Match Reports

WEEKEND FOOTBALL SATURDAY 28th JANUARY

KENNINGTON 5 CONEY HALL 1

Having stopped the rot with last weeks win over New Romney the question now was could we get two league wins on the trot since the opening two games of the season.

We made a few changes from last week with Brett Fewell coming in for J.J. and Carlum dropping down for the Ressies cup tie. Our bench also included two sixteen year olds in Jordan Goldsmith and Harry Hunt.

The game started evenly with Coney Hall creating the first opening of the game and we could see that they possesed a few quality players and that this was going to be a tough game for us. However we gave as good as we got and had a blatant push in the box not given followed by what looked like a perfectly good goal ruled offside. We didn't have to wait too long to open the scoring though when Chris Wyles sped past a couple of challenges and cut the ball back for Steve Ward to blast the ball home. Shortly afterward Rob Clark seized possession on the left hand side drove into the box and coolly side footed into the net. A third goal quickly followed when Wardie scored a beauty from fully twenty five yards out giving the keeper no chance, and he completed his hat trick soon afterwards when his pace got him to the ball before the keeper and he slotted the ball home. With the impressive Stuart Taylor in the centre of midfield we were well on top, and when young Jordan Goldsmith made his debut with ten minutes of the half left he made an immediate impact by crossing the ball from the right where Josh Conlon dived to head in at the far post.
We went into the break 5-0 up leaving a bewildered Coney Hall wondering how they could be five down. The truth is that we just scored some great goals and apart from that we were pretty evenly matched.

We knew that with the slope against us in the second half that we were going to have to defend well, and sure enough Coney came out of the traps hard at us. With three up front they were looking to get an early goal or two which would have put them right back into the game, but we defended really well in restricting them to long range efforts that didn't really trouble keeper Darren Bailey too much. To be fair we had to defend for the majority of the second half, but it was not all one way traffic as Wardie and Wylesie drew good saves from their keeper. When Coney finaly got the goal their play deserved it arrived too late to effect the outcome of the game and an emphatic victory was rightly ours, albeit with a flattering scoreline.

With two wins on the trot we must now look to put a run together that will keep us right out of trouble at the bottom of the league and it won't be an easy game next week against the U.O.K. But the team is now playing well and we know that we carry a threat up front and that we can defend well when needed, so there's no need to lack confidence going into next weeks match.

SQUAD
D. Bailey, B. Davies, C. Clements, B. Fewell, S. Johnson, C. Wyles, S. Taylor, L. Horne, R. Clark, S. Ward, J. Conlon, J. Goldsmith, H. Hunt, S. Beaney.

Graham Oxley

KENNINGTON RESERVES 5 ORPINGTON RESERVES 3

Kennington Reserves travelled too Orpington in the quarter final of the reserve cup at the weekend with pretty much are strongest squad . The game started at a very fast pace with a big Orpington side causing us a few problems . This showed when we conceded a free kick on the 15 minute mark and a tap in put the home side 1-0 up . The goal settled us down though and we took control of the only danger from them was there very lively striker who was being marked out of the game by man of the match Jack Scobie . Possibly playing our best football of the season we equalised when Mitchell Punt and Chris Gilham combined to set up goal machine Carlum Macleod to calmly lob the keeper from 20 yards . We conceded again from a set piece right on half time but went straight up the other end to make it 2-2 at the break when Stuart Allen scored . The 2nd half was a tight affair again but with us playing football throughout the team. We sensed it was only a matter of time before we scored again . This proved the case on the hour when Carlum claimed his second to make it 3-2 . Again in this Topsy turfy match Orpington went straight up the other end to equalise 3-3 . Within minutes a great ball by Steve Rice put Carlum through who beat the defence to smash home his hat-trick and 20th goal of the season . This totally destroyed the home side and with 10 minutes left Carlum beat 4 players and unselfishly left the ball for Chris Gilham to kill the cup tie off with a side foot goal from the edge of the box , the game finished 5-3 . Fantastic result boys and performance of the season . We now have Bearsead at home in the semi-final . This weekend though we are away at Lydd in the league where we need to get some points back on the table . Lets keep up the good work.


TEAM

J.LEIGHTON , C.WATTS , H.YATES , J.SCOBIE , S.RICE , S.ALLEN , J.PRESCOTT , P.LAW , C.GILHAM , M.PUNT , C.MACLEOD


SUBS

M.HUGHES , M.KERRY , J.NORTH , K.RICE


Keith Rice

Saturday 1st Team
Kennington 3 New Romney 0

With two centre backs missing Brett Fewell and Lee Blackman we had to reshuffle with a new partnership of Josh Jones and Chris Clements playing in the middle at the back.
With a strong wind in our face we competed well in a first half of not many attempts on goal by either side. We defended a lot better and with Josh's pace at the back we were never really under a lot of pressure form ex Kennington Player Chris Howells playing up front for Romney. A few long shots were all Darren Bailey had to deal with the first half finishing 0-0.
Second half see us take advantage of the strong wind with Carlem Macleod, Josh Conlon and Steve Ward working well up front. But it was a rather fortunate free Kick on the Half way line that saw Josh Jones find the back of the net without any other player touching the ball 1-0 Kennington. This was the little bit of luck that we had been missing in the last few matches and seem to give the whole team a lift. We were playing with a lot more confidence going forward and with Lewis Horne sitting in front of the two centre backs we looked comfortable at the back limiting
Romney to very few chances in front of goal. Substitution made with Steve Johnson replacing the hard working Kirk Howard allowing Rob Clarke to push on a bit more in midfield. Rob had the beating of the right back and produced a cross that was met with a fierce shot from Carlem Macleod on the edge of the area giving the keeper no chance and us a 2-0 lead. Steve Ward was pulling all the strings in midfield and the second half was becoming a one sided affair with New Romney struggling to cope with the strong wind and camped in their own half. Ten minutes from full time and Rob Clarke found Josh Conlon on the edge of the six yard box and the ever present forward finished with a well taken header to seal the game and a well deserved three points that were very much needed,final score 3-0 Kennington.

Team: D. Bailey, C.Clements, J.Jones, B.Davies, R.Clarke, S.Ward, L.Horne, K.Howard, C.Wyles, J.Conlon, C.Macleod.
Subs all Used: S.Johnson, S.Taylor.

Report Alan Durrant

Saturday Reserves
Kennington 2 Sheerness 3

Due to work commitments and a few other absentees the reserves travelled to Sheernees East with a very youthful looking squad . This was evident in the start of the game where we started very slowly and rather disorganised a long ball over the top and a penalty put us 2-0 down in the first 15 minutes . strangely enough we then settled down and played some great football in all areas of the pitch . We where rewarded when Steve Rice scored from 20 yds to make it 2-1 . We then created chance after chance with Steve hitting the crossbar and Mitchell Punt the post . The score stayed this way till half-time . We put pressure on ourselves again by conceding 30 seconds into the second half . This meant we found it very difficult to settle down and where always on the back foot . Steve Rice again pulled a goal back to reduce the lead and some good football by Mitchell Punt and 16 year old Jordan Goldsmith resulted in Steve Rice yet again hitting the woodwork for us . The game finished 3-2 which was very disappointing as we created chance after chance but could not find our scoring boots on the day . We travel to Orpington this weekend in the Reserve Cup quarter final so lets get back on track with a much needed win .

Report Keith Rice

Under 18s
Kennington 2 Dover 5

With a few more players missing due to work and school commitments it gave a chance to a few that haven't been getting too many games.Ryan Carter filled in an unfamiliar roll at right back and had a good game. Jason Simms partnered Ryan Durrant at centre back with Rob Nash still out with injury. Dover would have been on a high after a good result against Herne Bay the previous week but it was a evenly contested first twenty five minutes with both teams having a fair amount of chances. Dover got the break through when a run down their right see the midfielder finish well 1-0 Dover. Both Toby Owen and Jake North had good chances to equalise but fired wide. Dover then added a second on the counter attack but credit due the lads didn't put their heads down.
They were rewarded when Brad Horne on for the struggling Greig Hothersall started a good piece of play finished well by Toby Owen lobbing the on rushing keeper,2-1 Dover. With only minutes remaining in the first half we were pressing well for an equaliser when Dover again caught us on the counter and a good delivery was finished with a good header which gave Criag France no chance in goal. Half time 3-1 Dover.
Second half and after a little kick up the backside we produced some good flowing football which see us pull one back when Jake Norths run was met well at the near post by the lively Toby Owen.3-2 Dover. Then next challenge was to be the turning point of the game when Lewis Horne was given his marching orders for an over zealous tackle on a Dover midfielder. Although the boys carried on competing well but run out of steam and Dover went on to take the points.5-2 final score. This week see us travel to Dover for the rematch hopefully with a few more players
available.

Team: C.France, C.Heyburn, R.Carter, R.Durrant, J.Simms, L.Horne, J.Prescott, J.Goldsmith, G.Hothersall, J.North, T.Owen.
Subs used: B.Horne, S.Jordon.

