Cup fever landed officially at the Theatre of Slapstick Comedy today as Sussex County League Eastbourne United Association visited for the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup.
Chatham Town manager Don Logan decided to start Lee Barnett in place of Justin Ascheri, pairing him with Brendon Cass, with Tom Davey starting in place of the injured Mark Green. Razor Powell started at right back, with recent incumbent Brad Potter starting in place of the injured Richard Avery (see note at bottom).
It took just three minutes for the game to come alive, when Lee Barnett started a move in the middle of the park, finding Steve Hafner on the wing. Running into the box, Barnett was first to reach Hafner's cross to send the ball home past United's keeper Nick Maynard.
After the goal, Chatham kept searching to break down their opponents, but found it tough to win the second ball against a spirited and packed midfield, Solly and Lyons very much outnumbered at times, but were composed at the back. The game was played with the gusto of a cup tie, and there were plenty of mini battles taking place, the referee doing a good job of allowing the game to be played in the spirit of the occasion.
That said, Eastbourne United did threaten themselves. They're a tidy passing side, and the midfield had plenty of possession but they rarely threatened, their best chance falling when Ben Billings got goalside of Ray Powell but sliced his shot well wide.
At half time, Chatham could consider themselves unlucky not to have added to their lead, but for all their possession, there were too many long balls played forward into space for Cass, who at times was operating as a lone striker as Barnett became embroiled in holding the ball up in midfield. Cass, a true fox in the box striker if ever there was one, does not have the pace for this type of game, so despite his best endeavours it was no surprise to see him replaced in the second period by Justin Ascheri.
The second half appeared much the same, although it was something of a sucker punch to what had for once looked like a sturdy back four when United's Steve Dallaway (who has a Diana haircut by the way) hit a speculative but well aimed drive from outside the box past an outstretched Stroud to level the tie. At this point, Chatham got a bit more interested, but couldn't do enough to clinch the game. Barnett pushed forward more, taking advantage of the jinking runs of Ascheri and Solly to get himself into the box, but was let down too many times in service to be able to really create. He tried and tried, and his persistence was nearly rewarded when he managed to shield the ball from two defenders, turn and fire a shot in that hit a 'bourne defender on the arm, the referee resolutely not giving a penalty on the old "ball to hand" logic. Barnett had earlier headed a cross inches wide, and it was summed up that this was not to be Chatham's day when with the last kick of the game, a shot come cross from Tom Davey hit the join of the upright and the bar. In truth, it would have been an injustice for United had Chatham again won a match with the last kick of the game, and they will be tough opponents for the Chats on the long trip to the south coast this coming Tuesday for the replay.
Chatham: Stroud; Probets, Powell, Payne, Potter; Lyons, Solly, Hafner, Davey; Cass, Barnett (subs Binks, Ascheri, Dodsworth, Ellis)
Highlights: A much better "90 minute" performance. AOB wanted one, and he got it. Shame it wasn't rewarded, but their goal was an old school screamer.
Lowlights: The lengthy injury to United keeper Nick Maynard that added ten minutes to the first half. Ambulance job.
The ref: Let it be cup tie. Well done.
In conclusion: A good performance, but didn't get the result. Will be a tough trip to their ground on Tuesday, particularly if their support can remain as vocal as it was today. We need to get that sort of thing going again. Where are the West Stand Boys????
MOTM: For my money, it was Ben Payne, did a no nonsense job at the back, and is looking more assured with each game.
Pointless fact: There was no alcohol allowed out of the bar today as it was a cup game, but, in good news there are plans afoot to refurbish the bar area, which will be welcome.
Next up: Them, at their place, on Tuesday night, the first of two long trips to the south coast in five days (Worthing away next Saturday). Must win it to keep a cup dream alive (and, if we go out, there's no home game until the 19th - three weeks away - I can't stand it when the fixtures go like that)
Note: Richard Avery is injured. I was mistaken when I thought his substitution at half time last week was anything other than injury related. Please do note that I have no official sources of information at the club, and wish for it remain that way. What you read here is always my opinion and is always therefore sujbective.
Saturday, 29 August 2009
Wednesday, 26 August 2009
Cash 3 - 4 Chats
I was unable to attend last night's match at the Keith Tuckey Stadium. I'd mentioned in previous post though, my fear of the game. Athletico Croydon had got off to a flyer in the league - scoring twelve without reply in their opening two games against our kentish neighbours Whitstable and Ashford, before being held to a goalless draw at pre-season joint favourites, but yet to ignite, Met Police.
Well, as will probably be the case for most away games this season, there has to be an alternative to the official version of events, and what better way than to do this shambolically, by paraphrasing other people's work and journalism? If everyone else is doing it why can't I?
In short, Chatham went to the game very much underdogs - and came from 3-1 down to win 4-3, with Brendon Cass bagging the winner in stoppage time. According to Athletico's official site, Matt Solly was an instrumental part of our victory, and on one of the galacticos forum postings states that Steve Hafner had a good half. Chatham's goals were scored by Cass (2), Solly and Barnett, the big former Slade Green hit man again a second half substitute. I'm beginning to suspect that this is tactical, but am now struggling to believe that Justin Ascheri can keep his place, particularly now that Lee is off the blocks in the goal race. Yes, he's been slow to score this season (1 in 4 games, all started on the bench), but the man scored 16 in 19 games for us last season, having already scored 12 for Slade Green before he joined us in November. His only fault for my mind is that he can read the game better than most of his team mates, and if they're not on his wavelength, its frustrating for all.
Anyway, I've digressed. McCartney, over on kentishfootball, didn't cover the game, but has since interview Big Don Logan (AOB - see post on YMCA game for reference). He's still not happy - he wants to see 90 minutes from us, and I think he's going to get it this Saturday against Eastbourne United in the Cup. Turns out Avery's done his hamstring, so let's hope that Tommy Binks is back from his working excursion to Abergavenny or wherever it is that he's gone, to shore up our defence. However we look at the league table, and two injury time winning performances in a week, we've shipped more goals than anyone bar Ashford (who are bottom), but if we keep scoring one more than "them" (whoever "them" are each game), we can't go far wrong - we just may all die of stress in the meantime...
On the whole though, its hard to be negative about the whole thing. I wish Croydon well. McCartney quoted that "some fans" referred to us on the Croydon forum as a "nothing club". In truth, one fan said that, and more than that were complintary, commenting that Chatham deserved their win. It also says on McCartney that Croydon were "cocky big spenders" who had hired the £600 England team bus for last week's trip to Whitstable. That may be true, but £600 to take 16 players, perhaps four members of coaching staff, and perhaps ten committee members and supporters (and limiting numbers to 30 is lets face it for a bus, on the light side), that works out at £20 each return, or £10 single. Cost of a train from Thornton Heath to Whitstable? £24.10. I don't think its fair to refer to Croydon Athletic as "cocky". In fact, I think its unhelpful. What is a bit cocky though, is that the Croyon supporter who posted video on youtube of the game, missed our last two goals... never mind, we'll have to make do with imagination.
