Tuesday, 9th February 2016 - SCEL
Erith Town P
Cray Valley PM P
Wasted Mileage: 80/5,024
Annoyingly called off at 19:00, leaving no time for a detour.
Wednesday, 10 February 2016
Sunday, 7 February 2016
Gillingham 0 Swindon Town 0
Match 66/15/1271 - Saturday, 6th February 2016 - League One
Gillingham (0) 0
Swindon Town (0) 0
Attendance: 6,398
Entrance: Season Ticket
Programme: £3
Mileage: 56/4,944
Match Report
There's an old joke that does the rounds at the end of January, "it's transfer deadline day, otherwise known in Gillingham as Monday". This year was different, Gillingham weren't in the market for money purchases, although the loan deal that secured Dominic Samuel's services through to the end of the season was welcome, but whether they would keep hold of their prized assets. That they did, and in the process turn down a £2 million bid for Bradley Dack, shows a real statement of intent that there is a prospect of promotion and they are going to go for it. In the case of Dack, it was a massive offer, but the player himself hadn't expressed any desire to head west into a relegation battle with Bristol City and at the end of the season he knows that there will be continued interest from clubs further up the food chain. John Egan was an altogether different scenario. Out of contract at the end of the season, nobody could really have blamed the chairman for accepting whatever the offer was from Brentford knowing that in May he can walk away from Priestfield for nothing. But the temptation was resisted and Paul Scally can rightly say to his manager, "I've left you with the tools, now finish the job."
When talking with non-Gillingham people about the club's prospects of promotion, I've described them as the Leicester of League One. No one expected them to be where they are, and everybody is waiting for them to falter, but despite this disappointing result against Swindon Town, they are still in the mix with 30 games gone. The big clubs of the Division are beginning to come good, Wigan Athletic and Millwall are flexing their muscles and Coventry City can hardly be described as a minnow. But swimming with the big fish are leaders Burton Albion, Walsall and Gillingham.
The fact remains that if Gillingham are to be without both Dack and Egan next season they will almost certainly be weaker and, therefore, this season might be their best opportunity.
It was another blustery day at Priestfield, a weather report that I've seemed to purvey each week, wherever I am, for the last three months.
An early mix-up between Swindon's right back, Nathan Thompson, and his goalkeeper, Lawrence Vigouroux allowed Rory Donnelly a free run on goal and as the keeper scrambled to make his ground, the Irishman took aim and planted his shot against the cross bar. It looked the proverbial open goal, and no doubt the wind played it's part, but it was a bad miss that, perhaps, affected his confidence as he went on to have a poor game. It was rumoured that there was a representative from the Northern Ireland management in the stands, I wonder whether that fourth minute miss had him on an early flight back to Belfast, I hope not.
Gillingham needed an early goal to break down a resolute visiting defence and might have got the opportunity from the penalty spot after 10 minutes when Ryan Jackson was brought down in the area. Appeals, on and off the pitch, were turned away by the referee with Justin Edinburgh in animated conversation on the touchline.
The game progressed to the half-hour mark before a sweet strike from Josh Wright was turned over the bar by Vigouroux.
Having had the advantage of the wind in the first half it was particularly disappointing that a large amount of possession hadn't been turned into a goal.
Although they defended well, this was one of the poorest Swindon Town sides that I've seen for many a year. A player, long admired, Yaser Kasim, was as quiet as I've ever seen him and leading goalscorer Nicky Ajose was fed meagre scraps.
The second period was very frustrating. Against the wind, Gillingham struggled to create any clear opportunities and with both strikers having indifferent days, they were a blunt force. So much so, that a fierce shot just wide of the post from defender Egan was about the only effort worthy of mention.
Gillingham (0) 0
Swindon Town (0) 0
Attendance: 6,398
Entrance: Season Ticket
Programme: £3
Mileage: 56/4,944
Match Report
When talking with non-Gillingham people about the club's prospects of promotion, I've described them as the Leicester of League One. No one expected them to be where they are, and everybody is waiting for them to falter, but despite this disappointing result against Swindon Town, they are still in the mix with 30 games gone. The big clubs of the Division are beginning to come good, Wigan Athletic and Millwall are flexing their muscles and Coventry City can hardly be described as a minnow. But swimming with the big fish are leaders Burton Albion, Walsall and Gillingham.
The fact remains that if Gillingham are to be without both Dack and Egan next season they will almost certainly be weaker and, therefore, this season might be their best opportunity.
It was another blustery day at Priestfield, a weather report that I've seemed to purvey each week, wherever I am, for the last three months.
