of January 2010
Sat 1st Home to AFC Sheppey ( League ) Ko 2pm - Cancelled.
Sat Res Team Away to Platt Uts ( League) Ko 2pm - Cancelled
Sun 1st Home to Maidstone Tornadoes ( Kent Cup) Ko 10.30am - Cancelled
Sun Res Home to Mershame Res ( League ) Ko 10.30am
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Weekend 19th & 20th December 2009
Sat 1st Away to Greenways ( Inter Regional Cup ) Cancelled
Sat Res Home to Bromley Green ( Cup ) Cancelled
Sun 1st Home to Maidstone Tornados ( Kent Cup ) Cancelled
Sun Res Away to Highfield Res Div Four Cup Cancelled
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Weekend 12th & 13th December 2009
Sat 1st Home to Sheerness East ( League ) Cancelled
Sat Res v Away to Oakwood (League ) Drew 2-2
This week saw Kennington travel to Oakwood in Maidstone for a league fixture, the game started very well for Kennigton and we immediately got off to a good start and played some neat football. The side was very strong this week and it showed with constant pressure on the home side for the majority of the 1st half. The home side found it very difficult to create chances and on the couple of occasions they managed to break through they could not find a way past James Hayden. Russel Woods had a lot of joy 1st half running at the defence and Dan Barham was unlocking there defence at will but the problem was in the final third where we were just not as sharp and could not make all the possesion count. In the 40th mins though Olly Finch sent a good ball forward that caught there defence napping which Josh Conlon connected with on the volley to put us 1 - 0 up at half time. Not much had to be said at half time but just to be careful of the counter attacking as
we where having so much of the ball. To be fair to Oakwood the upped there work rate in the 2nd half and started to make a game of it. There endeveour paid off when they broke through on the hour to equalise. This galvanised Kennington though and did not stop us from changing the way we played and we pressed on looking for the 2nd. Josh and Steve Rice where starting to find more spaces and where creating some good chances but credit to the Oakwood keeper who was having a good game and making sure the score was staying at 1 all. Then in the 80th mins Oakwoods striker shook off the defence broke forward on goal, Olly Finch smelt danger and got across well and put in a tackle and won the ball fair and square. Unfortunately for us and probaly the angle the Ref was at they where awarded a penalty which they duely put away. What was pleasing though this did not cause the team to drop there heads and we went looking for the equalizer. Which came in 85th mins
again from the spot and which was calmly put home by Steve Rice. With injury time on top of the time that was left we felt confident enough to push for the winner. Its just wasnt to be though as Josh hit the bar from a corner and with seconds to go then had one cleared off the line. So the game ended all square but the pleasing aspect was there very good football being played all afternoon and on any other day it could have been 5/6 and i dont think the home side would have had any complaints. Unlucky guys and well played every one. Special thanks to the 3 subs especially Tony and also for Kev and the rest of guys coming along to support us on the day.
Team: J Hayden, K Rice, O Finch, A Goble(capt), J Bond, A Davies, C Howes, D Barham,
R Woods, J Conlon, S Rice
Subs: M Hughes, T Whitehead, A Goode
Sun 1st Home to Maidstone Tornados ( Kent Cup ) Cancelled
Sun Res Home to Barming ( Junior Cup ) Lost 2-3
Kennington goal scorers Adam Davis 1 Matt Johnson 1
Kennington Veterans Home to Grovelers ( Friendly) Won 4-0
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Weekend 5th & 6th December 2009
Sat 1st Home to Oakwood
( League) Lost 0-4
Sat Res Away to Bromley Green ( League ) Cancelled
Sun 1st Home to Maidstone Tornados ( Kent Cup ) Cancelled
Sun Res Away to Bliby ( Sheba Trophy)
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Weekend 28th & 29th November 2009
Sat 1st Home to Oakwood ( League ) Cancelled
Sat Res Away to University of Kent (League ) Lost 1-0
Kennigton Reserves once again travelled to the Uni this week for a game in the league. The team had 4/5 players unavailable from the previous week through injuries and other commitments, which meant more changes. This was clear to see for the 1st quarter of the game as most players where finding there feet having to play in different positions to which they where not used to. This changed soon after though and we settled down well to play some good football. On the half hour Craig Mannering sent a huge kick forward which decieved everyone apart from Steve Harris who found himself one on one with there keeper, he then lobbed him from 20 yards but somehow in wet conditions the ball managed to bounce up and hit the crossbar. Which was a shame cause the majority of players and coaching staff on the sidelines had already started to celabrate. There was plenty of quality on the pitch and this showed as there where some good football being played by both sides. The difference this week was the back 4 where on there game and manage to keep the home sides chances to a minimum. When they did create chances our keeper and Keith Rice with 2 important last ditch tackles made sure that this did not change. This ws the case again in the 2nd half as both teams went looking for the win but both finding it difficult to finish off in the final third. Then in the final 5mins a mix up in defence let in the University who managed to finish well and wrap up the game 1 - 0. This was a right kick in the teeth for the lads as every one of them worked hard for each other and played some good football in a evenly fought contest. Well done lads!!!