Well, as will probably be the case for most away games this season, there has to be an alternative to the official version of events, and what better way than to do this shambolically, by paraphrasing other people's work and journalism? If everyone else is doing it why can't I?
In short, Chatham went to the game very much underdogs - and came from 3-1 down to win 4-3, with Brendon Cass bagging the winner in stoppage time. According to Athletico's official site, Matt Solly was an instrumental part of our victory, and on one of the galacticos forum postings states that Steve Hafner had a good half. Chatham's goals were scored by Cass (2), Solly and Barnett, the big former Slade Green hit man again a second half substitute. I'm beginning to suspect that this is tactical, but am now struggling to believe that Justin Ascheri can keep his place, particularly now that Lee is off the blocks in the goal race. Yes, he's been slow to score this season (1 in 4 games, all started on the bench), but the man scored 16 in 19 games for us last season, having already scored 12 for Slade Green before he joined us in November. His only fault for my mind is that he can read the game better than most of his team mates, and if they're not on his wavelength, its frustrating for all.
Anyway, I've digressed. McCartney, over on kentishfootball, didn't cover the game, but has since interview Big Don Logan (AOB - see post on YMCA game for reference). He's still not happy - he wants to see 90 minutes from us, and I think he's going to get it this Saturday against Eastbourne United in the Cup. Turns out Avery's done his hamstring, so let's hope that Tommy Binks is back from his working excursion to Abergavenny or wherever it is that he's gone, to shore up our defence. However we look at the league table, and two injury time winning performances in a week, we've shipped more goals than anyone bar Ashford (who are bottom), but if we keep scoring one more than "them" (whoever "them" are each game), we can't go far wrong - we just may all die of stress in the meantime...
On the whole though, its hard to be negative about the whole thing. I wish Croydon well. McCartney quoted that "some fans" referred to us on the Croydon forum as a "nothing club". In truth, one fan said that, and more than that were complintary, commenting that Chatham deserved their win. It also says on McCartney that Croydon were "cocky big spenders" who had hired the £600 England team bus for last week's trip to Whitstable. That may be true, but £600 to take 16 players, perhaps four members of coaching staff, and perhaps ten committee members and supporters (and limiting numbers to 30 is lets face it for a bus, on the light side), that works out at £20 each return, or £10 single. Cost of a train from Thornton Heath to Whitstable? £24.10. I don't think its fair to refer to Croydon Athletic as "cocky". In fact, I think its unhelpful. What is a bit cocky though, is that the Croyon supporter who posted video on youtube of the game, missed our last two goals... never mind, we'll have to make do with imagination.
Monday, 24 August 2009
A clarification...
I don't believe in going back and editing posts - its dishonest. Unless of course, whatever I've said is libelous, in which case, I'm not that stupid (but thinking about it, and that libel actions are very expensive, I'm unlikely to be in a position where libel threats are ever a problem - I don't think the Barclay brothers play semi-pro).
Moving on though, and this has not been prompted by any contact, I realise my comments about the match programme at the end of the YMCA report could suggest it was previously not a good read - this was not the intended point. It was pointed towards other programmes in the league, not our own, which has always been good. It was also meant as a point of gratitude given Mike Green's other work commitments and the short time scale he had in arranging it and editing it. So here's a re-write:
"The matchday programme is back to the sensible price of £1.50 (last seasons cost increase to £1.60 was necessary due to the economic situation but not convenient to find the right change for - also, many supporters give £2 and let the club keep the change rounding out of a total £10 spend including the gate fee). Given Mike Green's recent introduction as editor, on what I understand is a temporary basis as cover for John Crow, he has done a sterling job in arranging its quick professional production at short notice, and the "behind the red door" feature is a good way of bringing all the hard work of club volunteers to the fore, and the "Chat Box" feature makes the club seem less secular. Good work, and good value given some of the other programmes available at this level"....
Moving on though, and this has not been prompted by any contact, I realise my comments about the match programme at the end of the YMCA report could suggest it was previously not a good read - this was not the intended point. It was pointed towards other programmes in the league, not our own, which has always been good. It was also meant as a point of gratitude given Mike Green's other work commitments and the short time scale he had in arranging it and editing it. So here's a re-write:
"The matchday programme is back to the sensible price of £1.50 (last seasons cost increase to £1.60 was necessary due to the economic situation but not convenient to find the right change for - also, many supporters give £2 and let the club keep the change rounding out of a total £10 spend including the gate fee). Given Mike Green's recent introduction as editor, on what I understand is a temporary basis as cover for John Crow, he has done a sterling job in arranging its quick professional production at short notice, and the "behind the red door" feature is a good way of bringing all the hard work of club volunteers to the fore, and the "Chat Box" feature makes the club seem less secular. Good work, and good value given some of the other programmes available at this level"....
Saturday, 22 August 2009
AMAT (1) 1 - (1) 1 YMCA
Or, what we mean to say is Chatham Town FC 1-1 Horsham YMCA.
Chatham last met YM as they're known by their fans in the last home game of the 2007-2008 season, and ran out 3-2 winners. YM have since lost the entire first and second strings that took part in that campaign, and re-emerged into the Ryman 1 South at the invitation of the league for this season having finished third in the Sussex County last term. They've come along a long way, and controlled the match today for much of the first half, taking advantage of apparent disarray at the back for Chatham, and took a deserved lead when Chatham's argumentative defence dropped a gear looking for a handball decision that never came, to see Richard Stroud well out of position and beaten with a well placed shot hit from the outside of the box. It was a little unfair on Stroud, who had been a seeming voice of reason at the back of a shaky back four, Brad Potter looking somewhat uncomfortable at right back, and captain Avery unable to gather control. Stoud had earlier kept the scores level when perhaps we should have been behind after he somehow got a hand to a fierce shot, against his momentum when scrambling back crablike across his line, so he was justifiably disappointed at the manner of the goal that gave YM their deserved lead.
Those of the Chatham faithful who were at the last meeting of these two sides, will remember it particularly for that rarity in football, a goal from the halfway line. On that occasion, Steve Hafner took a cheeky free kick, and spotted then YM keeper Craig Meehan off his line to send the fans into raptures. Well, Hafner scored his first competitive goal for Chatham since that game again today, in similar style on 40 minutes - spotting Horsham's keeper off his line, he shot this time from further out, hitting the ball first time after it was rolled back to him, the ball sailing over the hapless keeper to the jubilation of the home support.
