Match 05/09/757 - Wednesday, 29th July 2009 - Courier Cup
Tonbridge (1) 2 Booth 14, Cade 62
Tunbridge Wells (1) 1 Lord 39
Att. 228
Entrance: £6
Programme: 50p
Mileage: 26/291
Match Report
On a wet night and following an announcement from the Met Office stating the bleeding obvious that the forecast that we should expect an “odds-on barbeque summer” was rather wide of the mark, Tonbridge manager Tommy Warrilow chose a half-strength side to contest the Courier Cup against neighbours Tunbridge Wells.
The half that were first team regulars ultimately was the difference between the sides, but there was some eye-catching performances from some of the Angels’ youngsters that made up the side.
Particularly impressive was Charlie Sharman, a fleet-footed winger, whose speed was instrumental in both Tonbridge goals. Not that Tonbridge had the game all their own way during the first half and first choice keeper, Lee Worgan was forced to make acrobatic tip-over saves from Mike Lord and Alex Rich.
Sharman’s speed on 14 minutes set up the opening the goal. A through ball saw Michael Czanner rush from his goal, but his clearance came off Sharman and rebounded to Paul Booth, who composed himself before sliding the ball into the open goal.
Tunbridge Wells profited from a mistake by young full back George Crimmen whose back pass was woefully underhit. Mike Lord showed similar experience to that of Booth when he seized on the opportunity and although his first two attempts was parried by Worgan, he eventually scored at the third attempt.
The home side had much the better of the second period and following a superb pass from Booth, Jamie Cade was able to finish clinically.
It might well have been thought a shade disrespectful on his Kent League opponents that a weakened side was fielded but with another fixture within 24 hours at Thamesmead, Warrilow took the opportunity to look at some of the kids that might well be squad players this term with the reduced budget he has. As well as Sharman, Luke Blewden, son of Tonbridge legend, Colin, showed up well and there was a composed performance in central defence from Jack Parkes.
Thursday, 30 July 2009
Sunday, 26 July 2009
RUFC Calais 0 Gillingham 0
Match 04/09/756 - Saturday, 25th July 2009 - Pre-Season Friendly
RUFC Calais (0) 0
Gillingham (0) 0
Att. 300-ish
Entrance: 3 Euros
Programme: None
Mileage: 103/265
New Ground: 232 (34th abroad)
Match Report
Gillingham and RUFC Calais failed to serve up much in the way of va-va voom in this rather disappointing Pre-Season Friendly.
In the shade of the Ouest Stand in the colourful Stade J. Denis, the warm French sunshine became cool whereas on the pitch the players toiled laboriously in what ultimately turned out to be a feisty affair.
Calais made all of the chances in a first half in which Simon Royce made three good stops to keep the game goalless at half time. A pass inside John Nutter left the French sides’ winger with time and space to pull back a pass, but a clear shooting opportunity was directed straight at Royce. The Gills keeper made a more impressive save soon after saving low to his right after another pass that had exposed the visitors left flank.
Dennis Oli was forced to limp away from the action before Calais once again forced Royce into a fine stop beating away a well hit shot. Gillingham were making very little impression on the hosts goal until a move led to an opportunity for Mark McCammon who failed to test the Calais keeper. Rashid Yussuff then managed to at least test the white-shirted keeper, but not with a shot that as going to dirty the jersey.
Mark Bentley was introduced for the second half replacing Yussuff and Gillingham became a more potent force by virtue of the change but not before Calais struck a post following a corner. Calais continued to have the better of the chances, Royce was required to once again beat away a shot and then was well positioned to safely gather another effort from outside the box.
In a rare Gillingham attack McCammon headed wide from a Chris Palmer free kick, who was beginning to enjoy a bit of space down the right hand side.
A game that had meandered its way for the best part of 70 minutes strangely turned ill-tempered following a foul and a yellow card for Barry Fuller. As if in retaliation, moments later Palmer was scythed down which resulted in a yellow for a home side player. The pushing and shoving following the tackle ended with a yellow for Kevin Maher and another Frenchman. Josh Gowling was then booked for a tackle as the referee became card happy before he brought the proceedings to an end.