Report Alan Durrant

Saturday football

Kennington 2 Saga 5

A change in formation this week see us start off with three up font with Steve Ward and Josh Jones playing either side of Josh Conlon. Again we started the better side and was creating good chances when after 15 minutes some neat interchanges on the edge of the saga box saw a good finish from Josh Jones to put us 1-0 up. We were playing with a bit more confidence than that of recent weeks and could have see us go 2-0 up but yet again we had our ten minutes of madness in which we found ourselves going behind to two quick goals 2-1 Saga. Credit due to lads we got ourselves back into the game when a similar move again saw Josh Jones with another neat finish 2-2 at half time.Second half and with a little more self belief see us start as well as the first half and pressure the saga back four. Ten minutes in and from a corner kick Josh Conlon was shoved in the back with both hands from the Saga defender only for the referee to wave play on, a decision which was to prove costly because having been denied what was most definitely a penalty Saga then were awarded a penalty of their own a few minutes later when Ben Davies was judged to have brought the lively Radford down in the box. This knocked the stuffing out of us and we went on to concede two more goals late on final score 5-2 to Saga. A poor decision that went against us on another day could have changed the game in our favour. This week we are at home to New Romney which could prove to be a vital game if we are to change our season around. All in all a better display but again with out the right result.

Team: T. Burtonwood, B.Davies, L.Blackman, C.Clements, R.Clarke, C.Wyles, L.Horne, K.Howard, S.Ward, J.Jones, J.Conlon.
Subs all used: S.Taylor, S.Johnson, D.Bailey.


Alan Durrant

Kennington Res 4 AISCC 1

Kennington Reserves where at home to AISCC in the quarter final of the Ashford Charity at the weekend . Although playing there football in the local league the visitors proved to be a strong side who played very good football . This showed in the first 20 minutes of the match as we where very much on the back foot . We managed to stop them creating to many chances though as we defended as a team with Jez Field making sure everyone around him kept a steady head. A long ball over the top on 30 minutes left them exposed at the back and Mitchell Punt went through and was fouled in the box . Mitchell stepped up to put us 1-0 up . This did not stop AISCC from charging and a good move down the wing was finished off to level game . On the stroke of half time we was awarded a free kick and Carlum Macleod scored from 25 yards , 2-1 half time. We knew the 2nd half was about who scored the next goal was important . This did not stop both teams having ago and both goalies where in fine form to keep the score line down . A tactical change by moving Jake Prescott out left opened up the game and along with Harry Yates they both started to press on and create chances the pressure began too tell and on 75 minutes Mitchell Punt set up partner Carlum too Cooley finish and put us 3-1 in front . This effectively killed the game off and from a corner with minutes to go . Man of the Match Jake Prescott scored a great header to make the final score 4-1 .Great result boys and very good performance from everyone . This week we travel to Sheerness East in the league so lets have more of the same boys .

Keith Rice

Sunday football

Under 18s 1 Ramsgate 5

This was an evenly matched contest for the first twenty minutes which could have seen us 2-0 up when two good one on one chances for Jake North see one just go over the bar and the other a good save by the keeper. Then two players had to leave the pitch with injuries when Rob Nash pulled up with a thigh problem and Sam Jordon had a Hamstring injury. We seem to have lost all shape with our main centre back out and the pace of the Ramsgate attack was too much for us to contain. Ramsgate run in three quick goals to see them take a half time lead 3-0.In the second half we changed our formation and pushed Toby Owen up front in a three man attack. we competed much better but i feel the Christmas break had taken its toll and a lot of players were struggling for match fitness. Ramsgate added another before Toby grabbed a goal to add to his tally but Ramsgate had the last say with a fifth.5-1 final score. The only thing we got out of this game were more injuries but i know that at our best we will still compete with most teams in the league.

Team: T.Burtonwood, R.Nash, R.Durrant, S.Jordon, T.Owen, J.Goldsmith, L.Horne, J.Prscott, G.Hothersall, J.North,H.Hunt.
Subs used: R.Carter, J.Oldery, C.Heyburn.
Subs not used: C.France.

Alan Durrant

SATURDAY FOOTBALL


Kennington 0 Sheppey Utd 2

With many players returning from injury we were almost at full strength for this visit of Sheppey. Having already lost to them in the cup 5-0 we knew this was going to be a tough ask.
We started well and pressured their back four from the off but unable to finish in the final third.A new partnership of Lee Blackman and Steve Ward up front was working well but we still seem to be lacking the support needed from midfield whilst we are attacking.After twenty minutes of play all our hard work was undone when from a corner we fell asleep and some poor marking found us 1-0 down.Sheppey could count themselves unlucky when after being awarded a penalty the spot kick seem to have come off the underside of the bar and over the line only for the ref to wave play on. Half time score 1-0 to Sheppey.Second half again we started well but could not make the break through.After fifteen minutes Andy Ward was introduced and almost equalised with his first touch only to see his effort go just wide.Rob Clarke also had a good opportunity but keeper saved well.Alex Hortal replaced Lee Blackman up front but wasn't getting much change out of the Sheppey defence.Last ten minutes and the christmas turkey was beginning to tell as a missed place back pass was pounced on by the Sheppey forward who added a second and killed the game off.A much better performance but still the same out come,our luck needs to change soon otherwise we will be drawn into a battle for relegation survival.On the plus side alot more players are now making themselves more available.

Team: T. Burtonwood. S.Taylor .B.Fewell. B.Davies .R.Clarke. S.Johnson .C.Clement. C.Wyles. J.Conlon. S.Ward .L.Blackman.
Subs used: A.Ward .A.Hortal .J.Jones.

Alan Durrant



Reserve Team

Kennington 2 Canterbury City 3

With the Xmas break and bad weather the reserves played their first game in 5 weeks at the weekend with several players missing we travelled to Canterbury City with a fairly young squad . The game started off very slowly with both teams feeling the effects of the extended break we conceded a sloppy goal from a corner in the 25 mins but to are credit replied immediately . A superb ball over the top from Kirk Howard set up Carlum Macleod to score his 15th of the season . The score look to stay that way until a minute before half time a cross with aid of the wind flew over our keeper to put us 2-1 down . The second half was a better game with both teams playing good football . We stepped up a gear and there keeper made 2 good saves from Stuart Allen and Carlum . We broke their defence with Kirk Howard scoring a tap in from the corner in 70 mins . We looked to have the game won but Steve Rice 40yrd free kick unfortunately crashed against the bar . Then with 2 mins to go a very poor ref decision for handball gave city a penalty which was converted to make the final score 3-2 . Well played guys unlucky about the result but very pleased with performance especially to Jordan Goldsmith making his debut . We have a cup game at home to AISCC this weekend so expect to see you all at training this Wednesday .

Kieth Rice

SATURDAY FOOTBALL

1st Team

Otford 4 Kennington 2

Yet again another poor first half showing see us lose to a team we beat earlier in the season. The Christmas break can't come soon enough and hopefully those with injuries will be able to rest ready for the games in the new year. Some reserve players have been knocking on the door for first team starts and it wont be long before a few players will be getting their chances if those who think they have cemented their first team place carry on performing as they have done. We never competed from the startof this game and were camped in our own half for the first ten minutes. It wasn't long before we were punished when yet again another defensive error cost us a goal. As usual many players were relying on others to do their work and we went further behind before half time 2-0. In the second half we started much the better and applied some good pressure when some neat work from Josh Jones was finished from close range by Josh Conlon.Twenty minutes later and a free kick was awarded outside the area.Josh Jones stepped up and placed a good free kick over the wall and into the net 2-2. A few minutes later this was all undone when we conceded a penalty 3-2 to Otford. As we went looking for the equalizer Otford grabbed another and sealed the game 4-2.Hopefully a better second half of the season to come.

Team: D .Bailey. S.Taylor. R. Clarke .B. Fewell .L.Blackman . C. Clements. B.Davies. S.Johnson. C.Wyles. J.Jones. J. Conlon.
Subs Used :H.Hunt. K. Howard.


Alan Durrant


Reserve Team


After a 3 week break the reserves were finally back in action in the cup against Otford. The game started at a very fast pace with both teams playing some good football halfway through the half we took control of the game and started to dominate every area of the pitch . This led to us taking the lead through Mitchell Punt with a good left foot drive. Things got better for us when top scorer Carlum Macleod scored 2 individual goals in 5 Min's to take us 3-0 up . We conceded a sloppy goal from a free kick soon after but killed the game off right on half time when Jake Norths great run down the left was finished off by a Pat Law tap in . The 2nd half was pretty much played at a slower tempo as the away team struggled to get back in the game . It was finally put to bed in the 70th minute Chris Gillham finished off a great team goal coolly slotting home from the edge of the box . We done well lads great result considering we had not played for a while we now travel away to Orpington at the end of January in the quarter finals. merry Xmas and see you all in the New Year .