He then skied a much easier volley on the stoke of half time, the matchball being lost in the trees at the White Road end, well beyond the reach of the bravest fireman.
Half time came, and the noise from the home dressing room was something to behold. Whilst subs Barnett, Dodsworth and Powell took potshots at Dan Ellis in goal, even they could hear from the penalty area the wrath of Alex O'Brien fall down upon his team. AOB has passion - no doubt about it, and his half time pep talk reminded me of the scene in Sexy Beast where Ben Kingsley's Don Logan character snaps - you know, "Do it, YES YES YES YES C**T". The result of this - a little bit more fight in a second half that saw the immediate introduction of Tom Davey for the injured Mark Green (yet to impress on the left wing, but lets give him a chance), and Lee Barnett on for Richard Avery, who didn't look like he was carrying any knocks other than one to his confidence - perhaps AOB's rant was aimed in one particular direction...
Regardless of the what's and why fors, the defence still looked fragile at times. Jim Lyons, slipped in to the back to partner Ben Payne, with Lee Barnett playing a supporting role to Ascheri and Cass. The midfield started to flow a bit more at this point, but there's part of me that thinks this was more due to the fact that Solly then had more room. He and Lyons are two similar players, and they stifle each other to some extent.
Chatham did look more dangerous in the second half, Cass and Barnett combining well, with Tom Davey an effective threat down the left when Ascheri allowed him space to work the ball. In truth, Justin had a poor game today, his touch apparently left in the dressing room before hand, but his passion shone through - the lad just does not stop chasing every ball, something that both he and Cass do well and is refreshing to see.
I hope that Barnett's place on the bench is fitness related rather than tactical. He was our most potent threat going forward, but had to wait for the ball too many times - it was as if sometimes he couldn't buy a pass.
A lot of positives though - the second half performance just about justified a point,with improved passing and invention. But let's pick this up for Croydon Athletic away.
Chatham: Stroud, Probets, Avery (HT - Barnett), Payne, Potter, Solly, Lyons, Hafner (Dodsworth 70), Green (HT - Davey), Ascheri, Cass.
Unused subs: Powell, Ellis.
Highlights: Hafner's magic trick. Again.
Lowlights: Bickering in the back four, lack of confidence. Why did they all look so nervous for the first half?
The ref: - Did an alright job. Fairly innocuous.
MOTM: Brendon Cass. Missed a sitter with his head, but worked well creating movement at the front as part of the triangle with Barnett and Ascheri. Was let down in service a few times, as was Lee Barnett. If that triangle can get going, it'll bag fifty goals this season.
In conclusion: A fair result, but we need to start playing with a winners' attitude. Where's the confidence guys?
Pointless fact: The matchday programme is down to the sensible price of £1.50 again (went up to random £1.60 last season), and was actually not a bad read. I'd like an audiobook version for AOB's programme notes though... Ben Kingsley could have a serious threat on his hands.
Next up: At home, 29th August - Sussex County League Eastbourne United Association in the FA Cup Preliminary round. We're only 12 games from Wembley, or 10 from equaling our club record quarter final performance back in the days of Victoriana and pea-soupers on the lines...
Away: This tuesday, to league leaders Croydon Athletic. The big spenders were held today by underachieving Met Police 0-0; I am sure that AOB's Kingsley impersonation will do the trick at the Keith Tuckey stadion.
Chatham last met YM as they're known by their fans in the last home game of the 2007-2008 season, and ran out 3-2 winners. YM have since lost the entire first and second strings that took part in that campaign, and re-emerged into the Ryman 1 South at the invitation of the league for this season having finished third in the Sussex County last term. They've come along a long way, and controlled the match today for much of the first half, taking advantage of apparent disarray at the back for Chatham, and took a deserved lead when Chatham's argumentative defence dropped a gear looking for a handball decision that never came, to see Richard Stroud well out of position and beaten with a well placed shot hit from the outside of the box. It was a little unfair on Stroud, who had been a seeming voice of reason at the back of a shaky back four, Brad Potter looking somewhat uncomfortable at right back, and captain Avery unable to gather control. Stoud had earlier kept the scores level when perhaps we should have been behind after he somehow got a hand to a fierce shot, against his momentum when scrambling back crablike across his line, so he was justifiably disappointed at the manner of the goal that gave YM their deserved lead.
Those of the Chatham faithful who were at the last meeting of these two sides, will remember it particularly for that rarity in football, a goal from the halfway line. On that occasion, Steve Hafner took a cheeky free kick, and spotted then YM keeper Craig Meehan off his line to send the fans into raptures. Well, Hafner scored his first competitive goal for Chatham since that game again today, in similar style on 40 minutes - spotting Horsham's keeper off his line, he shot this time from further out, hitting the ball first time after it was rolled back to him, the ball sailing over the hapless keeper to the jubilation of the home support.
He then skied a much easier volley on the stoke of half time, the matchball being lost in the trees at the White Road end, well beyond the reach of the bravest fireman.
Half time came, and the noise from the home dressing room was something to behold. Whilst subs Barnett, Dodsworth and Powell took potshots at Dan Ellis in goal, even they could hear from the penalty area the wrath of Alex O'Brien fall down upon his team. AOB has passion - no doubt about it, and his half time pep talk reminded me of the scene in Sexy Beast where Ben Kingsley's Don Logan character snaps - you know, "Do it, YES YES YES YES C**T
Regardless of the what's and why fors, the defence still looked fragile at times. Jim Lyons, slipped in to the back to partner Ben Payne, with Lee Barnett playing a supporting role to Ascheri and Cass. The midfield started to flow a bit more at this point, but there's part of me that thinks this was more due to the fact that Solly then had more room. He and Lyons are two similar players, and they stifle each other to some extent.
Chatham did look more dangerous in the second half, Cass and Barnett combining well, with Tom Davey an effective threat down the left when Ascheri allowed him space to work the ball. In truth, Justin had a poor game today, his touch apparently left in the dressing room before hand, but his passion shone through - the lad just does not stop chasing every ball, something that both he and Cass do well and is refreshing to see.
I hope that Barnett's place on the bench is fitness related rather than tactical. He was our most potent threat going forward, but had to wait for the ball too many times - it was as if sometimes he couldn't buy a pass.
A lot of positives though - the second half performance just about justified a point,with improved passing and invention. But let's pick this up for Croydon Athletic away.
