Bromley Green 1
Ashford Cavaliers 5
Sunday 18th May – Skip reports from the Swan Centre
With yet more problems putting together a team, the mood in the changing room was a case of lets get this over with! At the start of play, any one of 4 could’ve taken runners up, whereas defeat for Cavaliers may have resulted in ending 5th. So it wasn’t the best time to use yet another defensive shape, as well as midfield, or to sign someone on just to put a side out! Our hosts have been playing virtually every 3 days and they too had a couple missing, so it was balanced nicely.
New signing Andy Wood started up front and caused immediate problems for Green with his pace – this became a pattern for much of the game. Defensively we were sound against a less powerful Green attack than in previous meetings. A new pairing in midfield of Steve Adz, and in particular Liam Whiting, worked very hard.
We found ourselves 2 up inside 20 mins, thanks to lots of closing down and pressure on our hosts. That pressure paying off as the ever impressive Jake, followed by Davies, doing the damage. Green responded quickly, applying their own pressure, and Tommo yet again dealt with everything thrown at him. A terrible decision by the lines man (me) allowed a Green move to progress, resulting in a cool finish to peg us back at 1-2. The pressure remained until the break.
We agreed at HT to push on, as sitting back would be too costly. We continued to battle, showing a spirit I’ve not seen enough of lately. Debut boy Wood struck to extend the lead, and Green began to chase less from that moment. Jake fought through again to make it four, as we finally looked like getting a win against Green. Wood found the cross bar with a stylish attempt, yet celebrated anyway with his second and our 5th just minutes later.
Whilst I fully accept Green have had a strange season by their standards, and had players missing, I was still very pleased with our input. We have a much smaller crop of talented players to call upon and we too have had key players missing. We have received two heavy defeats from the Green this season, so to put in a determined showing against them at this stage of a poor run was very pleasing – and I admit the lads all proved me wrong!
A season review will appear on the site soon, as well as the views of 3 players. As for today, I couldn’t ask any more. Man of the match was Tommo, although Liam and Paul were near faultless too. Many thanks to Bromley Green for their hospitality after the game. Well done to all.
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Ashford Cavaliers 1
Lydd Town 4
Sunday 11th May – Skip reports from Homelands
Well our first team have gone from poor, to just about acceptable, to battling and now to near embarrassing, all in the space of a month. This defeat means we go into our final game with just one league win in 2 months! That stat alone explains a lot.
There’s really not a lot to say. With Tommo, Nick, Paul, Stu, Kev, Fred, Matt and Cheesy missing and another reduced to the bench through injury, the problem was obvious. Even so, we simply looked poor – everywhere. Our visitors, already relegated, showed a level of passion I have been waiting to see in our side in recent weeks, yet it simply never came, and league tables don’t lie! From having a chance of finishing top two – we now look set to finish 5th – if results go as expected. We’ll talk about the season as a whole in a week or so, but criticism for recent displays simply has to be voiced – and accepted.
As for this game, Liam scored our goal, Dunc got man of the match and well done to our visitors who ran out worthy winners. Enough said.
The positives I can take are the efforts put in by our reserve players who stepped in to help us out. Tim Bourne and Doug Robson in particular worked hard in strange surroundings, doing their bit for the club.
Next up, and finally, we face Bromley Green again. With a similar number of players already making themselves not available, it promises to be a wonderfully enjoyable 90 minutes at the Swan Centre! Someone fetch my coffee & fags……..
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Ashford Cavaliers 1
Bromley Green 4
Thursday 08th May – Skip reports from Homelands
Homelands was the venue for the Charity Trophy final where our first team took on the powerful Bromley Green. Cup tied players and injuries meant our side pretty much picked itself – although no selection would have altered the outcome of this game. Virtually the entire 90 minutes were played at a surprisingly fast pace during a very warm evening and on a very dry pitch.
Within the opening 2 minutes Cavaliers were awarded a penalty after Jake was brought down. Calm Dunc stepped up to give us the lead. Another chance a few moments later could have affected Greens nerve, but it wasn’t to be, and Green began to take a firm grip from that point onwards.
