Sunday, March 22, 2009 22:45
Faversham Town Reserves 3 Hythe Town Reserves 1
By Roger Bennett
Runaway leaders Holmesdale have all but won the Bulmers Cider Kent league division 2. But there is a hectic scramble going on for the runners up spot which will also guarantee promotion. Three teams have a realistic chance of achieving this, and two of them clashed at Salters Lane on Saturday.
Most of the first half pressure came from the home side, with the Lilywhites forcing eight corners to Hythe's two. It was a nervous time for the visitors, with midfielder Jamie Pickering lofting a ball over the A2 stand roof and ball stop netting onto the Canterbury Road when unchallenged. Team mate Rob Clark however later held his nerve to make a goal line clearance from a Wes Hammond header. Still under pressure, keeper Jon Sparks had to quickly improvise by saving a low shot with his boot. But despite the pressure, the match remained goalless at half time.
The breakthrough came on 60 minutes when a long Craig Preston throw found Hammond and his glancing header crept in just by the post. Hythe tried to hit back. A crisp volley from Karl Barron was well saved by keeper Joe Dart. Just as tricky was a close range misplaced header from Ben Ives, but Dart was alert and spared any blushes.
But on 74 minutes the two goal cushion was achieved when a David Miles cross from the left found an unmarked 16 year old Dan Ellett to nod home. Hythe would not lie down, and Dart had to go full stretch to keep out a stinging 25 yard free kick from Hythe substitute Stuart Daffin.
At the other end, Miles was brought down as he charged into the penalty area, and referee Tim Amans had no hesitation in awarding a penalty. Top scorer Preston calmly slotted the ball home to increase the lead. Hythe still refused to give up, and Barron managed to grab a consolation goal in the dying minutes following some dithering and a defensive mix up by the home side.
The match was a good advert for Kent league reserve football. Some end to end play, plenty of incidents and good skills on show. 'One of the most entertaining games I've seen all season' one fan commented. Faversham manager John Goodwin said he thought the win was thoroughly deserved. He praised Joe Dart's handling which he thought was 'impeccable.'
If Faversham can win their last four games and defeat the other promotion contender Herne Bay in the process, that second spot is almost guaranteed. Hythe, with only one game left, will have a bit of a nervous wait to see if anyone can catch them.
Faversham Town Reserves: Joe Dart, Ryan Gardner, Dan Harris, Nick Smith, Wes Hammond, Leon Brabon, Dave Miles, Ben Yves, Sam Parter, Craig Preston, Dan Ellett.
Substitutes: Anthony Pace (for Parter) 63 minutes, Liam Gould (for Ives) 75, Richard Pennell (for Gardner) 80.
Hythe Town Reserves: Jon Sparks, Darren Walmsley, Rob Clark, Joe Bullard, Daryl Haden, Jamie Pickering, Lloyd Taylor, Stuart Taylor, Mark read, Karl Barron, Luke Giles.
Nominated substitutes (used subs not known): Stuart Daffin, Adam Boxer, Ryan Strand, Luke Quested, Jake Harvey.