Chatham: Stroud, Probets, Avery (HT - Barnett), Payne, Potter, Solly, Lyons, Hafner (Dodsworth 70), Green (HT - Davey), Ascheri, Cass.
Unused subs: Powell, Ellis.
Highlights: Hafner's magic trick. Again.
Lowlights: Bickering in the back four, lack of confidence. Why did they all look so nervous for the first half?
The ref: - Did an alright job. Fairly innocuous.
MOTM: Brendon Cass. Missed a sitter with his head, but worked well creating movement at the front as part of the triangle with Barnett and Ascheri. Was let down in service a few times, as was Lee Barnett. If that triangle can get going, it'll bag fifty goals this season.
In conclusion: A fair result, but we need to start playing with a winners' attitude. Where's the confidence guys?
Pointless fact: The matchday programme is down to the sensible price of £1.50 again (went up to random £1.60 last season), and was actually not a bad read. I'd like an audiobook version for AOB's programme notes though... Ben Kingsley could have a serious threat on his hands.
Next up: At home, 29th August - Sussex County League Eastbourne United Association in the FA Cup Preliminary round. We're only 12 games from Wembley, or 10 from equaling our club record quarter final performance back in the days of Victoriana and pea-soupers on the lines...
Away: This tuesday, to league leaders Croydon Athletic. The big spenders were held today by underachieving Met Police 0-0; I am sure that AOB's Kingsley impersonation will do the trick at the Keith Tuckey stadion.
Thursday, 20 August 2009
Money will out.
Croydon Athletic sit top of the Ryman Leauge Division One South after two games, with a 100% record, 12 goals scored and two clean sheets. The Thornton Heath based side have seen a recent turn around in fortunes, that is shrouded by mystery and rumour. Those rumours though (have a look at the kent league forums to see what's being said about them and Holmesdale FC), are probably based on a jealousy of the apparent wealth of new investor Mazhar Majeed, a property developer with a passion for the game. Whatever the truth is, its easy to believe the talk of large amounts of money changing hands up there, and worryingly, the league is beginning to look very much like a one horse race already.
The changes at the Keith Tuckey stadium appear to have come to fruit around the turn of the year. Since Christmas, the Rams have lost just twice in the league. They have an impressive squad http://croydonathletic.net/web/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=284&Itemid=107
and a management duo with plenty of experience higher up the pyramid in the form of former Grays manager Tim O'Shea and his assistant Neil Smith. Its hard to believe they come cheap, and some of the players are certainly not in the £40 a game category.
Given that their attendance seem to average at the 150 mark, I worry for Croydon Athletic. There's no sour grapes in that at all either - I'd worry if we were seemingly overstretching ourselves by that amount. We're clubs of a similar size and stature, both of whom have much larger neighbours up the road (Gillingham in our case, Palace in their's), impacting on the ability to increase crowds and profile. We've seen too many clubs boom and bust over recent years, Fisher, Hornchurch, Telford, Canvey Island. Do we need another one? With commercial property developers undeniably at risk during the economic slowdown, how safe are they?
I hope it all works out well for Croydon. I've visited them twice with Chatham, and we recieved a friendly enough welcome. They're a tidy club much like ours, providing those who don't neccessarily want, or can't afford to enjoy, professional football with the fix that comes from such community based clubs.
More "pitchside", I'm dreading the away fixture next week. Something makes me think they're going to make us look very ordinary. Last time we went there, we were beaten 6-2; a similar scoreline this early in the season would not do wonders for our confidence...
The changes at the Keith Tuckey stadium appear to have come to fruit around the turn of the year. Since Christmas, the Rams have lost just twice in the league. They have an impressive squad http://croydonathletic.net/web/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=284&Itemid=107
and a management duo with plenty of experience higher up the pyramid in the form of former Grays manager Tim O'Shea and his assistant Neil Smith. Its hard to believe they come cheap, and some of the players are certainly not in the £40 a game category.
Given that their attendance seem to average at the 150 mark, I worry for Croydon Athletic. There's no sour grapes in that at all either - I'd worry if we were seemingly overstretching ourselves by that amount. We're clubs of a similar size and stature, both of whom have much larger neighbours up the road (Gillingham in our case, Palace in their's), impacting on the ability to increase crowds and profile. We've seen too many clubs boom and bust over recent years, Fisher, Hornchurch, Telford, Canvey Island. Do we need another one? With commercial property developers undeniably at risk during the economic slowdown, how safe are they?
I hope it all works out well for Croydon. I've visited them twice with Chatham, and we recieved a friendly enough welcome. They're a tidy club much like ours, providing those who don't neccessarily want, or can't afford to enjoy, professional football with the fix that comes from such community based clubs.
More "pitchside", I'm dreading the away fixture next week. Something makes me think they're going to make us look very ordinary. Last time we went there, we were beaten 6-2; a similar scoreline this early in the season would not do wonders for our confidence...
Wednesday, 19 August 2009
Chatham Town 3 - 2 Burgess Hill Town
Didn't make the game (yes, shameful, absolutely shameful) but we won 3-2, with the last kick of the game. I went to bed last night with that knowledge imagining a tap in - last kicks usually are, generally coming from set pieces, but no, the Kentishfootball report by Mike Green informs us it was a 30 yard chip from Justin Ascheri. I have to admit, in the past I've not been overly impressed by Ascheri, but he seems to be coming into himself. He is terrier like up front, and never stops running - and it seems his persistence was paid off with a brace last night.
The other goal was by man-god Brendon Cass. He's now scored every time he's played at the Theatre of Slapstick Comedy since his return (although last night was the first competitive game).
I do have a couple of concerns though. I'll have to do some digging, but I assume Barnett isn't fully fit and neither is Cass, Barnett coming on for Cassie in the 65th minute last night. Also, no place on the bench for either Denness, Binks or Ruddy last night. Hope they haven't left the club (particularly Ruddy, but, if Stroud is staying his options could be limited). You never know, they're all injured... not nice to wish ill on people in most circumstances, but I think it would be a travesty if both Rob and Tommy were to be sidelined permanently, they probably bleed red the amount of time they've been at the club (hang on, I think I've missed something there...).
Anyway, AOB wanted a performance - he's worried about our near capitulation in the second half, and says we were over run at times. We're possibly missing the Steve Best figure in midfield, and with OB himself now taking a backseat playing wise, I'd like to see Dodsworth in the mix. For a player who used to model himself on Beckham according to my sources from his junior days, he was certainly more in the Roy Keane mode at the end of last year. Lyons may have more creativity going forward, but we need a hard tackling midfielder to back up Matt Solly.