Green are able to call upon some top quality players, and when they play, they are streets ahead of any side we’ve faced. Our back line had to put in huge amounts of work just to hold up a side capable of terrific pass & move football. Tim G never got a breather during the entire game, Paul & Kev (who we tried to retire!) gave admirable performances in central defence and Cheesy was run into the ground. In front of them, our midfield found themselves being dragged in all directions. When Harris & Allan did manage to get the ball, they found themselves closed down very quickly.
A ten minute spell of ball chasing resulted in us going in at HT 1-3 down. So we added Coglan to the attack and altered our shape. Coglan was effective and caused them some problems, along with Jake, who continued battling for everything.
We conceded a fourth – yet unlike our previous final appearance – we could not be accused of stage fright or not being up for the challenge.
We added Adams & Gomez to freshen up the width, yet still made little impact. Anyone who understands the game will know there was quite a gulf in terms of ability between the two sides. It’s easy to mention our errors whilst ignoring just how hard the opponents make it. Bromley Green would have won the Premier League with this side, no question. Although we lost the game, I was personally proud of the effort put in for the whole game by everyone. It was clear in most minds from quite early on that we were not going to win the game, yet we played with desire and team spirit.
The only sour note, in my opinion, is the awarding of Man of the Match to Green player Gary Mickleborough. He, along with several Green players were very impressive. Yet the best player on the pitch by a mile was keeper Tommy Taylor. Green could’ve won this game by a much greater margin had it not been for Tommo.
Congratulations to Bromley Green, and well done to all involved. Another runners up medal – maybe one day…
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Ashford Cavaliers 2
Aldington 2
Sunday 04th May – Skip reports from Goldwyn
Each game has become more of an endurance test rather than an enjoyable game of football lately and the task looked daunting with Nick, Paul & Cheesy all missing from the defence for this encounter. The strains of an unusually busy season are showing as Tommo continues to carry his injury and Jake was also out.
All the problems aside, we actually began well, and certainly worked hard as a team. Aldington are a good side, so switching off against them is dangerous. Doing it twice is stupid. Being 0-2 with 40 to play would suggest our questionable form of late was continuing. Our lack of confidence at present left me thinking ‘here we go again’.
Yet I have to say, the back line of Quinny, Friend, Tim and Stu Allan put in huge displays between them – Cheesy replacing Stu at the break. Aldington have, in Stu Daniels, a very fast and dangerous striker – yet we dealt with him through sheer work rate and knowledge of the game!
The midfield saw Liam getting into everyone’s face and showing a better attitude. Dunc was his usual self. Davies didn’t have his best game, and Fred was mindful of his injury, so Harris needed to work hard in midfield to off set our wide problems.
Up top, Matty Coglan replaced Jake. Matt got through a lot of running and we didn’t support him too well, yet his ability on the ball meant he was a constant threat. He got on the end of a cross to head home, getting us back in the game. His all round contribution earned him Man of the Match. A determined run from Harris, along with a finish, levelled the score – the game ending 2-2.
On recent form, and with players missing, coming from two down to get a point is a great result. To see that level of effort and desire is very pleasing. Lets hope we can take this small positive in to our final three games and push for a decent end to what has been a good season.
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Ashford Cavaliers 2
Bethersden 4
Thursday 01st May – Skip reports from Goldwyn
The unexpected title challenge faced by the first team in the Premier league came to an expected end tonight. Only a freak result elsewhere will stop the title going to Market Hotel. All the talk of titles was both our downfall as well as naïve. Enough about that!
Tonight, Bethersden arrived fresh from some good results and as Cup winners. They have some very good footballers and may well finish in the top two. Given a bit of time on the ball, there is even an argument they are the best side we’ve faced so far!
We began brightly with a make shift line up, pressing our visitors for every ball, and it was working well. Jake continued his incredible efforts as a lone forward, managing to occupy all four defenders! It was fitting that it was he who got on the end of some early pressure to give us a lead. It was Jake again who harassed enough to cause a mistake, then played in Harris to extend the lead. It was good up to that point!