An early mix-up between Swindon's right back, Nathan Thompson, and his goalkeeper, Lawrence Vigouroux allowed Rory Donnelly a free run on goal and as the keeper scrambled to make his ground, the Irishman took aim and planted his shot against the cross bar. It looked the proverbial open goal, and no doubt the wind played it's part, but it was a bad miss that, perhaps, affected his confidence as he went on to have a poor game. It was rumoured that there was a representative from the Northern Ireland management in the stands, I wonder whether that fourth minute miss had him on an early flight back to Belfast, I hope not.
Gillingham needed an early goal to break down a resolute visiting defence and might have got the opportunity from the penalty spot after 10 minutes when Ryan Jackson was brought down in the area. Appeals, on and off the pitch, were turned away by the referee with Justin Edinburgh in animated conversation on the touchline.
The game progressed to the half-hour mark before a sweet strike from Josh Wright was turned over the bar by Vigouroux.
Having had the advantage of the wind in the first half it was particularly disappointing that a large amount of possession hadn't been turned into a goal.
Although they defended well, this was one of the poorest Swindon Town sides that I've seen for many a year. A player, long admired, Yaser Kasim, was as quiet as I've ever seen him and leading goalscorer Nicky Ajose was fed meagre scraps.
The second period was very frustrating. Against the wind, Gillingham struggled to create any clear opportunities and with both strikers having indifferent days, they were a blunt force. So much so, that a fierce shot just wide of the post from defender Egan was about the only effort worthy of mention.
Wednesday, 3 February 2016
Tonbridge 4 Leatherhead 0
Match 65/15/1270 - Tuesday, 2nd February 2016 - Ryman Premier
Tonbridge (1) 4 Woods-Garness 21, Elder 79, Blewden 86,90
Leatherhead (0) 0
Attendance: 335
Entrance: £10
Programme: £2.50
Mileage: 38/4,888
Match Report
A damaging run of results for Tonbridge, dating back to late November, was hopefully brought to an end with a dominant second half performance that left the visitors, Leatherhead, ruing their inability to capitalise on a first half in which for long periods they were the better side.
That run hasn’t been terrible, seven draws and a couple of defeats with a single win on Boxing Day at VCD Athletic sandwiched in the middle, but unless you are of a supremely optimistic tendency, then the likelihood of top spot and automatic promotion is probably out of reach. The play-offs are certainly there to be contested and a top three finish guarantees home advantage.
It was a cold evening at Longmead and, perhaps, this affected the attendance, well below average at 335. Those that stayed away missed a highly entertaining game.
The pitch had dried significantly since Saturday and the postponement of the match against Metropolitan Police but was still obviously soft under foot in places.
Early in the first half, Tonbridge struggled down both flanks with Stephen Okoh and Ryan Mahal looking dangerous adding to the well-known threat of ex-Angel Frannie Collin. Okoh drove one effort wide and another was diverted to safety by the head of Sonny Miles. Tonbridge, for their part, brought a couple of comfortable saves out of Louis Wells.
It was somewhat against the run of play when the home side went ahead after 21 minutes. A corner from Nicky Wheeler was poorly dealt with by Wells whose punch sailed high into the night sky falling at the feet of Bradley Woods-Garness, who from the edge of the box half-volleyed his shot into the top corner for a stunning finish.
The game proceeded to ebb and flow with half chances for both sides. Anthony Di Bernardo denied Okoh with a fine save whilst Wells saved from Luke Blewden and when the Leatherhead keeper made a mess of a cross, Sonny Miles headed wide.
Miles, along with Woods-Garness, were replaced at half-time, both having suffered ankle injuries, Charlie Webster and Laurence Ball being introduced.
The second period was a different story. Tonbridge completely dominated and the threat from Leatherhead virtually disappeared. Wheeler saw a lot more of the ball and the visitor’s right back Adam Cash had a torrid time attempting to contain him.
The hard-working Blewden sent a header wide; Webster ended a sweeping move with a weak shot and Nathan Elder will have been disappointed with a poor header after 70 minutes.
The breakthrough finally came ten minutes from time. A Wheeler free-kick from the right was headed back across the face of goal by Tommy Parkinson and Elder forced the ball home from close range.
Four minutes remain when Tonbridge added the gloss to their second half performance. A Webster cross was turned into his own net by Phil Walsh, under pressure from Blewden, who claimed the last touch.
A final goal, in time added on, was a lovely team goal and also brought the evening’s funniest moment. Wheeler played substitute Luke Allen down the line, who pulled back a cross for Blewden to score at the near post. This was obviously greeted with joy from the Tonbridge supporters, including Paul Bayliss, who took a while to realise that the goal had robbed him of the £25 last goal prize.
Tonbridge (1) 4 Woods-Garness 21, Elder 79, Blewden 86,90
Leatherhead (0) 0
Attendance: 335
Entrance: £10
Programme: £2.50
Mileage: 38/4,888
Match Report
That run hasn’t been terrible, seven draws and a couple of defeats with a single win on Boxing Day at VCD Athletic sandwiched in the middle, but unless you are of a supremely optimistic tendency, then the likelihood of top spot and automatic promotion is probably out of reach. The play-offs are certainly there to be contested and a top three finish guarantees home advantage.