Team: C Mannering, K Rice, M Hodges, A Goble (capt), M Kerry, J Bond, C Howes,
Subs: K Strand, R Woods, S Rice
Sun 1st Home to Maidstone Tornados Cancelled
Sun Res Away to Prince Albert Cancelled
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Weekend 21st & 22nd November 2009
Sat 1st Home to Bromley Green ( League ) Lost 0-2
We entertained Bromley Green hoping to repeat last weeks performance at Snodland. One change from last week was Ollie Finch in for Mike Hodges.
We had the first chance of the game when Dan Barham headed just over the bar, but our tendancy to give away needless free kicks in dangerous areas again cost us dear. A well delivered free kick from Mark Howells was watched by a static defence and met with a glancing header by Glenn Mackett, who had so much space in the six yard box it was embarrasing. That goal inside the first ten minutes gave The Green the start they wanted and they went on to control the game. They were first to everything and put us under pressure when we had possession. Our passing was poor even when we were not under pressure and we struggled to get any kind of cohesion to our play. We conceded the second on 25 mins when Mackett got his second with a well controlled volley following our failure to clear a corner.
Two down at the break and now having to chase the game, we went 4-4-2 and said that we needed to get more men in the box when we attacked, but the second half followed much the pattern of the first with Bromley Green in control, and only the crossbar prevented Joe Mifsud from making it three. Although we didn't concede another goal, we didn't look like scoring one either and their keeper had an easy afternoon. We were second best in every department of the game and Bromley Green thoroughly deserved the win.
SQUAD
J.Hayden, P. Waldner, C. Watts, P. Davies, M. Kerry, A. Davies, O. Finch, D. Barham, G. Martin, S. Rice, S. Harris, P. Martin, J. Albin, P. Carter.
Sat Res Away to University of Kent Res (Cup ) Lost 5-2
Kennington goals coming from Chris Howes and Josh Conlon
After a weeks break from the bad weather the Res returned to action away to University, the game started off well for Kennigton with the side getting the ball down and playing some good football in the 1st 20 minutes. This resulted in Russell Woods putting a good ball through to debutant Chris Howes who cooly slotted the ball home past the keeper. This however seemed to kick the home team into life and they upped the tempo of the match. The pace of the front 4 guys for the University then started to cause havoc the team as a whole and it was in this spell that they managed to score 4goals without reply. The frustrating thing being though was that all of the goals came from individual errors on are behalf but each mistake was clinically finished by the home side. Coming in at half time and being a cup tie we still felt if we got the nxt goal then maybe we still had a good chance of winning. This showed with some good football being played by us and putting a lot of pressure on there back four and keeper. It was then on the hour that Keith Rice put in great cross for Josh Conlon to head home, it could have been better for us a couple of minutes later when our corner led to a goal mouth scramble and a penalty appeal which was turned down. With us having to press the game and the University superior fitness they then started to break forward at will for the last quarter of the game and quite rightly scored a fifth and the final goal of the game. There where a few good things to take from the game most notably the debut of Chris Howes, and the fact that we played some good football and created some chances against arguably the strongest team in the league. For whom we will be facing again this week in the league.
Team: D Bailey, K Rice, A Goble(capt), G Langfield, G Blackwell, L Blackwell, J Bond
C Howes, P Law, J Conlon, R Woods.
Subs: T Whitehead, R Strand, C Mannering
Sun 1st Home to Maidstone Tornados Cancelled
Sun ResHome to Bliby Res ( Cup ) Won 1-6
Kennington goals from Sam Conlon 3 Adam Davies 1 Josh Conlon 1 Tom Symonds 1
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Weekend 14th & 15th November 2009
Sat 1st Away to Snodland ( Cup ) Won 2-3
Well done to the 1st team lads who are now through to the next round thanks to a great team performance, goals coming from Steve Rice and a brace from Steve Harris in very poor weather conditions.
After last weeks disappointment it was the cup that occupied our thoughts and glad it wasn’t a league game in the high winds and heavy rains.
Once again our squad was disrupted by a couple of last minute drop outs. However with the reserves game off we were able to boost our squad to full strength.