Then we seemed to re visit the cup final – began to panic on the ball, rushing our clearances, not finding a team mate and making silly mistakes. Couple that with sitting deep, almost inviting the onslaught, and you’re in trouble. Sides in this league will punish – every time.
Liam battled hard for most of the game in the middle as Bethersden stretched us with good effect. Our back line became busier and busier, yet coped well considering.
An injury to Cheesy meant the planned attacking change couldn’t happen – instead Kev Friend came in and did well. We tried to move the impressive Paul Allan forward to add bite in midfield, but too many heads had gone and energy spent by then.
Bethersden came from 0-2 to 4-2 winners, and they deserve credit for that, as their passing and movement was very good. Our man of the match simply has to go to Jake again – he has been awesome lately. The effort from certain others is also noted.
We will need to try and pick ourselves up and battle for second spot – anyone of five teams can claim it. In September we aimed to stay up – as the season enters its last three weeks, we now set our sights on a top three finish. Somewhere between naïve and genuine ability lies our level of success this year – and we won’t know that until after the last game!
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Ashford Cavaliers Res 9
Prince Albert 0
Sunday 27th April – Matty G comments from Wye
This home game was switched to an away fixture, yet we were far from home sick. We went into the game aiming to continue our recent good form, although having just 11 players again meant the loan of ‘cup tied’ Liam from the first team was very welcome.
As the score suggests, we dominated the game with a much changed line up yet again. Clokey, normally quite busy, only really had one save to make, and he made the most of it – all keepers like to stand out when they can!
The goals came thick and fast – a storming show from Dougie saw him net 4 times in a blistering first half. Liam, also finding the target, along with Stu Reakes, to give us a 6-0 lead at the break.
Gomez came on for Wilko and our game continued in the same manner as the first half. Stu Reakes netting 2 more to complete his hat trick and Liam getting his second. We should really have got well in to double figures as Gomez was guilty of missing no less than 5 very good chances. Some will say it was his blinding white boots, others will say it was normal!
So we settled for an impressive 9-0 victory which keeps the momentum going as we look forward to Park Farm on May 18 – our last game – which could see us finish in 5th spot. A good all round effort by all today, with Dougie taking Man of the Match.
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Ashford Cavaliers 4
Troggs 1
Sunday 27th April – Skip reports from Goldwyn
The Charity Trophy semi final was always going to be a challenge against a good division one side set for promotion – yet it looked like being more of a problem as injuries left us with just 11 players. The alterations were clear for all to see in the early stages as Troggs settled quickly and looked the better side. This side know how to play football, and with a couple of additions, will cope should they win promotion to the Premier. The hard working Jake Symonds gave us a lead mid way through the half, possibly against the run of play. From that moment on, we took more control and began to dominate in key areas. The shape needed changing early on after an injury to Quinny, which saw Steve Adz enter and put in a fine display. Young Ben Forbes, another drafted in to help, worked very hard and gave us a much needed outlet wide. Kevin Friend & Paul Allan dealt with everything in defence and Duncan continued to shine in a five man midfield.
The remainder of the game saw us dominate, although Troggs continued working very hard. A congested area resulted in us extending the lead, the final touch coming off a Troggs player for an OG. Andy Davies supplied a fine finish after a good move to extend the lead, then supplied an equally good finish for our fourth following an even better move.
There is an argument that the score didn’t reflect the game, although there was little to bother Tommo after that first 20 minutes. A slightly dubious penalty was awarded late on to give the visitors a consolation goal – the game finishing 4-1.
Jake’s work rate earned him Man of the Match as we booked a place in the final at Homelands against Bromley Green. We go in to the final with key players injured or ineligible, so the task is huge. By our standards, the season has been demanding, and we now face 4 massive games in 11 days. This kind of pressure is something our final opponents face every year, so we must draw on our team spirit, enjoy the challenge, and see where it takes us.