TEAM

S.MACLEOD, K.RICE , M.KERRY, C.WATTS H YATES, P.LAW, J.NORTH, S.ALLEN, J.PRESCOTT, M.PUNT, C.MACLEOD


SUBS

C.GILLHAM, R.CARTER, G.BLACKWELL, L.OXLEY


Keith Rice

SUNDAY FOOTBALL


Under 18s

KENNINGTON U/18s 5 Hythe Town U/18s 1

The under 18s played hosts to an improving Hythe Town boosted by the return from injury of Rob Nash and a debut for new signing Harry Hunt.
We dominated the opening twenty minutes but couldn't find the goal that our play deserved until Jake North latched onto a through ball and finished well. We then added a second by Jake Prescott just before the break which to be honest was no more than we deserved.
The second half continued in the same vein with Craig France in goal rarely troubled and our third goal was scored by Toby Owen after some good work down the left from Jordan Goldsmith. Hythe then had their best spell of the match and pulled a goal back, but debutant Hunt scored a fourth shortly afterwards and Ryan Carter completed the scoring with a great right foot shot.
The squad is now looking strong with some good new signings, and also with the return of some injured players after Christmas there is real competition for places that will hopefully see us kick on in the second half of the season.
SQUAD
France, Durrant, Nash, L.Horne, Heyburn, B. Horne, Hunt, Prescott, Goldsmith, Owen, North, Piper, Carter, Oldrey, Jordan.

Graham Oxley

SATURDAY FOOTBALL


1st Team

KENNINGTON 0 SAGA 3

With a number of players missing through injury and illness we had to cancell our reserve fixture and draft in some reserves for the visit of Saga.
We bossed the first half and really should have gone into the break two up but the usually prolific Carlum Macleod saw his first effort go wide and then the Saga keeper made a great save to deny him shortly afterwards.
Saga however came flying out the traps for the second half and took the lead seven minutes in when Smith rifled the ball home following our failure to properly clear from a corner. We came back strongly from going one down to create several openings, but we just couldn't get a break in the box when we needed one and on the hour Ben Davies brought down a Saga forward in the box and Roberts converted the penalty. We went with three up front to try and get back into the game but we were caught on the break for Roberts to score his second and Saga's third.
A disapointing result but some positives to take from the game in the way that the players called up from the reserves handled the step-up to first team football, particularly Carlum who was a hand full for the Saga defence all game.
SQUAD
Bailey, Horne, Davies, Yates, Jones, Rice, Clements, Clark, Conlon, Macleod, Taylor, Howard, Allen.


Graham Oxley

SUNDAY FOOTBALL

Under 18s

Faversham Town 2 Kennington 2

With more signings on the day we were looking to turn our recent run of form around away to faversham.With two or three players out with long term injuries and two others out with other commitments we still fielded a squad of sixteen.We were much the better footballing side the first thirty minutes with Faversham relying on the long ball forward from the keeper to their three live wire forwards.
When after thirty minutes Toby Owen was through on goal with only the keeper to beat it looked as though Faversham would be down to ten men when the keeper being last man took him down only for the ref to award a free kick and a poor excuse as to why the keeper stayed onthe pitch with out even a card shown.Minutes later even more frustration for Toby when running from an onside position and lobbing the keeper with a quality finish only for the linesman to give offside.This didnt look as though it would be our day as Faversham took a half time lead when we defended poorly from a free kick.
Second half started much the same as the first with us creating plenty of chances but unable to finish.Faversham then had a good ten minute spell when they added a second from former Kennington player Alex Hortal pounced on a rare mistake from our defence to finish with a neat chip over Toms head 2-0.Jordon Knell was introduced and it wasn't long before he had a good opportunity to pull one back but responded too late to a goalmouth scramble.With ten minutes remaining it looked game over but the lads kept battling well and got their just rewards when Jordon Goldsmith found room on the edge of the area and found the top corner with a well placed shot.
Minutes remaining and another substitute Ryan Carter was brought down twenty five yards from goal.Up stepped Lewis Horne who riffled home the free kick off the under side of the bar to round off a man of the match performance and give us a share of the points,
slightly marred by the ref booking him for a over exuberant celebration.

Team: T.Burtonwood, R.Durrant, C.Heyburn, L.Horne, J.Simms ,J.Prescott, G.Hothersall, J.Goldsmith, B.Horne, T.Owen ,J.North.
Subs Used: J.Knell, S.Jordon, R.Carter.
Subs not used :J.Oldery, C.France.

Alan Durrant

SATURDAY FOOTBALL

1st Team

Metrogas 6 Kennington 0


Although the scoreline suggest a one way affair there were many positives to take out of the game.With five regular first team players missing we had to call upon several reserves to step up for a tough game against the league leaders.We started the game with more than our fair share of the play but found ourselves 2-0 down with twenty minutes played.Yet we were still committed to trying to play our own game but could not find our way past the metrogas defence.When Chris Wyles was brought down everyone had assumed a penalty was awarded but the ref pointed to the foul being committed outside the box,from our free kick metrogas broke quickly and we were 3-0 down in no time.Minutes later Chris wyles and carlem Macleod combined well and when carlem rounded the keeper his goal bound shot went off the top edge of the bar and over.It didnt seem to be our day and yet again from our attack metrogas came forward and scored a fourth to make a woeful 4-0 half time scoreline.
Second half and we were a different side challenging much the better in centre of midfield but again could not manage to break through and metrogas went on to score two more goals to finish the game 6-0.
Whilst the scoreline did us no favours the way we competed through the whole ninety minutes was very pleasing.With Chris Watts playing his first game of the season and the young Harry Yates joining him in the centre of the defence we are finding alot more strength in depth from both squads.Sean Macleod looked alot more composed in goal while his brother Carlem was not lacking in confidence up front.I'm sure of better games ahead.

Team: S.Macleod, S.Beaney, C.Watts, H.Yates, S.Johnson, C.Clement, L.Horne, R.Clarke, C.Wyles, J.Jones, C.Macleod.
Subs all used: J.Conlon, S.Taylor, J.Prescott.

Alan Durrant

SUNDAY FOOTBALL


Sunday Team

The Kennington Sunday team produced a fine 1st half display, outplaying their illustrious opponenets to take a 2-1 lead into half time through a Chris Dawes double.

With only 11 players and a tiring midfield, that began to lose their shape, Market came into the game in the 2nd half scoring 4 goals without reply.
A disppointing result, but there were many positives to take from the 1st half performance, in which the boys played the ball quickly around the pitch to pull their opponents out of position, creating several openings, that if converted, may well have put a differet slant on the result.

Things appear to be coming together.

Graham Jordan


Under 18s


Sevenoaks u18s 5 Kennington u18s 0


Although the scoreline suggest a whitewash this was quite the opposite.With yet again a depleted side due to injuries and the usuall couple of no shows it was a hard task against a good Sevenoaks side sitting second in their league.After absorbing some early pressure we found ourselves hard done by when the ref showed a yellow card for what should have been a definite red when a Sevenoaks player lashed out after a tackle.This same player went on to give sevenoaks a 1-0 half time lead and then completed his hatrick when in the last ten minutes sevenoaks added three further goals when we were down to ten men following injuries.Tom Burtonwood pulled off the save of the season so far when saving a penalty when the scores were at 2-0.with several players out with long term injuries Ben Holloway will now be out for six weeks with a chipped bone in his ankle.


Team: T.Burtonwood, R.Durrant, L.Horne, J.Prescott, C.Heyburn, J.Goldsmith, G.Hothersall, B.Horne, J.North, T.Owen, B.Holloway.
Subs used: R.Carter.
Subs not used: C.France, J.Oldery.


Alan Durrant

SATURDAY FOOTBALL

1st Team


Kennington 1 A . F . C . Sevenoaks 2


With a couple of players missing in Josh Conlon and Lee Blackman, Steve Rice and Harry Yates had the call up from the reserves.
We started the game well enough and had the best of the play in the first twenty minutes and if it wasn't for two good saves from the sevenoaks keeper could have found ourselves two goals to the good. All this play was ndone when we failed to clear from defence after the ball bouncing off several players was then knocked home from close range to give AFC Sevenoaks a 1-0 half time lead.
Second half and with the wind behind us see us grab an equaliser when Chris Wyles pass was neatly Struck by Steve Ward on the edge of the area pass the keeper 1-1. We started to get the upper hand and was bossing the game when a second yellow card for Steve Rice see him get his marching orders. Down to ten men we still competed well enough to earn a point but when Rob Clarke finished from close range only for the ref to disallow the goal for dangerous play. Another decision against us but this was one of many form the ref who wasn't having the best of games. Then with ten minutes remaining AFC Sevenoaks scored the winner with a good headed goal to give them all three points.


Team: D.Bailey, B.Davies, A.Ward, B.Fewell, S.Beaney, C.Wyles, C.Clement ,R.Clarke, J.Jones, S.Ward, S.Rice.
Subs all used :L.Horne, S.Johnson, H.Yates.