It was a cold evening at Longmead and, perhaps, this affected the attendance, well below average at 335. Those that stayed away missed a highly entertaining game.
The pitch had dried significantly since Saturday and the postponement of the match against Metropolitan Police but was still obviously soft under foot in places.
Early in the first half, Tonbridge struggled down both flanks with Stephen Okoh and Ryan Mahal looking dangerous adding to the well-known threat of ex-Angel Frannie Collin. Okoh drove one effort wide and another was diverted to safety by the head of Sonny Miles. Tonbridge, for their part, brought a couple of comfortable saves out of Louis Wells.
It was somewhat against the run of play when the home side went ahead after 21 minutes. A corner from Nicky Wheeler was poorly dealt with by Wells whose punch sailed high into the night sky falling at the feet of Bradley Woods-Garness, who from the edge of the box half-volleyed his shot into the top corner for a stunning finish.
The game proceeded to ebb and flow with half chances for both sides. Anthony Di Bernardo denied Okoh with a fine save whilst Wells saved from Luke Blewden and when the Leatherhead keeper made a mess of a cross, Sonny Miles headed wide.
Miles, along with Woods-Garness, were replaced at half-time, both having suffered ankle injuries, Charlie Webster and Laurence Ball being introduced.
The second period was a different story. Tonbridge completely dominated and the threat from Leatherhead virtually disappeared. Wheeler saw a lot more of the ball and the visitor’s right back Adam Cash had a torrid time attempting to contain him.
The hard-working Blewden sent a header wide; Webster ended a sweeping move with a weak shot and Nathan Elder will have been disappointed with a poor header after 70 minutes.
The breakthrough finally came ten minutes from time. A Wheeler free-kick from the right was headed back across the face of goal by Tommy Parkinson and Elder forced the ball home from close range.
Four minutes remain when Tonbridge added the gloss to their second half performance. A Webster cross was turned into his own net by Phil Walsh, under pressure from Blewden, who claimed the last touch.
A final goal, in time added on, was a lovely team goal and also brought the evening’s funniest moment. Wheeler played substitute Luke Allen down the line, who pulled back a cross for Blewden to score at the near post. This was obviously greeted with joy from the Tonbridge supporters, including Paul Bayliss, who took a while to realise that the goal had robbed him of the £25 last goal prize.
Sunday, 31 January 2016
Maidstone United U16 2 Tonbridge U16 1
Match 64/15/1269 - Sunday, 31st January 2016 - Causeway Steel Cup QF
Maidstone United U16 (0) 2
Tonbridge U16 (1) 1
Attendance: Est. 100
Entrance: Free
Programme: None
Mileage: 19/4,850
I've watched the results of Tonbridge's U16 with interest as they have put together a fine season so far, topping their Division of the Ryman Youth League with a single defeat. So faced with an aimless Sunday morning, what better opportunity than to watch them against the old enemy at the Gallagher.
This, being my first dip into Under-16s football, meant that I had little knowledge of either team, or its standard. To this end, the game was very watchable. Unfortunately with no team sheet, my observations would have been nameless but for information gathered after the event.
The attendance of around a hundred was made up by Mum's and Dad's, those tireless people who ferry their sons (and daughters) to training and matches. On this occasion, I would say that probably the Mum's held a small majority.
Over the course of the match, Tonbridge were by far the better side, but the old maxim of failing to take their chances can come back to haunt you, proved their undoing as a reslient Maidstone side scored two second half goals to progress to the semi-finals.
Upfront, for the Angels, Jack Cussens and Guy Taylor had too much pace for the Maidstone back line but time and time again chances were spurned until the two combined to put the visitors in front after 24 minutes.
Over-committing in search of a second goal, Tonbridge were caught on the break and with 15 minutes remaining the Maidstone number 10 was sent clear to score an equaliser and with a few minutes remaining a scrambled shot squirmed under the Tonbridge goalkeeper to give the home side an unlikely victory.
At the end of the day, this was far more enjoyable than a morning hoovering, although my penance was, indeed, the hoover!
Maidstone United U16 (0) 2
Tonbridge U16 (1) 1
Attendance: Est. 100
Entrance: Free
Programme: None
Mileage: 19/4,850
I've watched the results of Tonbridge's U16 with interest as they have put together a fine season so far, topping their Division of the Ryman Youth League with a single defeat. So faced with an aimless Sunday morning, what better opportunity than to watch them against the old enemy at the Gallagher.
This, being my first dip into Under-16s football, meant that I had little knowledge of either team, or its standard. To this end, the game was very watchable. Unfortunately with no team sheet, my observations would have been nameless but for information gathered after the event.