The new Calais Stadium is only a couple of kilometres out of the centre of town, from our point of view in the right direction, heading back towards the port or tunnel. It is a colourful sight bedecked in seating in the club colours of yellow and red. Its facilities did appear a little sparse with just one food outlet serving little other than beer. Whilst it is on the compact side, 10,000 seats we estimated, it is presumably more than big enough for their needs in the French lower Division. Plenty of free parking surrounding the stadium, whether this remained free in regular season, perhaps not.
No programmes were issued, which is more often the case in this type of game abroad, so this is the reason why I can only refer to the home side’s players as the Frenchman! Always good to take the opportunity of seeing Gillingham on foreign soil, but on this occasion their performance was a little disappointing and the injury to Dennis Oli will be a further headache for manager Mark Stimson.
And a couple of snaps to prove there is more to Calais than a port
RUFC Calais (0) 0
Gillingham (0) 0
Att. 300-ish
Entrance: 3 Euros
Programme: None
Mileage: 103/265
New Ground: 232 (34th abroad)
Match Report
Gillingham and RUFC Calais failed to serve up much in the way of va-va voom in this rather disappointing Pre-Season Friendly.
In the shade of the Ouest Stand in the colourful Stade J. Denis, the warm French sunshine became cool whereas on the pitch the players toiled laboriously in what ultimately turned out to be a feisty affair.
Calais made all of the chances in a first half in which Simon Royce made three good stops to keep the game goalless at half time. A pass inside John Nutter left the French sides’ winger with time and space to pull back a pass, but a clear shooting opportunity was directed straight at Royce. The Gills keeper made a more impressive save soon after saving low to his right after another pass that had exposed the visitors left flank.
Dennis Oli was forced to limp away from the action before Calais once again forced Royce into a fine stop beating away a well hit shot. Gillingham were making very little impression on the hosts goal until a move led to an opportunity for Mark McCammon who failed to test the Calais keeper. Rashid Yussuff then managed to at least test the white-shirted keeper, but not with a shot that as going to dirty the jersey.
Mark Bentley was introduced for the second half replacing Yussuff and Gillingham became a more potent force by virtue of the change but not before Calais struck a post following a corner. Calais continued to have the better of the chances, Royce was required to once again beat away a shot and then was well positioned to safely gather another effort from outside the box.
In a rare Gillingham attack McCammon headed wide from a Chris Palmer free kick, who was beginning to enjoy a bit of space down the right hand side.
A game that had meandered its way for the best part of 70 minutes strangely turned ill-tempered following a foul and a yellow card for Barry Fuller. As if in retaliation, moments later Palmer was scythed down which resulted in a yellow for a home side player. The pushing and shoving following the tackle ended with a yellow for Kevin Maher and another Frenchman. Josh Gowling was then booked for a tackle as the referee became card happy before he brought the proceedings to an end.
The new Calais Stadium is only a couple of kilometres out of the centre of town, from our point of view in the right direction, heading back towards the port or tunnel. It is a colourful sight bedecked in seating in the club colours of yellow and red. Its facilities did appear a little sparse with just one food outlet serving little other than beer. Whilst it is on the compact side, 10,000 seats we estimated, it is presumably more than big enough for their needs in the French lower Division. Plenty of free parking surrounding the stadium, whether this remained free in regular season, perhaps not.
No programmes were issued, which is more often the case in this type of game abroad, so this is the reason why I can only refer to the home side’s players as the Frenchman! Always good to take the opportunity of seeing Gillingham on foreign soil, but on this occasion their performance was a little disappointing and the injury to Dennis Oli will be a further headache for manager Mark Stimson.