Alan Durrant

Reserve Team - Game cancelled

SUNDAY FOOTBALL

Sunday Team

Ashford Sunday Premier League


Aldingtton 2 Kennington 4 - (Chris Wyles (2), Josh Conlon, Matt Harris).

An excellent 1st half performance, played on a good pitch, saw Kennington take a well deserved 2-0 half time lead against Aldington.
After 20 miniutes, in which Kennington dominated the play, Matt Harris, playing a holding midfield role, received the ball just inside the opponents half and with several off the ball runs diverting the defense, advanced forward, to shoot inside the far post from the 18 yard box.
15 minutes later Kennington deservedly doubled the lead, Chris Wyles making an excellent diagonal run inside the box to slot the ball past the goalkeeper.
Aldington came back into the game in the second half, as the hardworking Kennington midfield tired and two well worked moves down the Aldington right saw the resultant crosses converted by the advancing forward line.
With Kennington trying to find the controlled game that highlighted the 1st half performance, Josh Conlon gave the initiaive back to the boys, when with 20 minutes to go, he rose to superbly meet a Craig Calvert corner.
10 minutes later a ball into Josh, saw his initial shot rebound back to him, Josh then setting the ball square for Chris Wyles to finish with applomb and seal the points that the overall performance fully deserved.

Graham Jordan


Under 18s


KENNINGTON UNDER 18s 1 ASHFORD BOROUGH UNDER 18s 7

Even though we had a few players missing we still had a decent squad with our "new boys" Toby Owen and Brad Horne making starts.

The opening half hour was pretty even and we came closest to breaking the deadlock when Jordan Goldsmith had a shot cleared off the line. The Borough boys also gave us some problems aswell but the game turned on the half hour when Ryan Durrant was sent off for dissent following a yellow card. Now down to ten men we kept it all square untill the last minute of the half when Borough eventually took the lead.

The second half started with Borough in the ascendancy and they scored twice more in the first fifteen minutes of the half to virtually end the game as a contest, however the introduction of our only two substitutes saw us get a lifeline back into the game when sub Jake North scored from the penalty spot after Toby Owen was brought down by the keeper. This hope didn't last long though when Borough scored a fourth shortly afterwards. This knocked the stuffing out of us and we looked a tired side, things were made worse when Jordan got an injury and with no more subs on the bench it looked as though we would be down to nine men, but Jordan bravely hobbled on although the Borough lads were now rampant and run in three more goals to complete the rout.

A disapointing end to a good little run and it's now a question of how we respond to this heavy defeat. Ashford Borough are a good side who will be there or there abouts this season and to lose to them is no disgrace, but we have to learn lessons from every game and in this one it was how losing discipline can be costly.
SQUAD
T. Burtonwood, B. Horne, R. Durrant, B. Holloway, C. Heyburn, G. Hothersall, J. Prescott, L. Horne, J. Goldsmith, T. Owen, R. Carter, J. North, J. Oldrey.

Graham Oxley

SATURDAY FOOTBALL

1st Team

MILTON & FULSTON 3 KENNINGTON 3

With the late withdrawal of Josh Jones we travelled to Sittingbourne with only a two man bench, but on the plus side we had the return of Lee Blackman, Jose Virguez and Brett Fewell to the squad.

The first half was a scrappy affair with the ball spending most of the time up in the air and it was not the most attractive game of football we have played in this season. Milton's up and under tactics however were giving us problems and our three central defenders were having difficulties adapting to the new system, and even though we had an extra man in midfield their runners were still arriving in dangerous areas untracked and it was on one of those occasions that we conceded on the half hour. That's not to say that we didn't create chances ourselves but we just didn't put any of them away.

The second half started in the same fashion but we equalised ten minutes in when a pinpoint cross from Steve Ward was headed in by Josh Conlon. We started to settle down and really should have taken the lead when Wardie was one on one with the keeper but managed to put the ball wide. It was looking like it was just a matter of time before we took the lead but we conceded again from the same old long ball down the middle catching us out again. We equalised again though when Brett went up for a corner and finished in a bit of a goalmouth scramble. In the 80th minute the arrival of Jose in midfield and the pushing of Lee further up the pitch suddenly saw us playing the football that we are capable of and we took control of the game, this was when the frustration of the Milton players was starting to get out of hand and any other referee would not have tolerated the level of verbal abuse levelled at him. We still however managed to miss the chances that would have seen us take the lead in this match and with only three minutes left we conceded what looked like being the winner, but just two minutes later a lovely ball from Jose with the outside of his right foot found Wardie and he finished well to end what had become a bit of a barren spell after his prolific start to the season.

Although we came back from behind three times and got a point away from home the general feeling is that we didn't do ourselves justice in this match. It was an ugly game of football and we got drawn into the long ball game and it was only in the last ten minutes that we looked like we do in training.
The last word however goes to Jose who is heading home to Melbourne, he is a cultured midfielder who despite being less than 100% fit has shown glimpses of what he is capable of and we shall miss him. That ball to Wardie for the equaliser was a fitting finale and he is welcome back anytime.
SQUAD
D. Bailey, B.Davies, B. Fewell, L. Blackman, C. Wyles, A. Ward, C. Clements, S. Ward, R. Clark, J. Prescott, J. Conlon, J. Virguez, S. Beaney.


Graham Oxley


Reserve Team

Kennington 2 Canterbury City 2

Kennington reserves were at home to canterbury city on saturday.The 1st 30 mins of the game was a very scrappy affair with both teams playing not paticulary well.We then conceded a very sloppy free kick which was put away leaving us 1-0 down.This brought us into life and we started to get the ball down and play a bit of football.Then on the half time we scored 2 goals in 2 mins both from top goalscorer Carlum Macleod,the 2nd being a stunning strike from the edge of the box.The 2nd half was very much the same as both teams continued to defend very well but offer little going forward.We conceded a soft penalty which was converted leaving the final score 2-2.This was to remain the final score which could have been different if Chris Gilhams ball had bounced the right side of the post after he had beaten 4 players.Well done boys especially Jez Feilds and man of the match Stuart Allen,lets now start trying to convert some of these draws into wins.We travel to Bly Spartans on saturday where we could really do with the 3 points lads.

Keith Rice

SUNDAY FOOTBALL

Sunday Team
Awaiting Report

Under 18s


KENNINGTON UNDER 18s 1 HOLLANDS & BLAIR UNDER 18s 1


The visitors had the better of the opening ten minutes and deservedly took the lead during that period but on fifteen minutes the game took a twist when a collision between Jordan Knell and their keeper resulted in the keeper having to come off and for an ambulance to be called. H & B had only the bare eleven so they were now down to ten men with a makeshift keeper. The game now shifted in our favour and we continued to dominate and although we created severall good chances none were taken and we into the break one down.
The second half continued in the same way with chances squandered but we finaly made the breakthrough fifteen minutes into the half when subsitute Toby Owen finished well on his debut following some good work from Grieg Hothersall. We thought that it was just a matter of time before we got infront but we continued to miss chances and could even have come away with nothing when H&B staged a spirited rally late on and the game finished with honours even.
Given the circumstances this has got to be seen as two points dropped which is dissapointing given our recent good form. Hopefully we can get back on track next week in the difficult local derby against Ashford Borough.
SQUAD
T. Burtonwood, R. Durrant, C, Heyburn, B. Holloway, J. Oldrey, G. Hothersall, J. Prescott, L. Horne, J. Goldsmith, J. Knell, J. North, T. Owen, L. Piper, R. Carter, B. Horne,C. France.


Graham Oxley

SATURDAY FOOTBALL

1st Team


SHEPPEY UTD 5 KENNINGTON 0

We went to Sheppey in the cup knowing that they were an inform side sitting at the top of the league and that we were the underdogs.

Sheppey came out of the blocks quickly and we were on the back foot straight away. We had to soak up some pressure but we still threatend on the break, however we conceded on fifteen minutes after we failed to clear from a free kick. We went into the break only the one goal down and felt that we were still in the game but our second half performance had to better than the first. However all the talk at half time was undone within the first minute of the half when Chris Clements fouled their player in the box and the resulting penalty was put away. At two down we then had our best spell of the game and if we had managed to pull one back during that time then it could have made the game interesting, but we conceded a third following a rare mistake from keeper Darren Bailey and that in effect finished the tie. Two further goals in the last four minutes made the scoreline look worse than it was but there was no denying that Sheppey were the better side and deserved to book their place in the next round.

SQUAD
D. Bailey, A. Ward, B. Davies, S. Beaney, S. Johnson, J. Jones, C. Clements, C. Wyles, R. Clark, S. Ward, J. Conlon, L. Blackman, J. Virguez, L. Horne.