The attendance of around a hundred was made up by Mum's and Dad's, those tireless people who ferry their sons (and daughters) to training and matches. On this occasion, I would say that probably the Mum's held a small majority.
Over the course of the match, Tonbridge were by far the better side, but the old maxim of failing to take their chances can come back to haunt you, proved their undoing as a reslient Maidstone side scored two second half goals to progress to the semi-finals.
Upfront, for the Angels, Jack Cussens and Guy Taylor had too much pace for the Maidstone back line but time and time again chances were spurned until the two combined to put the visitors in front after 24 minutes.
Over-committing in search of a second goal, Tonbridge were caught on the break and with 15 minutes remaining the Maidstone number 10 was sent clear to score an equaliser and with a few minutes remaining a scrambled shot squirmed under the Tonbridge goalkeeper to give the home side an unlikely victory.
At the end of the day, this was far more enjoyable than a morning hoovering, although my penance was, indeed, the hoover!
Beckenham Town 2 Tunbridge Wells 1
Match 63/15/1268 - Saturday, 30th January 2016 - Southern Counties East
Beckenham Town (0) 2 Alobiosu 52 Humphries 83
Tunbridge Wells (1) 1 Crandley 24
Attendance: 210
Entrance: £4 Senior
Programme: £1
Mileage: 85/4,831
Match Report
2:35 pm is not the time to be forced to change direction and hot foot it to another game.
Listening to the rain beating against the office windows throughout the night in Bermondsey left me with grave doubts that my Saturday afternoon would be spent at Longmead watching Tonbridge in action against the Metropolitan Police. But, checking Facebook, etc., as soon as I got up, it seemed that a successful forking of the pitch had taken place and the game was declared on. Leaving home just before 2 p.m., one last check continued to say game on. But, as I pulled into Longmead's car park, Radio Kent were reporting the game's postponement. Five minutes into my journey, the referee had changed his mind with one area of the pitch was deemed unplayable.
The satnav was quickly booted up and it predicted an arrival at Beckenham's Eden Park Avenue at 3:20. Seventy minutes football is better than none, so up the A21 I headed.
Last Saturday's heavy home defeat to AFC Croydon had left much soul searching on and off the field at Culverden Stadium and heralded another week of comings and goings highlighted by the departure of club stalwart Joe Fuller. Those Tunbridge Wells supporters that turn out in big numbers deserve so much more than they have been offered this season and for 45 minutes (or 25 in my case), they saw a much improved, highly committed performance.
As with my late arrival at Woodstock Sports on Tuesday, I was met with a helpful young lady on the turnstile who informed me that the game remained goalless and pitchside I met with a fellow Tonbridge supporter who had made the same journey, his motorbike having negotiated the traffic and parking quicker than myself.
Having come from a waterlogged pitch, it was amazing to see the pristine nature of the Beckenham pitch. It always has been one of the best, but given the conditions of this winter, it was truly impressive.
After five minutes of watching one-way traffic in Tunbridge Wells' favour, Bradley Large stood up a perfect cross for Ryan Crandley to head in from close range. On-loan from Gillingham, Crandley was very impressive, whilst new signings Dane Moore and Basit Ajala also caught the eye in a half in which it was hard to believe that only the maroooned Holmesdale sat below the Wells in the table.
Tunbridge Wells continued to enjoy the lion's share of possession early in the second half but were undone when Marvin Alobiosu got through down the right hand side and produced a good finish.
What happened on the hour was one of the most unseemly fracas I've witnessed on a football pitch for a long while. The initial incident, I have to plead Arsene Wenger, as my eyes followed the ball and when they returned to the scene, a Tunbridge Wells player was on the ground and a scuffle between a couple of players had begun. This quickly escalated in a mass brawl with half the players throwing punches, whilst the others were trying to bring some order. When some semblance of calm had been restored the referee stepped in and showed the red card to Alobiosu, who responded by launching himself back into the melee before being dragged away. As he walked towards the dressing room, a member of the Beckenham staff ran from the dug outs, sensing I think that it was all going to kick off again behind the goal. Who became Alobiosu's target, or who provoked him, again I'm pleading Wenger, but some Tunbridge Wells players ran from the pitch into that kerfuffle and another almighty set-to ensued. At this point, my thoughts were that this game was about to be abandoned. Out of that bundle, Tunbridge Wells' Keiron Tarbie was shown a red.
Once everybody was ready to play football again, Tunbridge Wells' found it difficult to get back into their stride and with seven minutes remaining a cross into the box was met with the faintest of touches from Jamie Humphries to give the home side the lead.
A couple of goalmouth scrambles might have produced an equaliser for the visitors but it was not too be and the travelling contingent could only take satisfaction that their side's first half performance was not that of a team struggling badly at the foot of the table.