And a couple of snaps to prove there is more to Calais than a port
Saturday, 18 July 2009
Tonbridge 3 Ebbsfleet 2
Match 03/09/755 - Saturday, 18th July 2009 - Pre-Season Friendly
Tonbridge (2) 3 Gooding 38, 43, Sigere 70
Ebbsfleet (2) 2 Shakes 10, Hickey 37 (pen)
Att. 252
Entrance: £6
Programme: 50p
Mileage: 26/162
It would have come as something of a relief for these two Kent clubs to be playing football again. A summer of turmoil can be put behind them and their respective managers will be tested by reduced budgets brought about by their clubs’ off-field problems.
Both managers have had to lose players as these adjustments are being made and for Liam Daish this resulted in a team almost entirely made up of triallists and youth team players at the time the final whistle sounded. Tommy Warrilow’s situation is not quite as critical, he has lost players but there is still the nucleus of half-a-dozen of last season’s successful side.
Longmead looked in fine order with its new perimeter fencing and a lush green pitch that had needed an extra week bedding in, thus causing the postponement of the Gillingham friendly last Saturday. The grass is being kept a little long and its base showed signs of being a bit dusty but appeared to play well.
In an entertaining game, Tonbridge came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 with a second half winner from new signing Jean-Michal Sigere. After an even opening few minutes Ricky Shakes made the most of a excellent left wing cross to head the Fleet into a 10th minute lead. The game continued to be evenly contested until Luke Hickey put the visitors two in front from the penalty spot following a hand ball on 37 minutes.
Rather than being set back by their deficit, Tonbridge produced two Scott Gooding headers from set pieces to go in deservedly all-square at half time.
Tonbridge overall dominated the second half as Daish made wholesale changes. For Tonbridge, Carl Rook, presently trialling at Brighton, was replaced by Paul Booth. Midway through the half, Booth intercepted a poor back pass, rounded the keeper and unselfishly slid a pass for Sigere to tap into a open goal.
Steve Ferguson produced an livewire display down the right wing and should prove a handful for Ryman League defenders in the weeks to come.
It seems strange to say that the loss of a 40 goal striker would be a blessing, but should Brighton firm up their interest in Rook, the money saved on the wage bill, plus a potential fee could free up enough cash for a couple of incoming players. Such is the hard reality of clubs at this level when they lose their principal backers/benefactors.
Tonbridge (2) 3 Gooding 38, 43, Sigere 70
Ebbsfleet (2) 2 Shakes 10, Hickey 37 (pen)
Att. 252
Entrance: £6
Programme: 50p
Mileage: 26/162
It would have come as something of a relief for these two Kent clubs to be playing football again. A summer of turmoil can be put behind them and their respective managers will be tested by reduced budgets brought about by their clubs’ off-field problems.
Both managers have had to lose players as these adjustments are being made and for Liam Daish this resulted in a team almost entirely made up of triallists and youth team players at the time the final whistle sounded. Tommy Warrilow’s situation is not quite as critical, he has lost players but there is still the nucleus of half-a-dozen of last season’s successful side.
Longmead looked in fine order with its new perimeter fencing and a lush green pitch that had needed an extra week bedding in, thus causing the postponement of the Gillingham friendly last Saturday. The grass is being kept a little long and its base showed signs of being a bit dusty but appeared to play well.
In an entertaining game, Tonbridge came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 with a second half winner from new signing Jean-Michal Sigere. After an even opening few minutes Ricky Shakes made the most of a excellent left wing cross to head the Fleet into a 10th minute lead. The game continued to be evenly contested until Luke Hickey put the visitors two in front from the penalty spot following a hand ball on 37 minutes.
Rather than being set back by their deficit, Tonbridge produced two Scott Gooding headers from set pieces to go in deservedly all-square at half time.
Tonbridge overall dominated the second half as Daish made wholesale changes. For Tonbridge, Carl Rook, presently trialling at Brighton, was replaced by Paul Booth. Midway through the half, Booth intercepted a poor back pass, rounded the keeper and unselfishly slid a pass for Sigere to tap into a open goal.
Steve Ferguson produced an livewire display down the right wing and should prove a handful for Ryman League defenders in the weeks to come.