Graham Oxley

Reserve Team

Kennington reserves travelled to Holland & Blair at the weekend. With the home team still unbeaten this season this was going to be a tough encounter for the team . The 1st 20 minutes of the game proved this as we faild to hold onto the ball this inviting uneccessary pressure from the home team . Goalkeeper Sean Macleod was very busy from the kick off but his handling was superb and his performance throughout the half seem to settle the team . On the half hour were given a free kick , the first attempt was quickly closed down and Carlum fouled leaving us with another free kick . This time the angle was perfect for skipper Mark Kerry to step up and smashed the shot from 25 yards with the ball going straight in the top corner . From then on we got a grip of the game and started creating chances ourselfs . This carried on into the 2nd half and the performance from the boys was easily the best this season as we continued to keep out a very strong Holland & Blair . Once again our keeper Sean was in great form making at least another three top class saves . Unfortunalely for us with about 10 minutes we conceded a goal from a corner . Looking absolutely deflated you would have thought the home side would go on to win the game . This was not the case though as we managed to keep the score level manly due to centre halves Jake Presscott and Brett Fewell winning every header and challenge . The game finished 1-1 and well done boys fantatastic performance from every single player ! you should all be proud of yourselfs . This weekend we are at home to Canterbury City lets keep up the good work .



TEAM
S. Macleod, H.Yates, M.Kerry, J.Presscott, B.Fewell, S.Taylor, P.Law, R.Long, S.Allen, C.Macleod, S.Rice

SUBS
L.Reed, J.North, M.Hughes, R.Carter

Gary Blackwell

SUNDAY FIXTURES

1st Team

Awaiting Report


Under 18s


KENNINGTON UNDER 18s 4 ASHFORD UNITED UNDER 18s 1



We were without Ben Holloway and Charlie Page from last weeks victory over Whitstable but we still had a strong squad for the visit of local rivals Ashford Utd.

With the slope and a brisk wind in our favour in the first half we had the better of the opening exchanges but Ashford always looked dangerous. Our back four could not afford to lose their concentration for a second and with the outstanding Keiran Tickner marshalling them brilliantly they coped well with the Ashford attack.
The opening goal came on the half hour when Jake North's pace got him in behind their back four to beat the outrushing keeper to the ball, he then steaded himself to slot the ball home. The second came just before half time when North again burst into the box from the right hand side beat two players and rifled a fierce right foot shot past the keeper.

Two up at half time we knew that the conditions were now against us and that Ashford would be looking to get back into the game early on in the second period but we continued to defend well. A double substitution fifteen minutes into the half saw the arrival of ex Kennington lad Josh Knight and he almost immediately latched on to a through ball. Rob Nash's pace got him back into a position to make a tackle but the ball rebounded of Knight to finish in our net. It really was now game on and Ashford sensed a come back with half an hour left but within five minutes our two goal lead was restored when Jordan Knell was put through and his sweetly struck shot took a deflection into the net. Five minutes later the goal of the season so far gave Jake North his hat trick and us our fourth goal when he delicately flicked the ball on the half volley with the outside of his foot to lob the Ashford keeper. To be fair to the Ashford lads they continued to create chances and only some resolute and at times desperate defending kept them from adding any more goals and the final scoreline was in truth a bit harsh on them, over the ninety minutes it was a pretty close full bloodied derby with the difference being our ability to take our chances when they came.

We are now on a bit of a roll and the side are playing with more confidence in themselves. We have started to show the kind of consistency that was lacking earlier in the season and if we can keep this momentum going there is still plenty of games left to see us mount a serious challenge.

SQUAD
T. Burtonwood, R. Durrant, R. Nash, K. Tickner, J. Oldrey, G. Hothersall, L. Horne, J. Prescott, J. Goldsmith, J. North, J. Knell, C. Heyburn, L. Piper, C. France.


Graham Oxley

Graham Oxley


Reserve Team

Kennington reserves travelled to Swale in the league with both teams without several at the weekend this was going to prove a tough test . The first half was a tight encounter with us playing some good football and dominating the game with 3 central midfielders . Carlum Macleod hit the woodwork and Mark Hughes came close but the half finished 0-0 . We tired in the 2nd half and the home team took advantage on 70 minutes with a good headed goal . We then conceded two more goals late on losing 3-0 a effort though boys and some great football played. This week we travel to leaders Holland & Blair in the league.

TEAM
S.Macleod, K.Rice, S.Taylor, S.Rice, H.Yates, P.Law, M.Hughes, R.Long, S.Allen, S.Flanagan, C.Macleod

SUBS
J.Knell, C.Knell

Keith Rice

Kennington u18s 2 Whitstable Town 1

This was a good contested game against a tall Whitstable team. We got off
to a good start and were pressing from the start with Grieg Hothersall
supplying some good crosses from the right hand flank. With another new
partnership of Jake Presscott and Jordon Knell up front working hard with a
couple of good chances falling Jakes way early on.It was when Grieg was
brought down on the edge of area the resulting free kick was played short
and finished well by Rob Nash 1-0 Kennington.It was an even contest in the
middle of the park with Lewis Horne and Kieran Tickner working hard to
close down the two tall midfielders for Whitstable and approaching half
time it looked as though we were going to go in one goal to the good but
Whitstable produced a well worked equaliser to bring the scores level at
half time.

This could have knocked us back coming out for the second half but we
continued to play well and create chances. Ben Holloway was having a good
game in only his second game at centre back and the Whitstable forwards
were not producing too many chances. Another pressing run from
Grieg Hothersall down the right see him supply an inch perfect pass to find
Jordon Goldsmith who after some close control smashed the ball home to put
us 2-1 up. Whitstable pushed for an equaliser but when man to the match Ben
Holloway was pushed up front due to an injury to Jordon Knell it was
Kennington who came the closest when Bens effort beat the keeper but hit
the post. Final score 2-1 Kennington.

Team:T. Burtonwood, R.Durrant, R.Nash, B.Holloway, J.Oldery, L.Horne,
K.Tickner, G.Hothersall, J.Goldsmith, J.Knell, J.Presscott.
Subs Used: J.North, C.Page
Subs not used: C.France, C.Heyburn.


Alan Durrant

SATURDAY FIXTURES


1st Team


Kennington 1 Belvedere 2

With 3 or 4 players missing we kicked off the game on level points with
Belvedere and a win would have seen us climb a few places up the league.
Belvedere played some neat football and were much the better team for the
first twenty five minutes with Darren Bailey being called upon on several
occasions.

As the game progressed we were getting more and more into it but could not
produce any clear cut chances and were probably grateful to come in at half
time on level terms at 0-0.Second half and with a few players carrying
knocks it was more of an even contest with Josh Jones supplying some good
crosses but no one managing to get on the end of them.It looked as though
the game was going to end in a stalemate but the Belvedere centre back took
one touch too many in his own area and was robbed by Josh Conlon who fired
home from close range to put us 1-0 up.We could have gone 2-0 up minutes
later when another cross from Josh was not punished.We looked as though we
had done enough to earn the points but yet again our young squad had a ten
minute spell where they switched off and were punished with two quick goals
earning Belvedere all three points.Disappointing result coming off last
weeks performance and becoming a little of a Jekyll and Hyde performance
from us not Knowing which team is turning up on the day but hopefully
learning with each game.

Team D.Bailey, R.Nash, L.Horne, B.Davies, J.Bond,C.Wyles, C.Clement,
J.Jones,S.Johnson, S.Ward, J.Conlon.
Subs Used. S.Allen, R.Durrant.
Subs not used. T.Burtonwood.


Alan Durrant

Reserve Team


Kennington reserves took a break from the league action this week and travelled to St Margerats in the Ashford Charity Cup . The home side missing several 1st team players came unstuck against a rampant Kennington in a very one sided encounter . We dominated from the 1st minute and took the lead immediately through Steve Rice . This carried on throughout the whole game and ended up with us thrashing the seaside's 12-1 . The goalscorers being Carlum Macleod 2 , Kirk Howard 2 , Mark Hughes 2 , Sean Macleod , Jake North , Harry Yates , Reece Long and a 30 yard spectacular volley from the manager Keith Rice . Fantastic result boys and more of the same this weekend where we travel to Swale in the league .