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Ashford Cavaliers Res 2
Charing Reserves 0
Sunday 20th April – Clokey reports from Charing
On a sunny Sunday morning, the Reserves travelled to Charing knowing that only 3 points would do as their opposition put up a stiff challenge in the previous encounter. We were without several key players, so a change at the back with Cowley coming into right back, Tim & Perry central, and Matt Robbins at left back. A recall to the side saw the talented Chris Lacey on the left of midfield, with Robson out right and Halliday & Barker in the middle. The front line paired Wilkins with Reakes.
Charing boasted several first team players in their starting eleven, so this was always going to be tough. A good performance, 3 points and a clean sheet was the aim – and that’s exactly what we got.
Halliday, Lacey and Reakes passed the ball around superbly during the first half and for much of the half our play was similar to the style & grace shown in the early season. We played neat triangles, to feet, as we went in search of the opening goal.
Several good chances fell to Robson, Reakes and Barker. Yet the best fell to Wilko, who put his effort wide after some good build up play. The lads could sense a goal coming, yet went in HT goalless. Lots of encouragement during the break helped us continue our passing game during the second half. A change was made, with Wilcox replacing the injured Wilko. This enabled Robson & Reakes to continue their impressive partnership up front, Cowley moving to right mid and Robbins to right back.
Cavaliers finally got the breakthrough when Robson, from the left, drilled a powerful ball across the goal for Reakes to tap home. The second was slightly more fortuitous as Barker shot from distance, only for his shot to squirm under the keeper, to make it 2-0. With the hosts trailing, they surged forward, but couldn’t get past man of the match Perry at the back, alongside Tim. The final whistle went and we’d finished worthy winners. A good display throughout the side was as important as the result.
We now look to secure 6 points from our last two games – to end on a high and to look to the future.
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Ashford Cavaliers 1
Market Hotel 1
Sunday 20th April – Skip reports from Goldwyn
Today saw league leaders and title favourites Market Hotel visit Goldwyn. A win would have won them the title. We are well aware that Market are able to call upon better players than we can provide, so we set out to battle and stop them playing as best we could. Our preparation was not helped by losing Stu Allan through Saturday football and another who simply failed to show. Market dominated possession for much of this game, yet our game plan and formation worked well. Playing with the ‘under dog’ tag clearly suits us better, as we battled and worked – no sign of the nerves that have disrupted our progress in recent weeks. With the score blank at HT, we set out as you were, confident that our rear line would stand firm. With 20 to go, Market were awarded a penalty, which they put away. That was the cue to change shape as we attempted to threaten ourselves. We also decided to send Paul Allan more central and Liam more forward. It worked. Davies scored, only to be ruled out, but we were getting through. Our hard work deserved something from this game, and it arrived thanks to Harris, who grabbed the equaliser with just minutes remaining. Market remain favourites, and may well go on to win the title, but not today.
As for us, Liam, Harris and Dunc put in top displays in terms of work and desire. Tommy picked up some bruises in a comfortable performance, and Jake was Jake! Man of the Match simply had to go to Paul Allan – who was immense.
Next Sunday sees us in Charity Cup action and we return to the title challenge on May 01 against Bethersden – an evening game.
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Ashford Cavaliers 1
Brewmasters 2
Sunday 13th April – Skip reports from Goldwyn
Today saw the first team suffer only their second league defeat of the season – although any neutral onlooker would find that hard to believe. The game began with Brews looking much hungrier and certainly more composed, and it pretty much stayed that way. Although the back line performed well for most of the game, it was elsewhere on the pitch that we came up short. Brews caused many problems, not helped by our own worrying ability to give the ball away cheaply. Man of the Match went to Paul Allan in defence, although other good displays came from Liam in midfield and Kevin Friend never stopped fighting a lost cause further forward.
It has to be said that the referee was in no way to blame for our loss – in fact it was our visitors who seemed to be getting the rough deal from the man in the middle!
Trailing 0-1 close to the break, we got a lucky break in a scramble to go in at HT 1-1 without deserving it, Andy Davies claiming the last touch. The second half saw no improvement as Brews picked off our mistakes at will and continued applying pressure. With just seconds remaining we finally took the punishment our display deserved as we lost the game 1-2.