It seems strange to say that the loss of a 40 goal striker would be a blessing, but should Brighton firm up their interest in Rook, the money saved on the wage bill, plus a potential fee could free up enough cash for a couple of incoming players. Such is the hard reality of clubs at this level when they lose their principal backers/benefactors.
Wednesday, 15 July 2009
Dartford 2 Gillingham 4
Match 02/09/754 - Tuesday, 14th July 2009 - Pre-Season Friendly
Dartford (2) 2 Burchill 37, Flanagan 43
Gillingham (2) 4 Rooney 10, Barcham 37, Wynter 46, Parkes 77
Att. 1,002
Entrance: £10
Programme: £2
Mileage: 54/136
New Ground: 231
Match Report
Gillingham came through a much sterner test last night at Princes Park against a competitive Dartford side. On a night that began wet and ended feeling much cooler than the date suggested it should, Mark Stimson once again fielded two separate sides in each half. As with Saturday’s opener at Folkestone, Aaron Brown played the full 90 minutes suggesting that the manager wants a longer look at the ex-Yeovil triallist. Rashid Yusseff, the stand-out feature of the first game, this time played in the first half side, he was less prominent than Saturday, but continued to impress with his quick eye for a forward pass. The eye-catching performance of the night came from within our own ranks, youngster Luke Rooney giving another livewire performance.
On a pitch that was like a bowling green and a credit to a groundsman that is bound for the Premiership with Fulham, Gillingham passed and moved through their Ryman League opponents in the opening ten minutes and were rewarded with a opening goal from Rooney. A sweet interchange of passes left Andy Barcham with a good shooting opportunity that was parried by Andrew Young, the rebound fell to Rooney who took his time and picked his spot for a good finish.
Let’s not over-hype Rooney (pictured), he is not the second-coming of his Old Trafford namesake, but the lad has talent and looks a very good prospect that might make an impression on the first team in the coming months.
After being given a bit of an early run around the hosts came more into the picture after going behind and stretched the Gillingham back line on several occasions before a suicidal pass across the face of goal left Barcham with the simplest of chances to extend the lead on 37 minutes.
The disappointing period of the night came following the second goal as Gillingham conceded two goals in the time remaining of the first half. A through ball into the channel between John Nutter and the central defenders saw Adam Burchill shoot past Simon Royce for a goal within a minute of Gills second and the equaliser was particularly worrying as a corner was met by ex-Gill Adam Flanagan who powered in a unchallenged header for a Dartford equaliser. A decent first half performance had quickly been erased by some poor defending.
The second half team featured the same triallists as Saturday alongside first pre-season appearances for Luis Cumbers and Tom Wynter. It was the latter that benefited from similar poor defending as he met a Chris Palmer corner at the far post to head home comfortably. Wynter is no giant and the time and space afforded would have rankled Darts boss Tony Burman.
The second period was less cohesive than the first for both teams until 13 minutes from time a 25 yard strike from triallist Jordan Parkes found the bottom right hand corner to wrap up the game. Parkes had a good second half which should lead to further time to impress the manager.
This was my first time at Princes Park and it is a super little ground, unfortunately my abiding memory might well be the 30 minute wait to clear the car park. The eco-friendly construction contains a lot of wood and from the outside would not look out of place in an Alpine ski resort. Inside is a stadium far in excess of what is seen or necessary for their Ryman League status and would not look out of place in the Conference, or perhaps even League Two. The wooden statue of a celebrating supporter is unique and the bowed roofs give a style that is different to other modern day constructions. The 1,002 people assembled managed to create a bit of atmosphere for a pre-season friendly suggesting it could be a noisy venue when filled.
All in all a good night’s entertainment, Gillingham are slowly progressing and even taking into account the non-league opposition, we can be guardedly optimistic.