We kicked off with the wind and soon penned our host back in their half and made it difficult for them to get out. Pressure from the front two and midfield stopped them from finding an easy way out other than going long which was dealt with by a mean defence. Any ball into their half which was allowed to bounce caused them problems and enable us to gain control through the resulting confusion. The confusion was pounced on by Ricey with a good turn and snap shot firing home a low shot wide of the keeper. Even more confusion led to two further goals by Harris slotting the ball home past a stay at home keeper. 3-0 up at half time shouldn’t be a problem but we knew we would be put to the test defensively in the second half as they in turn kept us hemmed in our half. A foul by Luggys gave them the opportunity to put a good ball into the danger area and for once we didn’t deal with it as it was met very strongly by their centre back to head past James in goal. This gave them the impetus they needed but we were very determined not to be beaten and defended from all parts of the pitch. Although the second half game plan was not to drop back and just defend the lead it proved difficult in poor conditions to get any kind of game going at all. Another track back by skipper Harris to help our beleaguered defence resulted in the Referee, who had a very good game in the poor conditions, awarding what we felt was a soft penalty which in spite of James getting a hand to it made it 2-3. However three excellent second half saves by James frustrated the Snodland forwards and as they pushed forward looking for the equaliser they started to lose their shape which allowed us to make our own chances with some good counter attacking moves and should have done better to kill the game off and improve on the final score of 2-3 to put us into the next round. A very good team performance all round with everybody working as they should to ensure the final score. My thanks to Keith and Butch for their help and support and to Hughsie who unselfishly was willing to travel and help out but was unlucky enough not to get on the pitch.
SQUAD. James Hayden, Paul Waldner, Paul Davies, Chris Watts, Mark Kerry, Gary Martin, Andy Davies, Dan Barham, Mike Hodges, Steve Rice, Steve Harris, Josh Conlan, Mark Hughes.
Report from Kevin Hayden
Sat Res Home to Oakwood ( League) Cancelled
Sun 1st Home to Maidstone Tornados (Kent Prem Cup ) Cancelled
Sun Res Home to Bliby Res (Junior Trophy) Cancelled
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Weekend 7th & 8th November 2009
Sat 1st Away to APM ( League ) Lost 1-0
With the all too familiar problem of injuries dessimating the first team squad we went to APM in what was a must win game.
We set our stall out to keep things tight in the first half, playing with a five man midfield, even so we probably had the best of the half and felt that we could be more attacking later in the game. The second half started even better for us when a cross from the right found Steve Harris free in the six yard box, but he couldn't shift the ball out from his feet before the keeper smothered it, the rebound then fell to Ricey who shot wide. The home side then got more into the match and broke the deadlock on 75 mins when a weak volley crept just inside the post. We now had to chase the game and brought on our two subs and went 4-4-2, but we were vulnerable on the break and APM nearly killed us off on a couple of occasions, although the very last action of the game saw Gaz with a free header in the six yard box that nine times out of ten he would score from, but this time he headed over the bar.
As regards our ambitions in the league, this was a must win game against an average side that we lost. Realistically now we must look to bounce back in the cup next week and hope to take some sort of form going into the next league games, which are both local derbys. We know that when we have our full squad available we can still be a force in the league, we just have to pick up enough points to stop us from getting cut too far adrift of the leaders.
SQUAD
J.Hayden, P.Martin, P.Waldner, P.Davies, M.Kerry, A Davies, D Barham, G.Martin, J.Albin, S.Harris, S. Rice, M. Hughes, C. Watts.
Sat Res Home to Bearsted ( League ) Lost 1-2
Kennington goal coming from Pat Law
Sun 1st Away to Mersham ( League) Drew 1-1
Down to the bare bones again for the trip to Mersham. In a first half where we probably played the better football, it was the home side that had the better chances. Jimbo was by far the busier keeper, but we took the lead when Hughsie was upended in the box and Steve Ward converted the pen. Mersham deservedly equalised towards the end of the half with a sweetly struck volley from Ryan Strand.
The second period was virtually dominated by Mersham, poor finishing and an inspired Jimbo meant that the game finished all square.
Not a bad result for us all things considered, Mersham have some very good individuals and are well organised by our old friend Trevor. If they can improve their finishing they will be a real threat this season, so an away point there is not a bad result.
SQUAD
J.Hayden, A. Ward, J.Field, P.Davies, C. Watts, G.Olley, P.Barron, G. Martin, M. Hughes, S. Ward, C. Clements, D. Barham.
Sun Res Home to Charing Res ( League Won 7-0
3 Goals from Sam Conlon and 1 each from Ben Jorden, Matt Hunt, Adam Davies and Matt Johnson gave our Sunday Reserve team a very comfortable victory over Charing Reserves.
