Tonbridge Junior Football League Report – Saturday November 15^th, 2008

Kent Junior Cup

Insulators are into the next round of the Kent Junior Cup Group C after a 4-2 defeat of Wittersham writes Andrew Newman. Both sides exchanged penalties in the first half with Rob James converting the Insulators spot kick and it was not until the second period when the home side stretched ahead with Adrian Bird (2) and Mark Philpott finding the net.

President’s Cup

Hawkenbury’s route to the President’s Cup final looks clear as they knocked out the one remaining Premier Division side. Southborough were the visitors to fortress Hawkenbury and found Sam Thompson in deadly form in front of goal. The striker netted four times while Ian Parsons was also on target as the Hawks ran out 5-0 winners.

Division One

Division One leaders Blackham & Ashurst dramatically improved their goal difference with an 11-1 pounding of Roselands at Goldsmiths. Craig Gosnell led the way with five goals as Blackham dominated throughout. Ferg Higgins (2), Lee Gammon, Chris Piper and Dan Harrison were also the beneficiaries of a leaky Roselands defence. Harrison’s goal was his first for the club.

Eden Rangers emerged 1-5 winners from their trip to Brenchley Wanderers with Tommy Reeves on target three times while Kevin Carpenter and Chris Stoate joined him on the scoresheet.

Pembury Reserves travelled to Hadlow Harrow and returned home 3-8 victors after goals from Andy Rudkin (2), Lewis Drury, Mark Wyles, Ross Taylor, Andy Young and Wayne Gates who claimed a brace on his debut.

In their last game against East Peckham Juniors, Tunbridge Wells United had their keeper Paul Sharpe to thank for their win this time it was forward Rob Harman. His powerful shot in the first five minutes was parried into the path of a grateful Kris Clarke for his first goal of the season. Harman then set up Stuart Morris for United’s second and then scored the third himself. A second half consolation for East Peckham made the final score 3-1 to the home side.

Division Two

With the top two in Division Two not in league action there was a chance for some of the chasing pack to close the gap. Southborough Reserves did just that with their 1-2 win at Capel Sports & Social where Dan Marks converted a penalty for the hosts.

Horsmonden Sports did not settle in their game against Paddock Wood and after 20 minutes found themselves three goals adrift. The visitors eased off and paid the price allowing Sports to stage a remarkable comeback. Gregg Norman pulled one back and this was followed a minute later by a superb 25-yard strike from George Devenish. On 30 minutes, Carl Latter equalised from close range and Norman put Sports in front before half time. The second half remained even with Paddock Wood playing good football going forward but Sports creating the more direct chances. Paddock Wood got the equaliser after 75 minutes and close to the final whistle Dave Tilly had a goal disallowed that would have made it 5-4. Instead more drama followed when the visitors forced home the winning goal in the dying seconds. The Paddock Wood marksmen were Matt Golding (2), James Hall, Steve Homewood and an own goal.

The third of three away victories in this division saw Tonbridge Invicta 3rds came out by the odd goal in five at Leigh.  The three Invicta goals arrived inside the opening quarter of an hour with Leon Piscina lobbing home twice and Greg Nicholson scoring with a diving header.

Hawkenbury 3rds chalked one up for the home teams when they beat Penshurst Park, 5-1. It was goalless at the break with the Hawks taking the lead when Rob Bennett scored a penalty. Park replied with a spot kick of their own but the home side went on to add further goals courtesy of Bennett, Adam Good, Luke Bacon and Grant Cox.

Division Three

AFC Valour surrendered their 100% Division Three record as they capitulated to a battling Rusthall IV team. Valour were the stronger team in the first half and were 2-0 up by the break with Tim Prince netting from close range and Alex Oddy curling in a shot from 20 yards. The visitors were back in the game early in the second period with their striker finishing well after the Valour defence were caught in disarray. Valour restored their two-goal advantage when Tom Hanafin expertly lobbed the goalkeeper, but Rusthall were not to be denied and quickly reduced the deficit again with a powerful header from a corner. A penalty from Aaron Fuller restored parity and from there Rusthall were the only team who looked like taking all the points. This soon proved the case when another mix-up in the Valour defence allowed a simple finish to make it 3-4. Dave Welch (2) and Dave Seal were the other Rustic marksmen.

The goals flew in at regular intervals for Ashton Prime as they found the net eleven times without reply at Roselands Reserves. Andy Skovold-Hansen (2) and own goal plus efforts via Paul Kneebone (2) and Barney Mellors made it six at the break with Kneebone completing his hat trick in the second half. Carl Barker (2), Richard Excel and Ian Goulding also scored after the interval for the visitors.

Chris Parker’s brace put Frant 0-2 ahead at Woodlands Reserves with Chris Marshall and Kevin Chivers inspiring a come back for the hosts. But the visitors were not to be denied as Dave Fowler got the winner.

High Brooms Casuals Reserves retained their unbeaten start to the season with a narrow win at Dowgate. Dan Kent was the Casuals marksman.