TEAM
S.Macleod, S.Beany, M.Kerry, J.Prescott, H.Yates, M.Hughes, K.Howard, S.Taylor, R.Long, S.Rice C.Macleod


SUBS
K.Rice, J.North, P.Carter, G.Blackwell


Report by Gary Blackwell

SATURDAY FIXTURES

1st Team


Lydd Town 2 Kennington 5


Kennington travelled to Lydd in the Weald of Kent Cup on Saturday.Lydd playing two divisions above us in The Kent Invicta League was always going to be a tough ask for the lads after coming off of a poor performance last week against Fleetdown.Against players of Experience at higher league levels our young Kennington side started much the more attacking side and we could not have asked for a better start when from the kick off a ball played wide to Josh Jones who with his first touch found the head of Steve Ward to nod home with only seconds on the clock 1-0 to Kennington.With Lydd on their back foot it was Kennington playing some sublime football and looking dangerous with every attack.Chances fell our way and could have been several goals to the good but against the run of play a bad back pass wasn't dealt with and we were punished Lydd levelling the scores 1-1.It looked as though it was going to be one of those days and against a physical Lydd side we could have quite easily have buckled under but credit due to the lads they picked themselves up and the response was great when minutes later Rob Clarke found Chris Wyles on the left flank who with an accurate cross found the ever poaching Ward to knock home his and Kennington's second to give us a half time lead 2-1.
Second half and the wind at our backs see us continue to dominate play in the middle of the park with Chris Wyles and Chris Clements outstanding,Dan Noden was certainly busiest of the two keepers and we were creating good chances every time our midfield were on the ball.It was then a neat move which see Josh Jones receive a ball out wide and finish his run when tucking the ball under Noden 3-1 Kennington.Lydd created few chances themselves most of which were coming from set pieces and it was a needless free kick given away that Lydd capatilised on when from the said free kick a Lydd player nodded home 3-2 Kennington.
Although not to be out done Kennington took the game to Lydd and when Steve Ward received the ball from the hard working Josh Conlon twenty five yards out with his back to goal some great vision see him turn and chip the ball over the stranded Noden for the goal of the game and Wards Hatrick.This seemed to knock the stuffing out of Lydd and When Lloyd Taylor made a rather Harsh challenge on Conlon he gave the Referee no choice but to give him a straight red and Lydd ending the game with ten men.The game was then rounded off when Josh Jones again received the ball in a similar position as his first and fired home to make the final score a well deserved 5-2 to
Kennington.
A great result from the lads who need to take this self belief performance into the league with arguably our best performance of the season.
Well done lads great to watch.

Team. D. Bailey, R. Nash, B. Davies, B. Fewell, S.Johnson, C.Clement, C.Wyles, J.Jones, J.Conlon, S.Ward, R.Clarke.
Subs Used S.Rice.
Subs not used A.Ward, J. Virguez, J. Prescott, T .Burtonwood

Alan Durrant


Reserve Team


Kennington 3 New Romney 0

Kenninton reserves were at home to New Romney on saturday. After suffering a heavy defeat to us in the cup a couple of weeks ago New Romney started the game pretty defensive . With two men marking top scorer Carlum from the kick off , we realised pretty early on that plenty of our play would have to come from the wide areas . the game got going after quarter of an hour when in the next 20 minutes all the goals in the game were scored . Strike partner Mitchell Punt scoring 1st Cooley slotting home after working hard to chase down a back pass . The 2nd came from the spot when Mitchell stepped up to make it 2-0 . We then gave away a soft header from a need less free kick making it 2-1 . Fortunate for us from the kick off we went straight on the attack and Mitchell Punt finished off some good team football to get a well deserved hat trick . The game as a spectacle did not move on from there as both teams cancelled each other out. What was pleasing for us was how in the 2nd half the away side did not manage to have a single shot on goal , this was due to the whole team putting in a great team effort defensively . well done guys a well deserved 3 points and we travel too St Margerets in the cup at the weekend so lets keep up the good work.


TEAM
S.Macleod J.Scobie S.Beany S.Rice H.Yates M.Kerry J.Prescott S.Allen S.Taylor C.Macleod M.Punt

SUBS
J.North J.Knell M.Hughes

Keith Rice

SATURDAY FIXTURES

1st Team

Kennington 2 Fleetdown 3

This was going to be another tough game as we had already played fleetdown away and managed a hard fought win.
Fleetdown came at us from the start and were much hungrier for the win.The lads seem to have taken their lack lustre attitude from the warm up into the game and we were soon undone when a mix up in defence see the fleetdown centre forward tap home a soft goal. We were soon back into the game but no one seemed to take control of the ball when in our possession.players were waiting for others to influence the game and switching off at times. This could have proved costly on another day and we could have found ourselves several goals behind. As luck would have it a shot that came off the bar was tucked home by Josh Jones and brought us level 1-1.
This seem to stir us into life and for fifteen minutes before the break we looked the more likely side to score.This wasn't the case and finished the half evens.
Second half and we were playing better football. A good move caught the fleetdown defence square and Steve Ward finished a good move to put us 2-1 up.
But with our noses in front we just did not look as though we could push on and grab the win.Credit to fleetdown they kept coming at us and were rewarded again when
another poor clearance from defence fell to the fleetdown forward who made no mistake in finishing and bringing the scores level 2-2.Even a team chat during an injury could not fire us into action and we got our just deserves when a corner was met by their central defender to put them in front and give them a well deserved three points.
The lads might now realise that no game in this division is easy and if they are going to progress up the league which they are more than capable of doing they need to be putting in more effort and concentration from the start and this includes the warm up.
This week see us travel to Lydd in the Weald of Kent cup and hoping for a much improved performance against a side two leagues above us.

Team: T.Burtonwood, B.Davies, S.Johnson, L.Blackman, J.Virguez, C.Clement, C.Wyles, J.Jones, J.Conlon, S.Ward, R.Clarke,
Subs all used: L.Horne, D.Brown, J.Bond.

Alan Durrant

Reserve Team


Kennington 1 Bearsted 1

Kennington reserves were away to Bearsted this weekend. Playing on a big pitch and the weather once again warm the game started off at a very high tempo. The home side stepped up a gear and went 1-0 up with a 20 yard strike in 35 minutes. From that moment on the response from us was pleasing as we started to play some good football. All the hardwork paid off when we equialised 10 minutes into the second half , great work from Mitchell Punt to set up the prolific Carlum Macleod who cooly lobbed the keeper from the edge of the area. two minutes later we were awarded a penalty for handball. Unfortunalely Steve Rice hit the crossbar which was a shame for a player who put in a man of the match performance filling in at centre back . The rest of the game was very evenly matched with very few chances with the game finishing off 1-1 . Great game guys against a very strong team and good luck this comingweekend when we are at home to New Romney.

TEAM
S. Macleod, J. North, M .Kery, S .Rice, J .Scobie, H .Yates, S. Taylor, S. Allen, R .Long, C .Macleod, M. Punt
SUBS
H .Ruddock, R. Carter, S. Beany

Keith Rice

SUNDAY FIXTURES

Under 18s

Kennington 2 Herne Bay 2

With a few players back from injury this was a much better performance against top of the table and probably the best footballing side we have come up against.
A very equal first half until we were caught knapping when a long ball caught out our defence out and the Herne Bay forward finished well.We still had plenty of chances
but it was another mix up in defence when we could not manage to clear a ball and were punished putting Herne Bay into a 2-0 lead.We were still working hard as a team
and our two centre midfielders of Lewis Horne and Jake Prescott were battling well.This paid off just before half time when Jordon Knell returning from injury finished well
from 25yards out 2-1 to Herne Bay at half time.Second half was much the same as the first with both teams having their share of the ball and equal amount of chances falling to both sides.It was another defence splitting ball from Grieg Hothersall who was having a good game in an unfamiliar roll on the right of midfield that found Kieran Tickner who rounded the keeper and slotted home 2-2.Minutes later substitute Jake North had a good chance to win the game when his lob over the keeper just went the wrong side of the cross bar.Jake Prescott also had a good chance to seal the victory when he nodded past the keeper only for the ball to go wide of the post.Our defence
had a much better second half keeping the Herne Bay forwards at bay with a new partnership of Rob Nash and Ben Holloway linking up well.Final score 2-2.

Team: T.Burtonwood, C.Heyburn, R.Nash, B.Holloway, R.Durrant, G.Hothersall, J.Goldsmith, J.Prescott, L.Horne, K.Tickner, J.Knell.
Subs used:J.North,J.Oldery.
Subs not used: C.France GK

Alan Durrant

SATURDAY FIXTURES

1st Team

Kennington 4 Otford United 2

We started the game much brighter and quicker off the mark than in previous weeks and was soon putting pressure on the otford defence.Quick movement from Josh Jones and Chris Wyles down the wings were creating some good chances and when a free kick was awarded on the edge of the area Lee Blackman was at the far post to Knock home 1-0 Kennington.Otford reacted well and were playing some neat football through their lively centre midfield player, but it was another set piece that brought the scores level when a corner ended up in the back of the net without anyone touching it 1-1.With chances being created at both ends it was Kennington who nosed in front when a penalty was awarded from what seemed a fair challenge from the Otford goalkeeper.Steve Ward stepped up and put us 2-1 in front at Half time.
Second half saw Otford go close with Darren Bailey pulling off two great saves.But a neat move was finished well by Otford to bring the scores level again 2-2.
Both teams were playing some good football and the game could have gone either way.Chris and Josh Jones were still causing problems down the flanks and it was
Josh's pace that got him behind the defence to pull the ball back to the on rushing Ward for his second.Credit to Otford they kept pushing for the equaliser but we reacted well on the counter attack when a through ball again found Steve Ward who with a well taken goal completed his hatrick and the scoreline of 4-2 to Kennington.Ward now
taking his goal tally to 8 in 4 games.
This saturday see Kennington take on Fleetdown and looking to do the double over them.