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04/11/09
Please note the Veterans game scheduled for this coming Sunday has been cancelled
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Weekend 31st October & 1st of November 2009
Sat 1st Away to AFC Sheppey (League) Lost 0-3
Manager very un happy at poor performance away at Sheppey
Although we weren't at full strength for the trip to Sheppey, we still had a good enough squad to have done better than we did. A first half in which we had slightly the better of things remained goaless, partly due to our inability to deliver the final ball to create a chance. Passes in the final third were either inacurate, poorly weighted or badly timed and the tempo of our attacks ground to a halt. The frustration of our first half display lead to a heated exchange of views in the changing room at half time, but instead of having a positive effect on us it did the opposite. After five minutes of the second half a sloppy piece of play gifted Sheppey a corner, and although we had opportunities to clear the danger we conceded a soft goal. The remainder of our second half performance can best be described as lack lustre, and we didn't create a single scoring opportunity. We conceded a second on the hour mark and then another right at the death to leave us with the result our performance deserved.
In my view too many players had an "off day", and these kind of days are getting more common. We have not won a league game since 12th September, and we haven't won at all since that cup win at Staplehurst on 26th September and this is something that needs to change sooner rather than later if we are to have any chance of fulfilling our objective. All of us have got to work hard to turn things around, starting at APM on Saturday.
SQUAD
J.Hayden,P.Martin, M.Hodges, P.Davies, M.Kerry, M.Coglan, D.Barham, G.Martin, M.Collins, S.Rice, S.Harris, P.Waldner, J.Albin, M.Hughes.
Sat Res Home to Otford Utd (League) Drew 0-0
After a weeks rest the Reserves where back in action with a tough game to one of the top sides in the league Otford. Although the squad was a bit low on numbers the quality of players available meant we were able to put out a strong XL. Unfortunately the centre back curse going through the whole club struck again and this time it was Grant Langfield who was asked to fill in at the back with Alex Goble. With Lugsy promoted to the 1st Kevan Strand switch to left full back and Keith Rice dropped back to the right. 4 of the front 6 where asked to play out of position Andy going to Left side, Tusk switching to the right flank, young James Bond switching to center mid and Liam Blackwell moving up front. We where pleased though to welcome Darren Bailey back between the sticks. With a slight breeze and going up the slope Otford quickly got into the game and put some pressure on the team from the off. They are a big powerful side and made it count but the guys done well 2 withstand the pressure with away side having at least 10 corners in the opening spell. After the initial onslaught we finally found our feet and got into the game and what was pleasing is that football started from the keeper playing the ball out to the full backs. There where only a few half chances in the 1st half with James Bond coming closest with a 30 yard screamer. Pleased with the 1st half performance the team quickly got into there stride 2nd half and got the ball down well and played some neat football. Gradually we started moving the game further up the pitch and started to make spaces in the final third, then after a good team move Andy Davies looked to have put us in front but was denied with a great save from there keeper. As the game went on Kennington started to look the stronger side and kept the pressure on. We took the game to them but not in our typical gung ho fashion because we knew a clean sheet was a priority, with Bondy and Jam sitting in front of the back 4 and working tirelessly this help the side a great deal. Fortunately for us as well when the visitors did break the back 4's resistance Darren Bailey was on hand to pull off a great save. The game finished 0 - 0 which is rare in this day and age but overall a fair result as both managers pointed out at the end. What was pleasing was the work effort and attitude from all our eleven guys on the pitch who did not stop for 90mins. Each of the guys deserved a pat on the back but on top of that Grant Langfield was exceptional filling in for us at center back. Well done Guys and lets just hope we can keep this growing over next month or so with a busy schedule coming up in the League and Cups.
Team: D Bailey, K Rice, K Strand, A Goble(capt), G Langfield, J Bond, J Hamilton,
J Conlon, L Blackwell, A Davies, R Woods. Subs: G Blackwell
Report from Keith Rice
Sun 1st Away to Bethersden ( League ) Lost 9-2
Sun Res Home to Mersham Res (Sheber Trophy) Won 5-1
2 Goals from Sam Conlon
1 from Dan Morrison and 1 each from Nathan and Tom Symonds was enough to put our boys Neil and Grahams lads through to the next round of the Sheeba Trophy.
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Weekend 24th & 25th October 2009
Sat 1st Away to University of Kent ( League) Drew 3-3
2 Goals from Steve Haris and 1 Danny Barham was not enough to give our boy's victory at The University of Kent.
On the back of three consecutive defeats we went to U.O.K. looking to turn things around. Matters were not helped by five first team members missing for one reason or another, so we drafted in youngsters George Olly and Mark Hughes plus Mark Kerry getting a well deserved call up from the ressies.
We started brightly but the University drew first blood through their tricky number seven, shooting low past Jimbo's outstretched left hand. We fought back well though and equalised on the half hour when Danny Barham burst forward from midfield, played a neat one two with Ricey and finished well.
