Sunday, February 10, 2008 15:52
A high scoring Saturday in the Premier Division saw Beckenham Town take full advantage of VCD not having a game as they ran up five without reply at Erith and Belvedere to go top of the table. Jammott Durant opened the scoring on 20 minutes, a lead quickly doubled by Theo Fairweather-Johnson. Joe Healy then hit two more before half-time before completing the scoring with his third three minutes from time.
Sporting Bengal manager Sana Miah was awarded the January Manager of the Month award on Friday night for guiding his side to the best run they have had since joining the League in 2002 with three consecutive wins, which was obviously a cue for a heavy defeat. The gods didn’t disappoint as his side were soundly beaten 5-0 by form side Erith Town. Danny Twinn scored for the second game running with an 11th minute penalty, Ross Cable added a second half brace and Oldfield and Heazlewood grabbed one each.
Deal Town also went nap with a 5-1 win at home to Sevenoaks. Danny Smith, Roy Godden and Lee Jones had put the home side firmly in the driving seat before Andy Constable pulled one back in the 27th minute. Michael Cassar restored the three goal advantage on 52 minutes and Godden added his second with seven minutes remaining.
Hythe Town kept up the pressure on the leaders with a 2-1 at home to basement side Tunbridge Wells. Mike Lord had given the visitors a half-time lead but leading scorer Mike Smissen grabbed two after the break to secure the win, watched by the biggest crowd of the day of 183.
Holmesdale and Slade Green did us a favour by drawing 1-1 at Oakley Road. Tom Creasey gave the home side a 19th minute lead but Chris Johnson equalised on the hour.
Herne Bay recovered from losing Roy Guiver to record a 2-1 win at Lordswood, all the goals coming in the second half. Sean Bremner gave the Bay the lead in the 60th minute but it proved to be short-lived as Scott Bucklen equalised within two minutes. Luke Harvey wrapped up the win in the 73rd minute.
Greenwich Borough were flying the Kent League flag in the FA Vase (sponsored by Carlsberg) and emerged with a creditable 2-2 draw from their trip to Hungerford Town. Peter Smith was the two-goal hero for Borough. The two sides meet again next Saturday at Harrow Meadow, a prospect that Hungerford will not be relishing.
In Division 2 there were wins for Herne Bay and VCD so our win at home to Croydon lifts us to seventh. In the Premier Division we remain 13th, level with Lordswood on 18 points but behind on goal difference. Lordswood have a game in hand.
Well that’s it for another week. On Tuesday we entertain high-flying VCD in the Premier Division with a 7.45 kick off and next Saturday sees the visit of current leaders Beckenham town. Forget Eastenders and the shopping and get along to Salters Lane for these games, which both promise to be entertaining affairs. See you there!