As the season reaches its climax, things are starting to squeeze up near the top. So now is not an ideal time to suffer a loss of form or confidence – both play a major part in any teams fortunes – we are no different. The premier title looks like being between a team with the points already on the board, a team with games left to acquire the points needed and a team with the experience of getting the points needed!
We will try to freshen things up in time for our next game as we look to play our part in the unfolding race at the top. Needless to say, another display like this will hand the initiative to someone else.
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Ashford Cavaliers 10
Ashford Dynamo 0
Sunday 06th April – Skip reports from Goldwyn
The first team returned to league action after their nightmare outing in the Premier Cup last week. The simple message was to go out and get it out of our system. The job was initially made tougher with four regulars missing, so Gomez and Adams stepped up from the reserves and Coglan made a rare start. To be fair, we hit the ground running and never looked back. It’s fair to say the bruised egos from a week ago certainly became an incentive as we found a grit and desire and did not allow Dynamo to settle. Make no mistake, we were expected to win this game, yet it became a test of attitude, a test we passed. Credit must be paid to Ashford Dynamo, for they have suffered defeat all season yet still contested as best they could for the majority of this game. Fulfilling their fixtures and providing a team when all is lost is something certain ‘bigger’ clubs have failed to do in recent seasons.
The goals came sporadically – 4 from Jake, 2 from Harris, 1 for Liam, 1 straight from the bench for Steve Adams and 1 for the impressive Matt Coglan. An OG completed a ten goal rout. The tally will help rebuild confidence and will boost the goal difference as we look to finish our best ever season involved in a fascinating title race.
In terms of displays, Jake’s goal heist coupled with his usual work rate earned him Man of the Match. Kevin Friend looked at ease in defence, Cheesy offered options from wide while Harris and Liam dominated a busy midfield. The front line display from Matty Coglan caused Dynamo problems all game - with the right service, his touch and vision are near faultless. A mention also for Steve Adams, who came off the bench, scored a goal and showed glimpses of what many expect every week from him.
In all, it was a job well done. Tougher games are around the corner and a fit squad will be required as each opposition offers a different challenge. They are challenges we never expected, yet look forward to as a group.
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Bethersden 5
Ashford Cavaliers 1
Sunday 30th March – Skip reports from Reachfields
The first team turned out in the clubs first ever Premier Final at Hythe and it quickly became a day to forget. For reasons no one can explain, we put in the most inept display I have seen this season. I can say with genuine honesty, that any side from any league would have found us comfortable opposition on this showing. We can point towards stage fright, nerves, being over confident, wrong selection and I dare say various other reasons. Yet the fact remains we simply failed to compete anywhere on the pitch. By doing the simple things, like we have done all season, would have given us so much more chance to dictate the game. Bethersden are a good side. Comfortable on the ball and well organised, so giving them time and space deserves to be punished – and it was.
As the score line suggests, Bethersden were much the better side. They were hungrier, quicker stronger and totally deserved their victory. As for Cavaliers, we need to accept, and quickly, that this was our first real test, and we failed it. By test I mean we have gone into virtually every game as an underdog – whereas today we were probably the favourites. Teams who perform well consistently find themselves having to deal with the added pressure of expectation. I’m not saying we became a bad side after 90 minutes, yet there is a lesson in this that we all need to learn. Other clubs, such as Bromley Green and Market Hotel, are classic examples. They are expected to succeed every season, and they normally deliver!
That aside, the game itself offered no real positives. Notable work rate from Davies, Jake and Cheesy ought to be mentioned and the effort to compete in the middle from Liam earned him man of the match. All 3 subs came on and did their bit. A special mention to young Fredi – who came on, did well, yet within minutes was off to hospital with a shoulder injury. The players were quite happy to tell me themselves that no one deserved any real credit! There are some huge games around the corner and our character will be tested without doubt. In a season where we planned to simply avoid relegation, we must not lose sight of the need to enjoy our football – remaining at this level is what we aimed for.