One all at the break, but the U.O.K. went ahead again when a free kick hit Davo's head and looped over Jimbo into the net. We drew level again with the goal of the game when Steve Harris finished brilliantly from a cross from young Georgie. Things got better still when we went ahead through Harris again, this time finishing a Hughsie cross, however with ten minutes left the students got a dubious free kick and squared the match 3-3, which in fairness was a fair result.
All things considered this was a good result for us. An away point against a tricky University side, coming on the back of a bad run with a stretched squad. It keeps us in touch, and with players hopefully coming back it promises to be an interesting trip to Sheppey next week.
SQUAD
Hayden, P.Martin, Finch,Davies, Kerry,Olly, Barham, G.Martin, Collins, S.Rice, Harris,Hughes, Coglan, K.Rice.
Sat Res Home to Bromley Green ( Ashford Charity Cup) Cancelled
Sun 1st Away to Churchills ( Bodkin Cup ) 4-4 After extra time and then Lost on Penaltys 3-0
Sun Res Home to Givaudan ( League ) Won 4-1
Gaol scorers Adam Davies 1 Tom Symons 1 Dan Morrison 2
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Weekend 17th & 18th October 2009
Sat 1st Home to Sheerness East ( Cup ) Lost 2-3 After extra time
Sat Res Away to Borden Village ( League ) Lost 6-2
Kennington goalscorers Josh Conlan and Russell Woods
Sun 1st Away to Market Hotel ( League ) Drew 1-1
A very under strength Kennington side were very unlucky not to come away with all three points this morning, Young George Oliver gave Kennington a great start with a goal in the first 5 minutes which they managed to hang onto until the 80th minute when the referee decided to award Market a penalty for which only he knew the reason why, the game ended 1-1 much to the bitter disapointment of every Kennington player.
Sun Res Away to Locomtive ( Langton Green ( Kent Junior Cup ) Won 1-4
Josh Conlan 2 Dan Morrison 2
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Weekend 10th & 11th October 2009
Sat 1st Away to Staplehurst : (League ) Lost 3-2
Sat Res Home Home to Platt Utd : ( League ) Lost 1-2
On sat the reserves had there 1st game of the season at home to Platt Utd. After a week of rain and a very poor performance against APM Mears the week before the team where very much lookin forward to making amends and gettin the season up and running. This certainly showed in the 1st half of the game as from the kick off Kennington got the ball down and played some good football and applying plenty of pressure. George Olly and Liam Blackwell especially saw a lot of the ball and took the game to the Platt back four. While maintaining the pressure Liam then had 2 good scoring oppurtunities to put us in front but unfortuanately put both of them wide. Still relentless goin forward the nxt chance fell to James Hamilton and he cooly slotted past the visiting keeper. come the 2nd half Platt made a tactical change and played 3 big men in the centre of midfield and went man to man on both wingers. this seemed to work 4 them and after bout 10mins of constant pressure they scored 2 goals in quick sucession. for the 1st time this season though the reserves where not down hearted and continued to make chance after chance but sadly to no avail. making 3 quick subsitutions Andy Davies, Russell Woods and Mark Hughes came on and we went with a 3 - 2 - 5 formation. It certainly was not for the want of trying as Mark Kerry then joined the front line from the back for the last 10mins. alas another goal did not come our way but we where certainly happy with the performance as we created plenty of scoring oppurtunities and played some good football in patches. Also it was good 2 see Darren Bailey back in goal and the very youthfull pairing of James Bond and Paul Carter where outstanding at the back for the reserves. We look forward to Borden this week and hope we can come away with a much needed win for the club.
Team: D Bailey,P Goode,J Bond,P Carter, M Kerry (capt), L Blackwell, G Olly, K Rice, C Lang, J Hamilton, J Conlon. SUBS : A Davies R Woods K Strand M Hughes
Sun 1st Home to Bromley Green ( League ) Won 4-0
Sun Res Away to Marsh Athletic ( Div Four Cup ) Won 2-3
Goals from Nathaniel Hayes 2 James Leighton 1
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Weekend 3rd & 4th October 2009
Sat 1st Home to Crocken Hill : ( Cup ) 1-1 AET Lost 4-1 on penalties
We came into this game with great expectations after last weeks demo job, looking for another cup win this time in the Kent Intermediate Challenge Shield against Crockenhill from the Western Division. Both sides tried to play football on a windblown, bone hard pitch but struggled to adjust to the conditions. It was a day for attacking the ball, putting it into dangerous areas and not letting the conditions dictate where the ball ran.
Easier said than done but I felt we had the players to control the play. The breakthrough came when Dan Barham showed the way by keeping the ball alive in the area and finished off by an outstanding volley from Ricey from a very tight angle to give us the lead. Our delight turned to despair as we failed to close down the cross and track the run behind the defence to allow Crockenhill to equalise 2 minutes later.