Additionally, when both Cass and Barnett are fit, how will we fit them in with the ever improving, and lets face it darned inconsiderate form of Ascheri? Barnett could fit in well behind the two of them, but that'll mean losing space on the wings. Interesting challenges for AOB await...
Saturday sees the visit of YMCA, followed the next week by the visit in the FA Cup of Sussex League champions Eastbourne Association. YMCA leapfrogged back to this level courtesy of the seaside club's non application for promotion, so two tough games that we must not underestimate coming up. How lovely would a cup run be eh?
The other goal was by man-god Brendon Cass. He's now scored every time he's played at the Theatre of Slapstick Comedy since his return (although last night was the first competitive game).
I do have a couple of concerns though. I'll have to do some digging, but I assume Barnett isn't fully fit and neither is Cass, Barnett coming on for Cassie in the 65th minute last night. Also, no place on the bench for either Denness, Binks or Ruddy last night. Hope they haven't left the club (particularly Ruddy, but, if Stroud is staying his options could be limited). You never know, they're all injured... not nice to wish ill on people in most circumstances, but I think it would be a travesty if both Rob and Tommy were to be sidelined permanently, they probably bleed red the amount of time they've been at the club (hang on, I think I've missed something there...).
Anyway, AOB wanted a performance - he's worried about our near capitulation in the second half, and says we were over run at times. We're possibly missing the Steve Best figure in midfield, and with OB himself now taking a backseat playing wise, I'd like to see Dodsworth in the mix. For a player who used to model himself on Beckham according to my sources from his junior days, he was certainly more in the Roy Keane mode at the end of last year. Lyons may have more creativity going forward, but we need a hard tackling midfielder to back up Matt Solly.
Additionally, when both Cass and Barnett are fit, how will we fit them in with the ever improving, and lets face it darned inconsiderate form of Ascheri? Barnett could fit in well behind the two of them, but that'll mean losing space on the wings. Interesting challenges for AOB await...
Saturday sees the visit of YMCA, followed the next week by the visit in the FA Cup of Sussex League champions Eastbourne Association. YMCA leapfrogged back to this level courtesy of the seaside club's non application for promotion, so two tough games that we must not underestimate coming up. How lovely would a cup run be eh?
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
Where are they now? (Brad King)
A new feature that occurred to me - where are those players from yesteryear (well, the last few seasons at least), and what are they up to now? Any ideas on anyone, let me know...
First installment : Bradley King...
Who could forget little Brad eh? I remember coming home from an away match at Sittingbourne by train, to see Brad stood at the station - making his way home to Sheppey by himself. Regularly berated with the intelligent shout of "boy" by opposition fans, Brad was a tidy full back who looked good going forward, so it was no surprise that after his perhaps dishonourable discharge from Chatham Town FC that he spent large parts of last season playing as a striker for Ashford Town's reserves. Back in first team football, he's playing at the back again, still in Medway, for Kent League Lordswood.
Brad came up through the youth system at Chatham, and was seen by some as an inspiration to the other young players. Since usurped in that role by Michael Scott, Bradley was a fan's favourite, but seemed to fall foul of then first team manager Phil Miles one time too many. Dropped for the opening game of the season in 2007-2008 because of his attitude (anyone remember the official team photo that year - all he could muster was a Reeves and Mortimer style gurn for the lens), he didn't seem to learn his lesson... He came back briefly under the returning Steve Binks, but seemed to fall out of love with the club. Perhaps a case of talent unfulfilled, lets hope he can resurrect his career -he had a lot of promise. Good luck at Lordswood, Bradley.
First installment : Bradley King...
Who could forget little Brad eh? I remember coming home from an away match at Sittingbourne by train, to see Brad stood at the station - making his way home to Sheppey by himself. Regularly berated with the intelligent shout of "boy" by opposition fans, Brad was a tidy full back who looked good going forward, so it was no surprise that after his perhaps dishonourable discharge from Chatham Town FC that he spent large parts of last season playing as a striker for Ashford Town's reserves. Back in first team football, he's playing at the back again, still in Medway, for Kent League Lordswood.
Brad came up through the youth system at Chatham, and was seen by some as an inspiration to the other young players. Since usurped in that role by Michael Scott, Bradley was a fan's favourite, but seemed to fall foul of then first team manager Phil Miles one time too many. Dropped for the opening game of the season in 2007-2008 because of his attitude (anyone remember the official team photo that year - all he could muster was a Reeves and Mortimer style gurn for the lens), he didn't seem to learn his lesson... He came back briefly under the returning Steve Binks, but seemed to fall out of love with the club. Perhaps a case of talent unfulfilled, lets hope he can resurrect his career -he had a lot of promise. Good luck at Lordswood, Bradley.
Sunday, 16 August 2009
Godalming Town 3- 0 Chatham Town
Oh dear, oh dear... The new season appears to have got off to a bad start yesterday. I wasn't able to attend (in fact, I won't be going to most away games this season), and there's no match report on either the official site, the forum or the Godalming site or forum, so I can only imagine that we had our keeper sent off and put someone else in goal...
Joking aside, in fairness Godalming are a much improved side from the one which we relegated a few years ago (when Shane Ill Disciplino Suter laughed at a bloke with a broken leg and told him to get up and stop faking it!), but the very scoreline 3-0 strikes dread and anti climax into the heart. AOB is quoted with the Holloway line "bouncebackability" on http://wwwkentishfootball.co.uk// We'll need it for the visit of Burgess Hill on Tuesday night for our opening home fixture of the season, but I'm sure AOB can get it out of the team. He talks of getting into people's eyelids(!) and I think he means it.
Hopefully, yesterday was a blip - and my prediction that we had not tested our defence enough in pre-season is wrong. That said, Godalming finished ninth last year, but bagged 71 goals in the process - more than anyone else outside the play off spots. I'm also worrying that the Chats starting pre-season two weeks later than everyone else for the second season in a row isn't part of the problem. We do look more settled this year (last year Binks didn't pick the same starting eleven two games in a row for months), but maybe our fitness is an issue?
Anyway, roll on two games at the Theatre of Slapstick Comedy in a row, Burgess Hill as mentioned, and then Horsham YMCA next Saturday 22nd. For those of you with sharp memories, you'll recall that YMCA were on the receiving end of Steve Hafner's halfway line effort in our last home game in the R1S - YMCA were relegated that year, but have bounced straight back, having by the miracles of the football pyramid been promoted last year despite not coming either first or second in the Sussex County League. They finished third...