Dartford (2) 2 Burchill 37, Flanagan 43
Gillingham (2) 4 Rooney 10, Barcham 37, Wynter 46, Parkes 77
Att. 1,002
Entrance: £10
Programme: £2
Mileage: 54/136
New Ground: 231
Match Report
Gillingham came through a much sterner test last night at Princes Park against a competitive Dartford side. On a night that began wet and ended feeling much cooler than the date suggested it should, Mark Stimson once again fielded two separate sides in each half. As with Saturday’s opener at Folkestone, Aaron Brown played the full 90 minutes suggesting that the manager wants a longer look at the ex-Yeovil triallist. Rashid Yusseff, the stand-out feature of the first game, this time played in the first half side, he was less prominent than Saturday, but continued to impress with his quick eye for a forward pass. The eye-catching performance of the night came from within our own ranks, youngster Luke Rooney giving another livewire performance.On a pitch that was like a bowling green and a credit to a groundsman that is bound for the Premiership with Fulham, Gillingham passed and moved through their Ryman League opponents in the opening ten minutes and were rewarded with a opening goal from Rooney. A sweet interchange of passes left Andy Barcham with a good shooting opportunity that was parried by Andrew Young, the rebound fell to Rooney who took his time and picked his spot for a good finish.
Let’s not over-hype Rooney (pictured), he is not the second-coming of his Old Trafford namesake, but the lad has talent and looks a very good prospect that might make an impression on the first team in the coming months.After being given a bit of an early run around the hosts came more into the picture after going behind and stretched the Gillingham back line on several occasions before a suicidal pass across the face of goal left Barcham with the simplest of chances to extend the lead on 37 minutes.
The disappointing period of the night came following the second goal as Gillingham conceded two goals in the time remaining of the first half. A through ball into the channel between John Nutter and the central defenders saw Adam Burchill shoot past Simon Royce for a goal within a minute of Gills second and the equaliser was particularly worrying as a corner was met by ex-Gill Adam Flanagan who powered in a unchallenged header for a Dartford equaliser. A decent first half performance had quickly been erased by some poor defending.
The second half team featured the same triallists as Saturday alongside first pre-season appearances for Luis Cumbers and Tom Wynter. It was the latter that benefited from similar poor defending as he met a Chris Palmer corner at the far post to head home comfortably. Wynter is no giant and the time and space afforded would have rankled Darts boss Tony Burman.
The second period was less cohesive than the first for both teams until 13 minutes from time a 25 yard strike from triallist Jordan Parkes found the bottom right hand corner to wrap up the game. Parkes had a good second half which should lead to further time to impress the manager.
This was my first time at Princes Park and it is a super little ground, unfortunately my abiding memory might well be the 30 minute wait to clear the car park. The eco-friendly construction contains a lot of wood and from the outside would not look out of place in an Alpine ski resort. Inside is a stadium far in excess of what is seen or necessary for their Ryman League status and would not look out of place in the Conference, or perhaps even League Two. The wooden statue of a celebrating supporter is unique and the bowed roofs give a style that is different to other modern day constructions. The 1,002 people assembled managed to create a bit of atmosphere for a pre-season friendly suggesting it could be a noisy venue when filled.
All in all a good night’s entertainment, Gillingham are slowly progressing and even taking into account the non-league opposition, we can be guardedly optimistic.
Saturday, 11 July 2009
Folkestone Invicta 0 Gillingham 3
Match 01/09/753 - Saturday, 11th July 2009 - Pre-Season Friendly
Folkestone Invicta (0) 0
Gillingham (1) 3 Rooney 26, McCammon 46, Palmer 70
Att. 485
Entrance: £8
Programme: £1.50
Mileage: 82/82
Match Report
Gillingham gently eased themselves into pre-season action with a comfortable three goal win against Ryman League Folkestone Invicta at the Buzzlines Stadium. Mark Stimson played a different side in each half with the exception of ex-Yeovil triallist Aaron Brown (don’t panic it’s not him!) playing the full 90 minutes in central defence. An little niggle for Simon King allowing Brown the full term.
The first half saw new signing Kevin Maher captaining the side and featuring another triallist Sam Long, who comes from the Barry Fuller school of raiding full backs spending a lot more time in the opposition half than his own. The front line was occupied by reserve team youngsters Andy Pugh and Luke Rooney and it was the latter that opened the scoring on 26 minutes with a good strike from outside the box following a great cross field pass from Curtis Weston, who patrolled and controlled the midfield throughout the half.