Team: D.Bailey, A.Ward,L.Blackman,B.Davies,S.Johnson,J.Jones,C.Wyles, C.Clement, J.Virguez, S.Ward, J.Conlon.
Subs all used: S.Taylor, J.Bond, R.Clarke.

Alan Durrant




Reserve Team


Otford 1 Kennington 1

Kennington reserves travelled to Otford this weekend. Otford is a very hard place to go and come away with any points so i was more then happy to come
away with a point ! We started so well with a goal coming in the first minute with a lovely chip over the back four from Steve Rice put Carlum Macleod through one on one with the keeper Carlum finished off with a fine lob.
After getting the goal kennington seemed to take their foot off of the gas and trying to play to much football which nearly cost us the game.
Being such a small pitch and Otford pushing an extra man into the centre of the midfield we found our self's under a lot of pressure so much so that we conceded a penalty which was converted
making it 1-1.
Going into the second half the lads took a different attitude and played so much better with Harry yates and Mitchell Punt taking the game to Otford we were very unlucky not to come away with all three points Mitchell Punt going closest with a 30yard effort inches from going in. I have to give a special mention to the back four Jake North, Jake Prescott, Jack Scobie and Mark Kerry who
were brilliant throughout. Well done boys a great performance and lets try to keep this going against Bearsted this Saturday away .

Keith Rice

SUNDAY FIXTURES


Sunday Team
Awaiting Report


Under 18s

With yet again 3 players out with injuries and a couple of no shows we were a little stretched as we kicked off against an unbeaten Ramsgate side.An evenly contested first half saw some good chances from both sides until 15 minutes from half time a through ball caught our centre backs knapping and the Ramsgate forward finishing well.
Second half was much the same but we had a lot more of the better chances and should have not only equalised but taken the lead.we were then punished 10 minutes from the end when Ramsgate broke down the wing and their forward poked home from 6 yards unmarked.The third goal was a little cruel on craig in goal when a cross
ended up lopping over the top of him and into the net.Final score 3-0.
We played a lot better this week but need a few more players back from injury to start turning the results around.

Team: C. France, L. Horne, R. Durrant, R. Nash, G. Hothersall, C. Heyburn, J. Goldsmith, R. Carter, J.North, B. Holloway, J. Prescott.
Subs all used :J .Oldery, T. Burtonwood.


Alan Durrant

SATURDAY FIXTURES

1st Team

Ashford 4 Kennington 0


Ashford playing two divisions above us was always going to be a tough ask.But Kennington started much the brighter putting Ashford under some early pressure
with Chris Wyles and Josh Jones running both flanks backed up by Josh Conlon and young debutant Jake Prescott in the centre.We cut out a few good chances
and just before the half time whistle had the ball in the back of the Ashford net only for it to be ruled out for off side.Half Time 0-0.
Second half Ashford started the better but our defence were having a solid game with Lee Blackman and Ben Davies forming a good partnership in the centre
backed up with two youngsters of steve johnson and Lewis Horne.After 15 minutes Ashford got a break when a long range shot came back of the cross bar
and fell nicely to the feet of their forward who slotted home.
The game then had a unfortunate twist when Lee Blackman could not keep his cool when on the receiving end of tussle with Sam Conlon and getting a straight
red card which was a little harsh to say the least.Ashford pressed home their advantage and went on to win the game 4-0.
No disgrace in losing but a 4-0 scorline was a harsh result in a very good contested game.If we can take our first half performance into our league outing with
Otford this coming weekend im sure we will be creating alot more chances in front of goal.

Team; D. Noden, L. Horne, S. Johnson, B. Davies, L .Blackman, J. Jones, C. Wyles, J. Virguez, C. Clement ,J. Prescott, J. Conlon.
Subs All Used : R .Clarke, R.Nash, K. Tickner.


Alan Durrant




Reserve Team


Kennington reserves travelled to New Romney in the reserve division cup this weekend. Having to make six changes to the team and a very hot day , it was a pleasant surprise how quickly we started the game . Playing good football from the off we took an early lead from skipper Mark Kerry . It wasn't long before Carlum Macleod was on the scoresheet with two long range efforts to make the score 3-0. Then it was the turn of Mitchell Punt who after beating 4 of the opposition unselfishly squared the ball to strike partner Carlum to claim his hatrick. With the weather slowing the game down in the 2nd half we managed to score one more goal with Carlum scoring hi fourth goal of the game making it 5-0 at full time. Great team effort and lets keep the good run going away to Otford on Saturday .

Keith Rice

SUNDAY FIXTURES

Sunday Team

Awaiting Report


Under 18s

Folkestone 4 Kennington 0

This was our poorest performance to date. Not enough players putting the effort in, although we had key players out through injury this was an opportunity for others to stake a claim for a place but this was clearly not taken.
Although only 1-0 down at half time we had 3 or 4 good chances of levelling but never took it.
Early on in the second half were punished when Folkestone finished off some neat moves to add a further 3 goals.

Final score 4-0 to Folkestone.

Due to the amount of injuries I will be looking to add to the squad with at least a couple more players.

TEAM T Burtonwood. R Durrant. C Page. R Nash. L Horne. J Goldsmith. K Tickner. L Piper. J Oldery. J North. J Prescott.
SUBS USED R Carter. C Heyburn
SUBS NOT USED C France (gk)

Alan Durrant

SATURDAY FIXTURES

1st Team

Hildenborough 4 Kennington 2

Hildenborough were looking to reverse the score line from the 1st game of the season, where we inflicted their only defeat so far.
Hildenborough were much quicker at settling into the game then we were and again we took far too long to settle into our own game and found ourselves 2-0 down with 30 minutes played. This could of been more but for some good goalkeeping from Sean Macleod.
Just before the half time whistle Chris Wyles broke down the line and produced a cross which was finished by Steve Ward to get us back into the game.
Second half see us start much better and manage to get back into the game from another low drive from Steve Ward 2-2, Josh Conlon yet again put in another good shift.
We were much the better side but couldn't sneak a 3rd goal.
Last 20 minutes of the game see us switch off again defensively and give away 2 goal the 1st being a rather fortunate cross that went into top corner.
Although we lost this game the over all performance was good with some good football played at times. Alittle more work on our defensive side as a team and im sure the results will come.

TEAM S Macleod. BFewell. S Johnson. J Jones. B Davies. J Virguerz. C Clements. S Ward. C Wyles. R Clarke. SUBS ALL USED L Horne. K Tickner. S Beaney

Alan Durrant

Reserve Team

Kennington 4 Hollands & Blair 4

Kennington reserves entertained Holland and Blair on Saturday . The visitors started the game brightly and their quick passing and movement
gave our lads a real problems. They where rewarded by this scoring two goals midway through the 1st half . Kennington then settled and started to put pressure on the away side.
On the half hour Harry Yates scored a great goal from 30 yards to make it 2-1 . Still a bit over excited we conceded another goal and were now trailing 3-1.
On the stroke of half time some good work from Mark Kerry opened our opponents defence leaving man of the match Harry Yates to Cooley finish for his 2nd goal of the game and making it 2-3.
The 2nd half was completely different with Kennington totally dominating the game . This dominance showed with Chris Gillam scoring from a volley and then Carlem Maclead
giving us a 4-3 lead. Unfortunately the dominance and missing 2or3 good
chances came back to haunt us as we conceded a penalty in the last few minutes which Hollands and Blair converted to finish what was a very good game Final Score 4-4.
Well done boys great performance and more of the same this Saturday in the cup vs New Romney .

Keith Rice

SUNDAY FIXTURES

Sunday Team

Awaiting Report


Under 18s

Kennington 3 Lordawood 4

With 3 or 4 changes made to the team to give everybody a run out we started well in an evenly matched game.
Ben Holloway was the loan striker with 5 in midfield.The game came to life when Ben turned and fired an unstopable
shot past the Lordswood keeper.This seemed to spark life into the game but it was Lordswood who where playing
the better football.A free kick awarded to Lordswood see them knock a ball into our area which wasn't dealt with and
headed home for the equaliser.We looked second best in all areas but still looked as though we could step up the tempo
at any time.Another sloppy free kick given away and another header only this time it was Jake Prescott who put it past his own keeper.
With time running out Jake was pushed up front and soon made amends when he finished a through ball from greig to send the game
into extra time.Lordswood were much the fitter team and our lads were dropping like flies with injuries.The game then produced two more
goals for Lorsdwood and Jake Prescott finding the net with his head for his third goal two of which were in the right end.Final score 4-3 Lordswood.