Jason Bourne has made the decision, whether forced by his budget or otherwise, to put his faith into a much younger set-up and, from my discussions with supporters, they are willing to buy into this policy, as long as the endeavour shown in the opening 45 minutes is replicated for the rest of, what has been, a desperate season.
Beckenham Town (0) 2 Alobiosu 52 Humphries 83
Tunbridge Wells (1) 1 Crandley 24
Attendance: 210
Entrance: £4 Senior
Programme: £1
Mileage: 85/4,831
Match Report
Listening to the rain beating against the office windows throughout the night in Bermondsey left me with grave doubts that my Saturday afternoon would be spent at Longmead watching Tonbridge in action against the Metropolitan Police. But, checking Facebook, etc., as soon as I got up, it seemed that a successful forking of the pitch had taken place and the game was declared on. Leaving home just before 2 p.m., one last check continued to say game on. But, as I pulled into Longmead's car park, Radio Kent were reporting the game's postponement. Five minutes into my journey, the referee had changed his mind with one area of the pitch was deemed unplayable.
The satnav was quickly booted up and it predicted an arrival at Beckenham's Eden Park Avenue at 3:20. Seventy minutes football is better than none, so up the A21 I headed.
Last Saturday's heavy home defeat to AFC Croydon had left much soul searching on and off the field at Culverden Stadium and heralded another week of comings and goings highlighted by the departure of club stalwart Joe Fuller. Those Tunbridge Wells supporters that turn out in big numbers deserve so much more than they have been offered this season and for 45 minutes (or 25 in my case), they saw a much improved, highly committed performance.
As with my late arrival at Woodstock Sports on Tuesday, I was met with a helpful young lady on the turnstile who informed me that the game remained goalless and pitchside I met with a fellow Tonbridge supporter who had made the same journey, his motorbike having negotiated the traffic and parking quicker than myself.
Having come from a waterlogged pitch, it was amazing to see the pristine nature of the Beckenham pitch. It always has been one of the best, but given the conditions of this winter, it was truly impressive.
After five minutes of watching one-way traffic in Tunbridge Wells' favour, Bradley Large stood up a perfect cross for Ryan Crandley to head in from close range. On-loan from Gillingham, Crandley was very impressive, whilst new signings Dane Moore and Basit Ajala also caught the eye in a half in which it was hard to believe that only the maroooned Holmesdale sat below the Wells in the table.
Tunbridge Wells continued to enjoy the lion's share of possession early in the second half but were undone when Marvin Alobiosu got through down the right hand side and produced a good finish.
What happened on the hour was one of the most unseemly fracas I've witnessed on a football pitch for a long while. The initial incident, I have to plead Arsene Wenger, as my eyes followed the ball and when they returned to the scene, a Tunbridge Wells player was on the ground and a scuffle between a couple of players had begun. This quickly escalated in a mass brawl with half the players throwing punches, whilst the others were trying to bring some order. When some semblance of calm had been restored the referee stepped in and showed the red card to Alobiosu, who responded by launching himself back into the melee before being dragged away. As he walked towards the dressing room, a member of the Beckenham staff ran from the dug outs, sensing I think that it was all going to kick off again behind the goal. Who became Alobiosu's target, or who provoked him, again I'm pleading Wenger, but some Tunbridge Wells players ran from the pitch into that kerfuffle and another almighty set-to ensued. At this point, my thoughts were that this game was about to be abandoned. Out of that bundle, Tunbridge Wells' Keiron Tarbie was shown a red.
Once everybody was ready to play football again, Tunbridge Wells' found it difficult to get back into their stride and with seven minutes remaining a cross into the box was met with the faintest of touches from Jamie Humphries to give the home side the lead.
A couple of goalmouth scrambles might have produced an equaliser for the visitors but it was not too be and the travelling contingent could only take satisfaction that their side's first half performance was not that of a team struggling badly at the foot of the table.
Jason Bourne has made the decision, whether forced by his budget or otherwise, to put his faith into a much younger set-up and, from my discussions with supporters, they are willing to buy into this policy, as long as the endeavour shown in the opening 45 minutes is replicated for the rest of, what has been, a desperate season.
Wednesday, 27 January 2016
Sittingbourne 2 Corinthian Casuals 1
Match 62/15/1267 - Tuesday, 26th January 2016 - Ryman League Cup QF
Sittingbourne (0) 2 Hughes 66,77
Corinthian Casuals (1) 1 Joseph 33
Attendance: 70
Entrance: £5 Senior
Programme: £2
Mileage: 33/4,746
Match Report
ME9 8AG. This is the postcode for Sittingbourne Football Club for my future reference and others that might trail around country lanes in the near future. I made such a mess of getting to this footballing outpost, even I couldn't believe I had been here before and found the place with ease.