With the slope and wind for us in the second half we believed we could take the game to them. With Dan off the pitch with a ham string strain we failed to find the right option and consistently keep enough pressure on the defence to make any clear cut chances. In truth it was James who was the busier of the keepers with a couple of outstanding saves that sent us into extra time and into a penalty shoot out which we lost 2-4.
Although not beaten over the 120 minutes we were left frustrated and disappointed at not being able to maintain our run which boiled over with an unacceptable outburst against one of my own players for which I apologise. Graham and I know we can play better and have complete faith in the teams ability to produce the results needed to challenge for trophies. Roll on next Saturday.
Report By Kevin Hayden
Sat Res Away to APM : ( League ) Lost 0-3
Sun 1st No Game
Sun Res Home to Man of Kent : ( League ) Won 6-1 Goal Scorrers Sam Conlon 2 Josh Conlon 2 Tom Simmonds 2
Some match day chaos at The Ridge left Neil and Graham concerned at the lack of pre-match warm up and preparation. However the concern soon vanished with some excellent football resulting in well taken goal from Sam Conlan to give us the lead soon to be followed by the another from the hard working Tom Simmonds. An even more stylish finish from Sam and again another from Tom put the game beyond doubt. Two from target man Josh Conlan completed a good mornings work with Man Of Kent earning a consolation goal with a penalty to make the final score 6-1. With several 1st team players and managers past and present watching it brought back some good memories of the early years of the Sunday section. Even more memories were revived when substitute Joe Cridland went in goal for the M.O.K which sparked a bout of good natured barracking lead by watching brother Sam and many former team mates. Well done to all and thanks for entertainment to lighten up my weekend.
A satisfied spectator K.H
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Weekend 26th & 27th September 2009
Sat 1st away to Staplehurst : Won 1-5 ( Cup )
An Ollie Finch Hat trick and a Steve Rice double was enough to see our lads through to the next round of the Inter Regional Cup
We went to Staplehurst in the Inter Regional Cup hoping to bounce back from last weeks disapointment at Premier.It was not going to be easy given Staplehurst's 100% record so far, but we had Ollie, Collo and Danny B back to strengthen the side. We didn't get off to a great start when we conceded on 12 minutes, but we hit back with a great free kick from Ollie, a thunderbolt going in off the crossbar to level the scores. The rest of the half was pretty even with both sides having chances, the nearest we came was Harris's one on one with the keeper which the keeper won.
The second half started brilliantly for us, less than two minutes in Paul Martins excellent cross found Ricey who's great first touch set up a great strike into the net. It got even better shortly afterwards when Collo's deep cross from the left found Ollie on the far post who headed in his second. Staplehurst were reeling as we dominated the match, and on the hour we made it four when Ricey converted a penalty for handball. The best was still to come though, when another cross from the left was met outside the box by Ollie who's technically superb volley gave the keeper no chance, a great way to bring up his hat trick and to cap a great team performance.
Coming from behind to win 5-1 was just what we needed to get the confidence back, and it gives us a nice little psycological advantage before we face Staplehurst in the league in a fortnights time.
SQUAD
Hayden, P.Martin, Davies, Lang, Cridland, Finch, G.Martin, Barham, Collins, Rice, Harris, Bond, Waldner, J.Conlon.
Report from Graham Oxley
Sat Res Home to Bearsted : Cancelled ( League )
Sun 1st Home to Bethersden : Lost 1-6 ( League )
Sun Res Away to Ashford Spartans : Won 0-2 ( League
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Weekend 19th & 20th September 2009
Sat 1st v Premier : Lost 2-0 ( League )
We had a few players missing for the trip to Premier, but even so the eleven that took the field had enough quality to have performed better than we did.
Premier had the better of the first half and it was clear early on that their well drilled defence was going to be hard to breach, a couple of through balls to Ricey and Steve Harris, both of which saw the linesman's flag raised, was as close as we got. The deadlock was broken on 35 mins with a deflected free kick to leave us one down at the break. We changed shape in the second half in an attempt to create some width, but the Premier midfield dominated proceedings and we couldn't get quality balls through to our front players. The ball kept coming back to us and only stout defending from our back four and Jimbo kept us in the game, and with balls just being hoofed forward to relieve pressure we never realy had decent possesion. However at only one down we were still in it, and had Langy's header from a free kick with 10 mins left been allowed to stand, instead of being ruled out for a push, then we might have salvaged something, but the second goal that killed the match off came with 5 mins left to leave us empty handed which in truth was what we deserved.
SQUAD
Hayden,P.Martin, Lang,Davies,Cridland,Waldner,G.Martin,Albin,Rice,Harris,Ward,Hodges,Conlon.