Team: C. France, C .Heyburn, R .Nash, K .Tickner, J .Oldery, L. Horne, J. Prescott, G. Hothersall, J. Goldsmith, J. North, B. Holloway.
Subs Used: R. Carter, R .Durrant, J. Knell

Alan Durrant

SATURDAY FIXTURES

Sat 1st Team

Kennington 3 Forest Hill Park 3

After Last weeks drubbing we showed good character to bounce back and gain a point from this game.
After us taking a 1-0 lead Forest Hill upped their game and had a good 25 minutes which produced two goals for them.
Unlike last week we didnt drop our heads and got ourselves back into the game when Steve Ward added two more goals
to take us into a 3-2 lead.We could have wrapped the points up towards the end when were awarded a penalty that
Josh Jones manage to put wide.Soon after this Forest Hill added a third when a good save from Tom Burtonwood fell
to the feet of the Forest Hill forward.
A good result but im sure everyone will agree that we didnt put away the amount of chances that we created.
M.O.M. display from Josh Conlon and another goal to add to his tally.

Team :T. Burtonwood , L. Horne, B. Davies, K. Tickner, S. Johnson, C .Clement, C. Wyles, J. Jones, J. Virguez, S. Ward., J. Conlon.
Subs used: L.Blackman,R.Clarke

Alan Durrant




Reserve Team

Kennington 3 Bromley Green 1

Kennington reserves were at home to arch rivals Bromley Green on Saturday . With both teams without a win in there first two games this fixture took on more of a significance . Both teams started well and their was a lot of good football being played on the floor due to the strong winds . With the wind against us Bromley Green kept us on the back foot . With the pace of Callum Mc cloud and movement of Steve Rice though we were able to get the ball forward quickly and create 2 or 3 really good chances. Midway through the 1st half Paul Barron shot from 25 yards and the ball unfortunately squeezed past the keeper . Shaun Mc cloud redeemed himself with 2 fantastic saves at vital times which galvanised the team . The turning point was when sub Reece long came on in the 35 min and totally change the game with his tough tackling and ability to get the ball moving quickly . The second half with the wind with us Kennington step up a gear and put pressure on Bromley Green . The breakthrough came on the hour when we scored two quick goals in 5mins from both our strikers Callum and Steve . The scoreline was kept down due to some great saves from the Green keeper James Howard . The game was finally put to bed with the goal of the match with a counter attacking move involving 4or5 players being finished off by Stuart Taylor . Special mention to Harry Yates too who in only his 2nd game has fitted in the team well and had a very good game at left back .Well done boys a great win and lets try to keep this going against Holland and Blair this Saturday at home .

Keith Rice

SATURDAY FIXTURES

Sat 1st Team

Kennington 1 Chipstead 6

With a few players missing due to injuries and suspensions we made a few more signings which has made the squad larger.
Yet again we started the game slowly but could not manage to play ourselves into the game.We were punished servely and
found ourselves 4-0 down by half time.
Second half we set about making changes to the formation and manage to get a goal back through Steve Ward.But so many
players who im sure would agree were having bad games we just could not capitalise and Chipstead found the net a couple
of more times before the final whistle.A scoreline that suggest still alot more room for improvement and a game to forget.

Team: S. Macleod, L. Horne, S. Johnson, B. Davies, J. Jones, R. Clarke, J. Conlon, C. Clement, C. Wyles, S. Ward, C.Macleod.
Subs all used:J.Whyte,S.Taylor,S.Allen.

Alan Durrant



Reserve Team

Awaiting Report

SUNDAY FIXTURES

SUNDAY TEAM

Awaiting Report

UNDER 18s

Hythe U18's 0 v 13 Kennington U18's


The Under 18's kicked off their season with a short trip to Reachfield Stadium against Hythe.Little was known of our opposition as they are a newly formed team.
We kicked off and found ourselves pressing for an early goal but couldnt quite finish some neat moves off in front of goal.Hythe had a few chances mainly in the way
of set pieces.On fifteen minutes fullback Lewis Horne found space down the line and finished at the near post with a fiercely hit shot.The young Hythe side competed in
all areas but found our physical presence too much to deal with.Ben Holloway was played in and with a one on one slotted pass the keeper to put us 2-0 up.
New Signing Jordon Goldsmith added a third with a neat lob over the keeper.By half time Ben added a second and Jake Prescott and Jake North one a piece
to give us a 6-0 lead.
Second half we picked up from the first when Ben knocked home at the near post completing his hatrick,Jake North and Jordon Goldsmith added further goals.
The game got a bit sloppy and some tackles a little on the nasty side spoiled what had been a good game.After a few telling offs from ref Linda Bailey and the
usual yellow card for 'GOB ACHE' himself Mr Tickner the game was then rounded off with goals from Kieran Tickner,Jake North and man of match Ben Holloway.
A good sound start and convincing 13-0 win

Team: T.Burntwood, L. Horne, C. Heyburn, R. Durrant, J . Prescott, G. Hothersall, K. Tickner, L. Piper, J. North, B. Holloway, J. Goldsmith.
Subs used: R. Carter, J .Oldery.
Subs not used: C. France (GK)

M.O.M. Ben Holloway

Alan Durrant

SATURDAY FIXTURES

1st TEAM

Fleetdown 1 v 3 Kennington

Sat 1st travelled to Dartford to play against another team who finished 2nd in their league last season Fleetdown
On a very warm day and a very dry pitch we found it hard to keep the ball at our feet and play the football we know we are capable of.
Fleetdown were first to every second ball and we were struggling to compete in the centre of the park.Every high ball played in was won by a tall centre midfield
or centre back and when after only fifteen minutes we found ourselves 1-0 down to a well struck shot from the corner of the area it looked as though it was going to be a hard ask to get into the game.Josh Conlon filling in at centre midfield with with Chris Clement were being over run by the Fleetdown quick breaking midfielders but
against the run of play Josh picked out Chris Wyles whose quick running and control took him pass three players and slotting the ball pass the keeper for the equaliser just before half time.

Second half was a totally different game and after the half time chat everybody set about doing what was asked of them.With Rob Clarke and Chris Wyles getting
into the game more and more and the hard working front pairing of Carlem Macleod and Lee Blackman busying themselves about the defence we got our just rewards
when a corner was met with a crisp left foot shot on the run from Josh Conlon.We settled down more and created alot more chances than the first half with the Fleetdown
forwards barely getting into our half.Chris Wyles then flotted a ball which caught the defence napping and Lee Blackmans alertness saw him knock the ball home to give us a well earnt win 3-1.A good result coming from behind.

Team; S. Macleod, L . Horne, S. Johnson, B. Davies, J. Jones, C. Clement, J. Conlon, R. Clarke, C. Wyles, L. Blackman, C. Macleod.
Subs all used: S.Allen, L. Prior, G .Hothersall

M.O.M. C.Clement


Alan Durrant

RESERVE TEAM

KENNINGTON RESERVES 2 SWALE UTD 4

The reserves opening game of the season saw them play hosts to Swale United.
With a lot of players getting to know one another we went two down early in the game. However we started to settle down and things improved with us starting to play some good football and we were rewarded just before half time with goals from Darren Brown and Jake Prescott to take us into the break all square.

The second half was a tight affair but Swale went infront again with a deflected free kick. Being against the slope and in stiffling heat that goal took the wind out of the team. We pressed for the equaliser and sent men forward but we were caught on the break to concede a fourth in the last minute of the game.

KEITH RICE

Kennington 2 v 1 Hildenborough Athletic


First game of the season and a good test to start off with a home game against Division 2 west winners of last season.this team had only lost 3 games in the league last season so this was going to be a tough ask for what is a completely changed team to the one we had last year.Although we had played several pre-season friendlies
this was the first time the team had played together with only two remaining players from last seasons team.

Both teams started off well with end to end football and an even first 25 minutes before Kieran Tickner made a strong tackle count when dispossessing the opposing
midfield player and moving the ball into the path of Rob Clarke who with his second attempt managed to find chris wyles at the far post who finished neatly on the volley
to put us one up.We had better of the exchanges leading up to half time and manage to go in 1-0 to the good.

Second half was alot more backs against the wall, but for some last ditch tackles from Ben Davies and Josh Jones we could have found ourselves going behind.
With both Rob Clarke and Chris Wyles working hard down the flanks we always looked a threat going forward with Lee Blackman and Josh Conlon working well
together up front.We then found ourselves on the wrong end of a decision which saw Hildenborough awarded a free kick 25 yards out.This was then punished by the
Hildenborough forward who found the corner of the goal giving Sean Macleod no chance.

This could quite easy of knocked the stuffing out of our young squad but credit due to the lads they picked themselves up and got back into the game.With two substitutes introduced in Carlem Macleod and Steve Rice in place of the hardworking Josh Conlon and Lee Blackman it gave us fresh legs up front which played dividends
when after a blocked shot Carlem Macleod rounded the keeper and slotted home to give us a 2-1 lead.With our defence looking solid at the back which included two 18year olds and a 17 year old marshalled well by Ben Davies at centre back and a man of match performance from Josh Jones filling in as sweeper we managed to hold
out for a well fought victory.

Team S. Macleod, S. Johnson, L.Horne, B.Davies,J.Jones, R. Clarke, C. Wyles K. Tickner, C. Clements, L. Blackman, J. Conlon,
Subs all used S. Rice, S.Taylor, C.Macleod

M.O.M Josh Jones

Alan Durrant