Joking aside, in fairness Godalming are a much improved side from the one which we relegated a few years ago (when Shane Ill Disciplino Suter laughed at a bloke with a broken leg and told him to get up and stop faking it!), but the very scoreline 3-0 strikes dread and anti climax into the heart. AOB is quoted with the Holloway line "bouncebackability" on http://wwwkentishfootball.co.uk// We'll need it for the visit of Burgess Hill on Tuesday night for our opening home fixture of the season, but I'm sure AOB can get it out of the team. He talks of getting into people's eyelids(!) and I think he means it.
Hopefully, yesterday was a blip - and my prediction that we had not tested our defence enough in pre-season is wrong. That said, Godalming finished ninth last year, but bagged 71 goals in the process - more than anyone else outside the play off spots. I'm also worrying that the Chats starting pre-season two weeks later than everyone else for the second season in a row isn't part of the problem. We do look more settled this year (last year Binks didn't pick the same starting eleven two games in a row for months), but maybe our fitness is an issue?
Anyway, roll on two games at the Theatre of Slapstick Comedy in a row, Burgess Hill as mentioned, and then Horsham YMCA next Saturday 22nd. For those of you with sharp memories, you'll recall that YMCA were on the receiving end of Steve Hafner's halfway line effort in our last home game in the R1S - YMCA were relegated that year, but have bounced straight back, having by the miracles of the football pyramid been promoted last year despite not coming either first or second in the Sussex County League. They finished third...
Monday, 10 August 2009
Yet another coup for AOB.
Not so much a blog, or even a piece of news, but to reconfirm the positive steps being taken at the club, I've only just realised that Richard Stroud, who has played in goal for us recently, was a trainee at Premiership Tottenham Hotspur. Don't believe me?
http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/academy/news/academyreport020407.html
I think its fantastic that we're starting to attract players of such a calibre to the Sports Ground. Welcome, Richard. We could possibly be in a position where we have an embarrassment of riches this season. Time will tell.
PS - as an aside, I've mentioned Tottenham Hotspur in two of my posts. Let's hope it doesn't happen again...
http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/academy/news/academyreport020407.html
I think its fantastic that we're starting to attract players of such a calibre to the Sports Ground. Welcome, Richard. We could possibly be in a position where we have an embarrassment of riches this season. Time will tell.
PS - as an aside, I've mentioned Tottenham Hotspur in two of my posts. Let's hope it doesn't happen again...
Sunday, 9 August 2009
Stuckism (0) 1 - (0) 0 - Conceptualism
Medway's only member of the literati thus far, the singer songwriter, poet, author and artist Billy Childish, once published an anthology of his poetry entitled "Chatham Town Welcomes Desperate Men." Well, possibly heeding that message, on a balmy Saturday afternoon at the Theatre of Slapstick, Chatham Town welcomed Terry Yorath and Neville Southall OBEs Margate FC for the final pre-season friendly of the campaign.
It was in truth a pretty tepid affair, much in part one would imagine due to players not wishing to pick up silly injuries or suspensions ahead of the new campaign. Some people had other ideas though, Steve Hafner for example, would have expected a straight red rather than an enforced substitution in a competitive fixture after a particularly reckless challenge that caused some uproar amongst Margate's small yet vocal travelling support.
The game had few chances and saw AOB make a few changes from the team that so comprehensively defeated Dagenham and Redbridge on Tuesday night, Michael Scott taking the place of Tommy Binks at right back, Brad Potter filling in for the absent Richard Avery, with Jim Lyons starting in the resultant midfield spot. Mark Green was tipped ahead of Tom Davey on left of the midfield, and Richard Stroud held on to the number one shirt after his second half appearance on Tuesday.
The game was something of a slow affair, with the apparent terrace apathy transferring itself to the pitch. Justin Ascheri terriered as a terrier does, and Matt Solly appeared solid at the centre of the park as always, and despite their pyramid seniority, Ryman Premier Margate looked perhaps the most threatening but without any real fire power to trouble what at times looked a slightly shaky paring of Potter and Payne at the back. Chatham's best chance fell to an unmarked Ascheri who's point blank shot was turned over well by Margate's massive keeper, and the Gate's best chance came when an umkarked Joe Healey headed wide when unmarked, his miss leaving him to berate himself with a word we will only refer to as the Clarkson/Brown word (or c-bomb for our American friends). The fact that this is even reportable says it all about what was a poor first half, and it was not a surprise to hear similarly course language coming from the home dressing room at half time.
AOB sent out the same eleven that finished the first half for the second period, and it was much business as before to be honest, until the introduction midway through the half of Ray "Razor" Powell for the tired Ascheri. The diminutive defender cum striker paired up well with Brendon Cass, who had again looked sharp but perhaps not best serviced by those around him earlier in the game, and the match picked up some appetite. Having earlier dismissed a strong penalty shout when Cass was felled in the area, the referee had no hesitation on seventy minutes in pointing to the spot for a similar challenge, and Brendon Cass showed his class to send the keeper the wrong way and bury it in the bottom corner.
Chatham pushed for a second, and Powell, who brought much needed aggression to the game was instrumental in a move that saw Jim Lyons this time sky the ball from six yards whilst unmarked, a typical second half highlight of a game that for most parts had flatlined on the excitement ECG.
Chatham kick off in the league next week away to Godalming Town, a side much improved since they were relegated at the TOSC a couple of years ago, and will need to hope that the Chatham defence is a solid at the books would suggest. We've conceded just twice in the six pre season games, and have scored 16. Without wishing to sound negative, there's part of me that doubts we've yet come across a decent front line, but if we can get Lee Barnett fit for the campaign, who knows, maybe we've got a Real Madrid season coming up. Time to see if its another season for Desperate Men.
Chatham line up; Stroud, Probets, Scott, Payne, Potter, Lyons, Solly, Green, Hafner, Cass, Ascheri (subs who got some action were Binks, Davey and Powell)
Highlights: Probably the guts and all performance for half an hour by Ray Powell. Wasn't overly excited by what I saw of him in defence the other night, but as a forward he is energetic, enthusiastic and committed to say the least. Doesn't look like a forward which must shock defences. Will get sent off at least four times this season.
Lowlights: None really, other than one of their players leaving in an ambulance after a freak fall. Hope he's ok.
In conclusion: Let's get on with the competitive games please. This was dullard.
Pointless fact: Sixteen years ago this month, Gate manager Terry Yorath lead Wales to their highest ever Fifa ranking (27th).
MOTM: Michael Scott. Had a great game. Which is a shame for Tommy Binks, as Binks had probably his best season at Chatham yet last term, but will do well to start at right back if Scott keeps showing this amount of natural talent and versatility - converted to attack very well after Green's injury.