Report from Graham Oxley
Sat Res v Larkfield :Won 1-3 ( League )
Kennington goal scorers : Grant Langfield 1 James Hamilton 1 Russel Woods 1
On Saturday Kennington Reserve travelled to Larkfield. The first 15minutes Kennington struggled to get to grips with the game and were undone a couple of times in defence. Two fine saves from Martin Smith seemed to kick Kennington into gear. The Reserves started then to dominate and created some good chances. On the half hour mark Kerry's 30yrd free kick could not be held by the keeper and Grant Langfield was on hand to smash home.Continued dominance from the reserves was then finished off with a classy 20yrd lob from James Hamilton on the stroke of half time. The second half started off pretty much like the 1st and after a mix up in defence Larkfield scored a great volly from 15yrds that nessled in the top corner. Once again this kicked Kennington into gear and with Craig Lang and Russel Woods working non stop for the reserves we were totally dominating the game again, but on the hour Liam Blackwell picked up a nasty injury to the ankle and had to be replaced by Tom Simmons. Mark Hughes swiched to the left and created a few chances with their keeper having to make 2 or 3 good saves. Coming into the last 15minutes Kieth Rice was replaced bu 17yr old debuant Kieron Blackwell.
Tom moved into the centre and showed some good touched to settle the nerves for us. Then in the 85th minute Kieron Blackwell beat two players outside and sent in a lovely cross, which was met by man of the match Russel Woods who scored with a delightful header. The game finished 3-1. A very pleasing performance left the team in good spirits and the management happy, who hope the team carry on where they left off when we're at home to Bearstead next Saturday.
Team: M Smith, P Goode Capt, G Langfield, M Kerry, M Hughes, C Lang, K Rice, L Blackwell, J Hamilton, R Woods. Subs: T Simmonds, K Blackwell
Report Keith Rice
Sun 1st v Troggs : Won 1-2 ( League )
We went to Troggs hoping to bounce back from last weeks disaster, and from the word go we looked as if we meant business. Good performances all over the pitch saw us dominate the first half, but we were still suffering from the same desease as last week, namely an inability to finish chances. Some of the finishing was, to put it mildly, atrocious. We felt that more chances would come in the second half, but we didn't bargain on Troggs going up our end and converting what was their only chance up till then to go one up. As so often happens the game totaly changed after the goal, now Troggs were a different side and were now threatening every time they went forward. We still created chances ourselves but still managed to squander them and frustration was begining to grow amongst us. The introduction of our two subs and a change to 3-4-3 with 15 mins left gave us new impetus, and with 10 mins left we got a penalty from a handball. Steve Ward put the spot kick away to level the scores and now the force was with us. With only 4 mins left we were awarded a free kick just outside the box and young Matty Collins capped a man of the match performance by scoring the late winner.
SQUAD
Hayden,Hodges,Lang,Davies,Cridland,Finch,Martin,Barron,Field,S.Ward,Collins,Watts,A. Ward.
Report from Graham Oxley
Sun Res v Charing Res : Game Cancelled( League )
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Weekend Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th September 2009
Sat 1st Team v Otford : Won 1-3 ( League )
A Steve Harris double and a single from Danny Barham was enough to take all 3points away at Otford.
Our second away game this time a difficult fixture at Otford. Missing some players from last weeks successful team we were boosted however by the return of Danny Barham, Ollie Finch and Steve Ward from suspension. We started determined to win every ball and tackle with our front two of Rice and Harris leading the way, full of power and pace. Twenty minutes in Harris was brought down 20 yards out. Being a bit close for an up and over effort from Collo it was left to Dan Barham to bend it round the wall away from the keeper to open our account. Some 10 minutes later more pressure led to another corner, again the dead ball taken by Barham whose inswinger was met by Harris getting there before the keeper to forcefully head home and make it 2-0. Harris was now in a Bullish mood and together with Rice never let the opposition defence settle on the ball. A third goal shortly before half time came following an Otford attack which ending in keeper Hayden safe hands. His long kick to target man Rice forced the centre back into a half clearance which was picked up by Ollie Finch whose cross was pulled back into the path of Harris who made no mistake. We knew the second half was going to test our resolve as they had nothing to lose and would throw everything at us. They did this to great effect driven by their captain pressing forward from midfield to make a third striker and in abetted by the left back whose runs down the flank continually kept us penned into our half. After a difficult period for us they got the goal they deserved to keep us on the edgy side of confident with our composure on the ball tested to the limit. We eventually managed to deal with their formation and ensure we had the right spare man to deal with the additional pressure. A second good result away from home earned by a hard working and not unskillful set of players backed up by a excellent bench allowing the management to make the changes as and when necessary.
Squad: James Hayden, Sam Cridland, Dan Lang, Paul Davies, Michael Hodges, Marc Collins, Dan Barham, Jack Albin, Ollie Finch, Steve Rice, Steve Harris, Paul Martin, Steve Ward, Gary Martin.