A satellite navigation devise can only work if given the correct details of your destination and forward planning is the key. Undecided on where I would spend my Tuesday evening; by the time I made the decision on Sittingbourne, I was fumbling around with my phone looking for the correct postcode. Sittingbourne's website is a lot more user friendly on a tablet than a phone and a Google search eventually gave me a postcode, for their old ground at Central Park!
The most annoying part was actually heading along Woodstock Road en-route to what is presently a greyhound track.
I eventually arrived at Woodstock Park with the game around 10 minutes old. The young lady on the gate helpfully informed that the game had kicked off late and I had only missed around five minutes and it was still goalless.
The remnants of Storm Jonah that had dumped a trillion tonnes of snow on the eastern seaboard of America was blowing hard with driving rain, not hard but irritating. So the little covered enclosure was a welcome retreat.
Sittingbourne have ventured to the quarter-final of the competition by virtue of winning a penalty shoot-out in the previous round against Hastings United, who disposed of Tonbridge in similar fashion, whilst Corinthian Casuals were reinstated after Tooting and Mitcham had been found to have played an ineligible player in their tie.
The wind made it particularly difficult for both sides and there wasn't much between the sides with Corinthian perhaps edging it by virtue of having the advantage of the wind. They took a 33rd minute lead when Stef Joseph was sent clear to finish past Adam Molloy with a low shot into the corner.
Sittingbourne's second half recovery began on the hour with the introduction of an old friend, Andy Irvine, recently signed from Tunbridge Wells. He won a free kick that was turned away for a corner. Hitcham Akhassan, who now must attain legendary status with the Brickies, sent the ball the box and a partial clearance fell to Dan Hughes, who scored with a sweet volley from the angle of the six yard box.
The home side took the lead with a well worked goal that involved Irvine sending Josh Wisson away down the right hand side. The youngster, who on Saturday will be with England Schoolboys, stood up the perfect cross for Hughes to nod in from close range.
Sittingbourne comfortably saw out time to set up an all-Kent semi-final against Faversham Town.
Sittingbourne (0) 2 Hughes 66,77
Corinthian Casuals (1) 1 Joseph 33
Attendance: 70
Entrance: £5 Senior
Programme: £2
Mileage: 33/4,746
Match Report
A satellite navigation devise can only work if given the correct details of your destination and forward planning is the key. Undecided on where I would spend my Tuesday evening; by the time I made the decision on Sittingbourne, I was fumbling around with my phone looking for the correct postcode. Sittingbourne's website is a lot more user friendly on a tablet than a phone and a Google search eventually gave me a postcode, for their old ground at Central Park!
The most annoying part was actually heading along Woodstock Road en-route to what is presently a greyhound track.
I eventually arrived at Woodstock Park with the game around 10 minutes old. The young lady on the gate helpfully informed that the game had kicked off late and I had only missed around five minutes and it was still goalless.
The remnants of Storm Jonah that had dumped a trillion tonnes of snow on the eastern seaboard of America was blowing hard with driving rain, not hard but irritating. So the little covered enclosure was a welcome retreat.
Sittingbourne have ventured to the quarter-final of the competition by virtue of winning a penalty shoot-out in the previous round against Hastings United, who disposed of Tonbridge in similar fashion, whilst Corinthian Casuals were reinstated after Tooting and Mitcham had been found to have played an ineligible player in their tie.
The wind made it particularly difficult for both sides and there wasn't much between the sides with Corinthian perhaps edging it by virtue of having the advantage of the wind. They took a 33rd minute lead when Stef Joseph was sent clear to finish past Adam Molloy with a low shot into the corner.
Sittingbourne's second half recovery began on the hour with the introduction of an old friend, Andy Irvine, recently signed from Tunbridge Wells. He won a free kick that was turned away for a corner. Hitcham Akhassan, who now must attain legendary status with the Brickies, sent the ball the box and a partial clearance fell to Dan Hughes, who scored with a sweet volley from the angle of the six yard box.
The home side took the lead with a well worked goal that involved Irvine sending Josh Wisson away down the right hand side. The youngster, who on Saturday will be with England Schoolboys, stood up the perfect cross for Hughes to nod in from close range.
Sittingbourne comfortably saw out time to set up an all-Kent semi-final against Faversham Town.
Saturday, 23 January 2016
Gillingham 2 Peterborough United 1
Match 61/15/1266 - Saturday, 23rd January 2016 - League One
Gillingham (0) 2 Norris 49, Dack 65
Peterborough United (1) 1 Oztumer 25
Attendance: 6,449
Entrance: Season Ticket
Programme: £3
Mileage: 56/4,713
Match Report
A week ago, I and many others, were criticising Justin Edinburgh for his substitutions at Doncaster, so it is only fair to point out that the half-time changes he made in this match turned the game in his team's favour.
A meeting of the Division’s great entertainers, 105 league goals between them this season, produced a cracking match with Peterborough dominating the first half and Gillingham staging a thrilling second half comeback.