It was in truth a pretty tepid affair, much in part one would imagine due to players not wishing to pick up silly injuries or suspensions ahead of the new campaign. Some people had other ideas though, Steve Hafner for example, would have expected a straight red rather than an enforced substitution in a competitive fixture after a particularly reckless challenge that caused some uproar amongst Margate's small yet vocal travelling support.
The game had few chances and saw AOB make a few changes from the team that so comprehensively defeated Dagenham and Redbridge on Tuesday night, Michael Scott taking the place of Tommy Binks at right back, Brad Potter filling in for the absent Richard Avery, with Jim Lyons starting in the resultant midfield spot. Mark Green was tipped ahead of Tom Davey on left of the midfield, and Richard Stroud held on to the number one shirt after his second half appearance on Tuesday.
The game was something of a slow affair, with the apparent terrace apathy transferring itself to the pitch. Justin Ascheri terriered as a terrier does, and Matt Solly appeared solid at the centre of the park as always, and despite their pyramid seniority, Ryman Premier Margate looked perhaps the most threatening but without any real fire power to trouble what at times looked a slightly shaky paring of Potter and Payne at the back. Chatham's best chance fell to an unmarked Ascheri who's point blank shot was turned over well by Margate's massive keeper, and the Gate's best chance came when an umkarked Joe Healey headed wide when unmarked, his miss leaving him to berate himself with a word we will only refer to as the Clarkson/Brown word (or c-bomb for our American friends). The fact that this is even reportable says it all about what was a poor first half, and it was not a surprise to hear similarly course language coming from the home dressing room at half time.
AOB sent out the same eleven that finished the first half for the second period, and it was much business as before to be honest, until the introduction midway through the half of Ray "Razor" Powell for the tired Ascheri. The diminutive defender cum striker paired up well with Brendon Cass, who had again looked sharp but perhaps not best serviced by those around him earlier in the game, and the match picked up some appetite. Having earlier dismissed a strong penalty shout when Cass was felled in the area, the referee had no hesitation on seventy minutes in pointing to the spot for a similar challenge, and Brendon Cass showed his class to send the keeper the wrong way and bury it in the bottom corner.
Chatham pushed for a second, and Powell, who brought much needed aggression to the game was instrumental in a move that saw Jim Lyons this time sky the ball from six yards whilst unmarked, a typical second half highlight of a game that for most parts had flatlined on the excitement ECG.
Chatham kick off in the league next week away to Godalming Town, a side much improved since they were relegated at the TOSC a couple of years ago, and will need to hope that the Chatham defence is a solid at the books would suggest. We've conceded just twice in the six pre season games, and have scored 16. Without wishing to sound negative, there's part of me that doubts we've yet come across a decent front line, but if we can get Lee Barnett fit for the campaign, who knows, maybe we've got a Real Madrid season coming up. Time to see if its another season for Desperate Men.
Chatham line up; Stroud, Probets, Scott, Payne, Potter, Lyons, Solly, Green, Hafner, Cass, Ascheri (subs who got some action were Binks, Davey and Powell)
Highlights: Probably the guts and all performance for half an hour by Ray Powell. Wasn't overly excited by what I saw of him in defence the other night, but as a forward he is energetic, enthusiastic and committed to say the least. Doesn't look like a forward which must shock defences. Will get sent off at least four times this season.
Lowlights: None really, other than one of their players leaving in an ambulance after a freak fall. Hope he's ok.
In conclusion: Let's get on with the competitive games please. This was dullard.
Pointless fact: Sixteen years ago this month, Gate manager Terry Yorath lead Wales to their highest ever Fifa ranking (27th).
MOTM: Michael Scott. Had a great game. Which is a shame for Tommy Binks, as Binks had probably his best season at Chatham yet last term, but will do well to start at right back if Scott keeps showing this amount of natural talent and versatility - converted to attack very well after Green's injury.
Wednesday, 5 August 2009
Men 3 (0) (0) 1 Boys
I like to display scores in the old school format, with the half time scores in brackets.
Last night saw the visit of Dagenham and Redbridge to the hallowed theatre of slapstick comedy, and rather predictably, they sent a youth team. I can't say I'm all that surprised by the lack of inclusion of full time heavily insured professional assets, but nonetheless, it was pleasurable to see what were in effect full time athletes at the Sports Ground.
Chatham's starting eleven featured the returning Brendon Cass, and it from the off it was apparent that this could be the first choice eleven (minus the injured Lee Barnett) for AOB for the coming season (now less than a fortnight away) American goalkeeper Dean Ruddy made his first start in Chatham colours (rather comically in a two years out of date John Whitehouse hand me down Ward Homes sponsored shirt - there were genuine cries of "we've lost the keepers jerseys" being bandied about by club officials), and Justin Julie Ascheri started again in place of the injured Barnett, with Rob Denness kept very much to a half time warm up cameo.
From the off, it was apparent that Chatham were not treating this as a friendly. Steve Hafner, back under the new management, had immense hunger on the right, left and just about everywhere, as Chatham tried to keep the ball down and run at their youthful opponents. On a fine pitch that is a credit to whoever has maintained it over the summer, Chatham took the game to Daggers from the off, and it was something of a surprise that the first half ended goalless, Chatham's best chance being an acrobatic overhead scissor kick from Brendon Cass that failed to find the net. To their credit, Dagenham's young side were not unduly intimidated and tried to play good neat football, but were undone by a Chatham midfield of the ever confident Brad Potter, and the industrious Matthew Solly. That said, the Dagenham Dave's only decent chance was a thunderous shot that saw that rarest of things in football these days, a flying save that resulted in the ball being caught, yes caught, not parried, by Ruddy, to the applause of everyone in the ground. The save must have done Ruddy's confidence the world of good, having earlier had some problems with his distribution - perhaps some of John Whitehouse's notorious kicking inability had rubbed off on the old shirt.
Come part two, and Chatham very much took off where they left off. There were run outs for Mark Green, Ray Powell and Notaspeckofdirt Jim Lyons, but the undoubted highlight of the half was the opening goal. A lovely diagonal ball to the far side of the box found Steven Hafner unmarked, who took one touch to control the ball before half volleying it across the keeper inside the far post. One nil Chatham.
Chatham's second was from a Hafner set piece, with Brendon Cass showing all the ability that makes him such a deadly fox-in-the-box striker, his dummied run leaving him unmarked for the easiest of headers and a two nil lead.
Dagenham underook a flurry of substitutions, with no less than seven off to be replaced at once, including the smallest goalkeeper seen at Maidstone Road since the 1987 u-13s cup final. The energy of these changes, and clear difference in fitness made for a more competitive final twenty minutes, where they pulled one back with a neatly worked goal where if we're honest the defence could have done better, but the Chats restored their two goal advantage when Justin Ascheri, who had been running at the Dagenham and Redbridge defence all night to great effect caused chaos in the box, and was rewarded with a simple effort after selfless work from Cass, who chose to set up his strike partner rather than have a go himself.