Gillingham’s defence did have a couple of shaky moments before they took the lead when twice, straight passes through the centre of the defence saw Invicta strikers with shooting opportunities which they spurned.
When fed the ball, Andy Barcham had too much pace and too many tricks for the non-leaguers defence, but several crosses into the box failed to find the Gills strikers. It was in midfield where Gills impressed with Weston being complemented by the lively Stuart Lewis with Maher playing the holding role.
The second half side saw the introduction of new signing Chris Palmer, who had a very good first appearance, triallist Rashid Yussuff (pictured), who was very impressive and well worth another look. Defensive triallist Chris McCready paired with Brown were barely stretched as Folkestone ran out of steam and Simon Royce was under much greater threat from a flock of seagulls than any opposition attack.
A minute into the second half Yusseff sent Palmer clear down the left and he crossed for Mark McCammon to tap in from close range and on 70 minutes Yusseff supplied the pass of the match for Palmer to round the keeper and slot home a third.
As with the first half it was the midfield that shone, in addition to the excellent Yusseff there was a solid return to fitness from Adam Miller, young Jack Payne looked at home as the holding midfielder with Dennis Oli raiding the right hand side. Dennis is going to need a superb season if he is going to carry off those pink boots though!
A good opener for Gills at the old, but full of character, Cheriton Road stadium. Hopefully the 485 people present offers Folkestone some respite from their financial difficulties because it would be very sad to see this grand old Kent club disappear from the footballing landscape.
Folkestone Invicta (0) 0
Gillingham (1) 3 Rooney 26, McCammon 46, Palmer 70
Att. 485
Entrance: £8
Programme: £1.50
Mileage: 82/82
Match Report
Gillingham gently eased themselves into pre-season action with a comfortable three goal win against Ryman League Folkestone Invicta at the Buzzlines Stadium. Mark Stimson played a different side in each half with the exception of ex-Yeovil triallist Aaron Brown (don’t panic it’s not him!) playing the full 90 minutes in central defence. An little niggle for Simon King allowing Brown the full term.The first half saw new signing Kevin Maher captaining the side and featuring another triallist Sam Long, who comes from the Barry Fuller school of raiding full backs spending a lot more time in the opposition half than his own. The front line was occupied by reserve team youngsters Andy Pugh and Luke Rooney and it was the latter that opened the scoring on 26 minutes with a good strike from outside the box following a great cross field pass from Curtis Weston, who patrolled and controlled the midfield throughout the half.
Gillingham’s defence did have a couple of shaky moments before they took the lead when twice, straight passes through the centre of the defence saw Invicta strikers with shooting opportunities which they spurned.
When fed the ball, Andy Barcham had too much pace and too many tricks for the non-leaguers defence, but several crosses into the box failed to find the Gills strikers. It was in midfield where Gills impressed with Weston being complemented by the lively Stuart Lewis with Maher playing the holding role.
The second half side saw the introduction of new signing Chris Palmer, who had a very good first appearance, triallist Rashid Yussuff (pictured), who was very impressive and well worth another look. Defensive triallist Chris McCready paired with Brown were barely stretched as Folkestone ran out of steam and Simon Royce was under much greater threat from a flock of seagulls than any opposition attack.A minute into the second half Yusseff sent Palmer clear down the left and he crossed for Mark McCammon to tap in from close range and on 70 minutes Yusseff supplied the pass of the match for Palmer to round the keeper and slot home a third.
As with the first half it was the midfield that shone, in addition to the excellent Yusseff there was a solid return to fitness from Adam Miller, young Jack Payne looked at home as the holding midfielder with Dennis Oli raiding the right hand side. Dennis is going to need a superb season if he is going to carry off those pink boots though!
A good opener for Gills at the old, but full of character, Cheriton Road stadium. Hopefully the 485 people present offers Folkestone some respite from their financial difficulties because it would be very sad to see this grand old Kent club disappear from the footballing landscape.
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