Once again the star of the show from a Gillingham perspective was Bradley Dack and the club’s fans are counting down the days until the end of the transfer window with the hope that their prized asset is going to see the season out at Priestfield and with him the prospect of promotion.
Rumours abound of bids from Crystal Palace, Reading, Leeds et.al., but only one bid has been made public, that of a £1 million from Bristol City that was turned down out-of-hand. How much is Dack actually worth? Every player has a price, what sort of offer could not be refused?
Perhaps a benchmark might be taken from Connor Washington’s move from today’s opponents Peterborough to Queens Park Rangers for a rumoured £2.5 million. Washington, is a year older at 23, has 10 goals to his credit this season and overall scored 27 goals from 81 appearances following his move from Newport County. In comparison, Dack has scored 12 goals from midfield this term and 25 goals from 100 appearances overall. Those figures alone surely undervalues Bristol City’s offer by a long way.
Dack’s value to Gillingham on the pitch is a whole lot more than just goals. His presence is everywhere on the pitch. He takes virtually all the free kicks and corners, his number of assists must rank alongside his goals total and when he is not bombing forward, he is tracking back diligently.
Gillingham’s impressive campaign so far has not been built on a single player, but Bradley Dack’s contribution has been very significant. I, for one, have serious reservations that Gillingham’s challenge can be kept on track without him. But if an offer of £2.5 million was to drop on Paul Scally’s mat, could it be refused?
Gillingham made one change to their line-up, Rory Donnelly pulling up in the warm-up and being replaced by Luke Norris.
The first half very much belonged to Peterborough. Shaquille Coulthirst, on loan from Tottenham, brought an early save out of Stuart Nelson and another effort narrowly missed at the far post. The attempts on goal from the Posh continued to rain in as, frankly, they were running rings around a ragged Gillingham before taking a deserved lead after 20 minutes with a brilliantly engineered free kick. A cluster of players jostled for space to the left of the box as Jon Taylor stood over the ball 20 yards from goal. Instead of a cross into that area he played a simple ball to Coulthirst positioned in the wall who played it back into the path of Erhut Otzumer, who picked his spot into the bottom right hand corner with unerring accuracy.
Otzumer, quite possibly the smallest player in the Football League, was long admired in non-league circles at Dulwich Hamlet before his move to Peterborough, a club with a rich recent history of unearthing talent from the lower leagues.
Peterborough continued to dominate the half and created further chances for Coulthirst and a couple for Martin Samuelson, none of which missed the target by much.
As the half neared its end, Gillingham at least found a bit of momentum and were unlucky when John Egan struck the right hand post with a shot from a difficult angle.
Edinburgh made two half-time changes, replacing Jake Hessenthaler, who had a particularly poor 45 minutes, and Bradley Garmston with Doug Loft and Brennan Dickenson. Dickenson went on to play as well as at any time during the season but it was the club skipper Loft who carried the most influence.
A different Gillingham emerged from the tunnel for the second half with a renewed sense of purpose. Dominic Samuel went close within a couple of minutes of the restart before the home side equalised after 49 minutes. Dack, who else, threaded an inch perfect 40 yard pass down a narrow channel on the right wing into the path of Samuel, whose cross found an unmarked Luke Norris who finished with a shot into the bottom corner despite the efforts of a defender to clear from the line.
Gillingham now had their tails up and when the ball fell to Egan in the box following a corner, the central defender's shot came back off the bar.
Just before the hour mark, the visiting manager made the surprising decision to withdraw Oztumer, a choice that was welcomed by the home support around me. But his replaced Adil Nabi served notice of his arrival when his first chance struck the bar.
Peterborough gave notice that they were far from out of this game when a couple more chances fell to Coulthirst, one went wide and the other needed a save from Nelson.
After 65 minutes, Gillingham were in front. Loft put the ball into the box to Samuel whose backheel was into the path of Dack. A challenge from Chris Forrester at first appeared to have stopped the midfielder, but the defender stumbled on the ball, setting it up perfectly for Dack to drive a shot into the centre of the goal.
To their credit, Peterborough refused to lie down and the game had a thrilling ebb and flow. Forrester went close to making amends 15 minutes from time when his long range shot hit a post and the visitors were really cursing their luck when shots from Baldwin and Maddison went sailing over the bar.
Gillingham laid a lie to the previous two games when they successfully, almost comfortably, saw out the five minutes of time added to record their eleventh victory in 14 games at Fortress Priestfield, one that took them back to the summit of League One.
January can be a pretty dark, dank and unwelcoming month and Gillingham fans will be glad to see the back of it with their prized asset still wearing their blue shirt.