Report from Kevin Hayden
Sat Res v Staplehurst :Lost 3-2 ( League )
Goals from Kieth Rice and Grant Langfield were not enough to give our Reserve team a win in their first game of the season but manager is very happy with their performance.
Kennnigton Reserves started their 1st game of the season at Staplehurst and Monarchs. after preparing for the game in the away sides new half million pounds changing rooms,players descended onto the pitch to shake hands champion league style.The first 20minutes of the game was pretty even as both sides found the size of the pitch and warm weather difficult. Staplehurst then grabbed a goal on the break after Kennington got caught nappin at the back.there were very few chances from both sides as both teams cancelled each out all over the park. then with just a minute remaining Keith Rice took it upon himself to try his luck and score from 45 yards leavin the goalie totally stranded. going in very pleased with themselves at half time the reserves then came out and had the better of the 2nd of half. unfortunately on the hour staplehurst stepped up the pace and scored 2 quick goals in a matter of minutes from set pieces. grant langfield who had just come on as sub then scored from a corner to reduce the defiecit. the score though finished 3-2. but theres some pleasing things 2 come out of the game. we are now looking forward to the next week away at larkfield.
Report from Keith Rice
Sun 1st v Bliby : Lost 7-2 ( League )
Not a good start to the season for our lads, Kennington goals coming from Ollie Finch and Jes Field
Not a good start for our Sunday Premier League campaign. Too many missed chances early on led to some understandable frustration not just on the sideline but on the pitch with the referee , the linesman and amongst themselves. Bliby seized this disharmony and took hold of the game showing a more clinical finish in front of goal. It didn’t take long for Bliby to effectively finish the game off and take a 4-0 lead. We did show in the last 20 minutes what we can do when we take the game to the opposition with a quality free kick from Collo off the post was tickled in by substitute Jez Field and a well struck shot from our M.O.M Ollie Finch gave us two consolation goals from another bunch of missed chances. Nobody was at their best today which could be attributed to the inability to play 2 hard games back to back and more importantly to some players Saturday nights preparation which dulled our sharpness in front of goal and inability to keep the game short with crisp accurate passing. We can and will do a lot better with the return of Matt Collins from suspension.
Report from Kevin Hayden
Sun Res v Marsh Athletic : Lost 4-3 ( League )
Kennington goals coming from Josh Conlan 2 and Sam Conlan 1
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09/09/09
Message from 1st Team Manager
As from Tuesday 22nd September training will start at The Towers School under floodlights on the Astro pitch. 7.30pm – 8.30pm. There will also another training session at the same venue under lights on Thursday 24th Sept from 8.00pm- 9.00pm. And from each Tuesday and Thursday thereafter until April”
Will all managers let their squads know of this change. It is imperative we promote and make proper use of this excellent facility to help improve our game.
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Weekend Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th Sept 09
Sat 1st Team v Oakwood : Won 2-3 ( League )
It was probably not the side 1st team managers Hayden and Oxley would have chosen to kick off the new season but due to so many players out they had to go with the best team they could, The team worked hard and looked sharp and were rewarded after 10 minutes with a well worked goal which the Kennington lads managed to hang onto until half time. The first 5 minutes of the second half was much the same with Kennington setting the pace and again putting the ball in the back of the net for their second goal, it should have been plain sailing for the rest of the half but Kennington were caught sleeping and Oakwood pulled one back. With their tails up Oakwood pushed for another and within three minutes of scoring the 1st they had their second to bring the scores level at 2-2. Both teams were pushing for a winner and it took some very fine goal keeping from Kenningtons James Hayden to make sure that Oakwood did not take all three points, with 7 minutes to go Kenningtons Steve Rice was brought down in the box and was awarded a penalty which he himself stepped up to take and calmly slot into the back of the net to make it 3-2 to Kennnington which they held on to till the end of the match and take all three points.
I know Kevin and Graham would have been very disappointed with the 2 goals their lads gave away but three points away from home on the first day of the season from an under strength Kennington side is a great result.
Reserve Team
The Reserve Team match was called off.
Sunday 1st Team
No Game
Sunday Reserve Team v Stour Valley : Won 1-8 ( League )
Our new Sunday Reserve team got off to the best start possible with a fine 8-1 home victory against Stour Valley with goals coming from Josh Conlan 2, Sam Conlan 2, Billy Evans 1, Tom Nash 1, Matt Harris 1 and Matthew Hunt 1.
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04/09/09
Tomorrow Saturday 5th of September is the start of Kennington's 2009/10 season campaign and both our County League teams are away from home.
The 1st team travel to Oakwood and the Reserves are off to Platt United, on Sunday the 1st team have not been given a game while the Reserve side are home to Stour Valley |
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