One thing I can take from the day, believe it or not, was the reaction after the game. The squad, to a man, remained constructive in their opinions. Back at The Star, the whole squad stayed (including Fred straight from Hospital) for an enjoyable evening where the game was never far from conversation. It suggested to me a high level of spirit within the squad and a desire to put things right as soon as we can. It would have been easy to all slope off home and accept it.
So to sum up – congratulations to Bethersden FC on a well deserved victory. As for us, it was a bad day – but now we need to move on – and we will.
Highfield Reserves 5
Ashford Cavaliers Reserves 7
Sunday 23rd March – Clokey reports from The Ridge
Before the game kicked off, the Cavalier lads were thinking purely of scoring goals to improve the goal difference against a lower placed side as the season reaches it’s climax. Even tho the lads managed 7, our opposition hit 5, and at the end we were glad to bag the 3 points. The match was played in conditions comparable to the Antartic! The weather played a huge part and best suited Highfield, who sought revenge for the 4-9 score line earlier in the season, also played in horrific conditions.
The only shock to the line up was Perry starting on the bench – although absence from our last game would explain that.
Highfield began brightly, looking dangerous from wide and delivering quality into the danger area. Fortunately for Cavaliers, Robbins, Bourne and King were comfortable in front of Clokey. It wasn’t too long before Cavaliers began to press themselves, with pressure coming from our midfield trio of Halliday, Barker and Steve Adz.
It wasn’t til mid way thru the half that Cavaliers took the lead and it came from a surprising source – skipper Paul Halliday collected from 20yds out and drove home a sweet goal, his first of the campaign. This will be a boost in what has been a fairly disappointing year for him. Confidence was high as we doubled our lead soon after, Chris Barker finishing off a good move. To their credit, the hosts never gave up, and were awarded a penalty after Robbins was adjudged to have handled in the area. Clokey saved from a similar outcome against these last time we met, but no such luck this time. 1-2. As Highfield pressed again, Gomez struck again to make it 1-3 going into the break.
As the 2nd half began, so did the blizzard! The game turning scrappy and nasty as a result. Cavaliers went further ahead with Chris Barker getting his 2nd , only for Highfield to hit straight back. From then on it was end to end, goals going in both ends! Gomez struck to make it 2-5 (his 2nd) and we began to relax a bit, so some changes were made. Fred, Jo and Perry coming on for Tim, Doug and Wilko. As the changes were made, Highfield broke to make it 3-5, courtesy of a Ben King OG. Highfield became more physical as they sensed a comeback. Substitute Perry ended that with a clever finish to beat the onrushing keeper, 3-6. Yet moments later it was 4-6! Stu Reakes then missed a great chance by his standards to finish it, missing from close range. Highfield were then gifted another OG – this time off Matt Robbins, 5-6. Throwing away leads is not uncommon for us, but not today, as Gomez raced on to a long ball to secure his hat trick and man of the match as we ran out 5-7 winners.
water, yet it is also true to point out that the conditions probably suited our lads more. Shadoxhurst boast several players far too good for this division, so the conditions actually stopped them playing football. That said, take nothing away from our lads who had several missing and had to recover from falling behind after just 2 minutes. Reakes & Gomez began to threaten thanks to decent service from Dougie & Steve Adz. The pressure paid off, thanks to a typical finish by Stu Reakes, levelling the score.
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Ashford Cavaliers Reserves 2
Ruckinge 3
Sunday 09th March – Skip with details from Goldwyn
Reserves played host to promotion chasing Ruckinge at the school. Another injury to Cookie meant another shuffle around in defence. A spectacular own goal from our own Tim Bourne was not the sort of start we needed, and when it became 0-2, you’d normally think game over – but not quite. Another top display from Clokey earned him Man of the Match – while Perry had a top game in midfield. Stuart Reakes failed to appear last time out, so had to come from the bench – making a huge impact in the process – scoring twice. It wasn’t quite enough as we went down 2-3, although a good save late on denied us a share of the points. Chris Barker slotted in the back line and produced a fine display, whereas Steve Adz looked more comfortable once joining midfield later in the game.
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(Back dated match reports available upon request)