Gillingham (0) 2 Norris 49, Dack 65
Peterborough United (1) 1 Oztumer 25
Attendance: 6,449
Entrance: Season Ticket
Programme: £3
Mileage: 56/4,713
Match Report
A meeting of the Division’s great entertainers, 105 league goals between them this season, produced a cracking match with Peterborough dominating the first half and Gillingham staging a thrilling second half comeback.
Once again the star of the show from a Gillingham perspective was Bradley Dack and the club’s fans are counting down the days until the end of the transfer window with the hope that their prized asset is going to see the season out at Priestfield and with him the prospect of promotion.
Rumours abound of bids from Crystal Palace, Reading, Leeds et.al., but only one bid has been made public, that of a £1 million from Bristol City that was turned down out-of-hand. How much is Dack actually worth? Every player has a price, what sort of offer could not be refused?
Perhaps a benchmark might be taken from Connor Washington’s move from today’s opponents Peterborough to Queens Park Rangers for a rumoured £2.5 million. Washington, is a year older at 23, has 10 goals to his credit this season and overall scored 27 goals from 81 appearances following his move from Newport County. In comparison, Dack has scored 12 goals from midfield this term and 25 goals from 100 appearances overall. Those figures alone surely undervalues Bristol City’s offer by a long way.
Dack’s value to Gillingham on the pitch is a whole lot more than just goals. His presence is everywhere on the pitch. He takes virtually all the free kicks and corners, his number of assists must rank alongside his goals total and when he is not bombing forward, he is tracking back diligently.
Gillingham’s impressive campaign so far has not been built on a single player, but Bradley Dack’s contribution has been very significant. I, for one, have serious reservations that Gillingham’s challenge can be kept on track without him. But if an offer of £2.5 million was to drop on Paul Scally’s mat, could it be refused?
Gillingham made one change to their line-up, Rory Donnelly pulling up in the warm-up and being replaced by Luke Norris.
The first half very much belonged to Peterborough. Shaquille Coulthirst, on loan from Tottenham, brought an early save out of Stuart Nelson and another effort narrowly missed at the far post. The attempts on goal from the Posh continued to rain in as, frankly, they were running rings around a ragged Gillingham before taking a deserved lead after 20 minutes with a brilliantly engineered free kick. A cluster of players jostled for space to the left of the box as Jon Taylor stood over the ball 20 yards from goal. Instead of a cross into that area he played a simple ball to Coulthirst positioned in the wall who played it back into the path of Erhut Otzumer, who picked his spot into the bottom right hand corner with unerring accuracy.
Otzumer, quite possibly the smallest player in the Football League, was long admired in non-league circles at Dulwich Hamlet before his move to Peterborough, a club with a rich recent history of unearthing talent from the lower leagues.
Peterborough continued to dominate the half and created further chances for Coulthirst and a couple for Martin Samuelson, none of which missed the target by much.
As the half neared its end, Gillingham at least found a bit of momentum and were unlucky when John Egan struck the right hand post with a shot from a difficult angle.
Edinburgh made two half-time changes, replacing Jake Hessenthaler, who had a particularly poor 45 minutes, and Bradley Garmston with Doug Loft and Brennan Dickenson. Dickenson went on to play as well as at any time during the season but it was the club skipper Loft who carried the most influence.
A different Gillingham emerged from the tunnel for the second half with a renewed sense of purpose. Dominic Samuel went close within a couple of minutes of the restart before the home side equalised after 49 minutes. Dack, who else, threaded an inch perfect 40 yard pass down a narrow channel on the right wing into the path of Samuel, whose cross found an unmarked Luke Norris who finished with a shot into the bottom corner despite the efforts of a defender to clear from the line.
Gillingham now had their tails up and when the ball fell to Egan in the box following a corner, the central defender's shot came back off the bar.
Just before the hour mark, the visiting manager made the surprising decision to withdraw Oztumer, a choice that was welcomed by the home support around me. But his replaced Adil Nabi served notice of his arrival when his first chance struck the bar.
Peterborough gave notice that they were far from out of this game when a couple more chances fell to Coulthirst, one went wide and the other needed a save from Nelson.
After 65 minutes, Gillingham were in front. Loft put the ball into the box to Samuel whose backheel was into the path of Dack. A challenge from Chris Forrester at first appeared to have stopped the midfielder, but the defender stumbled on the ball, setting it up perfectly for Dack to drive a shot into the centre of the goal.
To their credit, Peterborough refused to lie down and the game had a thrilling ebb and flow. Forrester went close to making amends 15 minutes from time when his long range shot hit a post and the visitors were really cursing their luck when shots from Baldwin and Maddison went sailing over the bar.
Gillingham laid a lie to the previous two games when they successfully, almost comfortably, saw out the five minutes of time added to record their eleventh victory in 14 games at Fortress Priestfield, one that took them back to the summit of League One.
January can be a pretty dark, dank and unwelcoming month and Gillingham fans will be glad to see the back of it with their prized asset still wearing their blue shirt.
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