All in all, a good work out for the Chats, proving that their may be an embarrassment of riches and some problems for AOB keeping four decent forwards in Barnett, Cass, Ascheri and Denness happy and hungry for first team football this coming term.
Highlights: The first performance of Brendon Cass in the red and black for three and half years. Any concerns about pre-season fitness washed away, and he still wears his shirt like Hoddle did in the eighties. A commanding experienced performance from a man Chatham must get on contract if we're to fulfill our potential this season.
Lowlights: Hard to moan, but would have been nice to see Rob Denness get a run out with Cass, personally, I think he offers more than Ascheri with his all round game and ability to hold up play.
The referee: From Strood. Did an anonymous enough job, but had a pointless argument with Hafner over a quickly taken free kick that no one else really had a problem with.
Conclusion: A useful lesson for both teams. Would have done Chatham's confidence no end of good, but in reality it should be no surprise that a team that featured former professionals in the form of Probets and Hafner should have done so well against youthful inexperienced opposition.
Pointless fact: Dagenham's Charlie Hurlock is the son of 80's all round professional journeyman pro Terry Hurlock.
Chatham line up; Ruddy, Binks, Probets, Avery, Payne, Solly, Potter, Davey, Hafner, Ascheri, Cass.
Dagenham and Red line up; Come on.... let's face it, even most Daggers supportes wouldn't know, but their number 8 was very impressive and must have a future in the game.
MOTM - Cass.
Last night saw the visit of Dagenham and Redbridge to the hallowed theatre of slapstick comedy, and rather predictably, they sent a youth team. I can't say I'm all that surprised by the lack of inclusion of full time heavily insured professional assets, but nonetheless, it was pleasurable to see what were in effect full time athletes at the Sports Ground.
Chatham's starting eleven featured the returning Brendon Cass, and it from the off it was apparent that this could be the first choice eleven (minus the injured Lee Barnett) for AOB for the coming season (now less than a fortnight away) American goalkeeper Dean Ruddy made his first start in Chatham colours (rather comically in a two years out of date John Whitehouse hand me down Ward Homes sponsored shirt - there were genuine cries of "we've lost the keepers jerseys" being bandied about by club officials), and Justin Julie Ascheri started again in place of the injured Barnett, with Rob Denness kept very much to a half time warm up cameo.
From the off, it was apparent that Chatham were not treating this as a friendly. Steve Hafner, back under the new management, had immense hunger on the right, left and just about everywhere, as Chatham tried to keep the ball down and run at their youthful opponents. On a fine pitch that is a credit to whoever has maintained it over the summer, Chatham took the game to Daggers from the off, and it was something of a surprise that the first half ended goalless, Chatham's best chance being an acrobatic overhead scissor kick from Brendon Cass that failed to find the net. To their credit, Dagenham's young side were not unduly intimidated and tried to play good neat football, but were undone by a Chatham midfield of the ever confident Brad Potter, and the industrious Matthew Solly. That said, the Dagenham Dave's only decent chance was a thunderous shot that saw that rarest of things in football these days, a flying save that resulted in the ball being caught, yes caught, not parried, by Ruddy, to the applause of everyone in the ground. The save must have done Ruddy's confidence the world of good, having earlier had some problems with his distribution - perhaps some of John Whitehouse's notorious kicking inability had rubbed off on the old shirt.
Come part two, and Chatham very much took off where they left off. There were run outs for Mark Green, Ray Powell and Notaspeckofdirt Jim Lyons, but the undoubted highlight of the half was the opening goal. A lovely diagonal ball to the far side of the box found Steven Hafner unmarked, who took one touch to control the ball before half volleying it across the keeper inside the far post. One nil Chatham.
Chatham's second was from a Hafner set piece, with Brendon Cass showing all the ability that makes him such a deadly fox-in-the-box striker, his dummied run leaving him unmarked for the easiest of headers and a two nil lead.
Dagenham underook a flurry of substitutions, with no less than seven off to be replaced at once, including the smallest goalkeeper seen at Maidstone Road since the 1987 u-13s cup final. The energy of these changes, and clear difference in fitness made for a more competitive final twenty minutes, where they pulled one back with a neatly worked goal where if we're honest the defence could have done better, but the Chats restored their two goal advantage when Justin Ascheri, who had been running at the Dagenham and Redbridge defence all night to great effect caused chaos in the box, and was rewarded with a simple effort after selfless work from Cass, who chose to set up his strike partner rather than have a go himself.
All in all, a good work out for the Chats, proving that their may be an embarrassment of riches and some problems for AOB keeping four decent forwards in Barnett, Cass, Ascheri and Denness happy and hungry for first team football this coming term.
Highlights: The first performance of Brendon Cass in the red and black for three and half years. Any concerns about pre-season fitness washed away, and he still wears his shirt like Hoddle did in the eighties. A commanding experienced performance from a man Chatham must get on contract if we're to fulfill our potential this season.
Lowlights: Hard to moan, but would have been nice to see Rob Denness get a run out with Cass, personally, I think he offers more than Ascheri with his all round game and ability to hold up play.
The referee: From Strood. Did an anonymous enough job, but had a pointless argument with Hafner over a quickly taken free kick that no one else really had a problem with.
Conclusion: A useful lesson for both teams. Would have done Chatham's confidence no end of good, but in reality it should be no surprise that a team that featured former professionals in the form of Probets and Hafner should have done so well against youthful inexperienced opposition.
Pointless fact: Dagenham's Charlie Hurlock is the son of 80's all round professional journeyman pro Terry Hurlock.
Chatham line up; Ruddy, Binks, Probets, Avery, Payne, Solly, Potter, Davey, Hafner, Ascheri, Cass.
Dagenham and Red line up; Come on.... let's face it, even most Daggers supportes wouldn't know, but their number 8 was very impressive and must have a future in the game.
MOTM - Cass.
Monday, 3 August 2009
A new season, a new dawn?
The 2009-2010 season looms ahead. I choose the word loom, because is suggests something ominous on the horizon. For once, though, for those at the Sports Ground, Maidstone Road, Chatham (or, as its known to some of its regular visitors "the home of football", or "the theatre of slapstick comedy"), there is a buzz of excitment - almost optimism about the next nine months proceedings.
I'll make an assumption that if you're reading this, you are already somewhat versed in the ways of non leage football. That is, where the game is still played, to an extent anyway, out of love for the game, where the clubs do not seek to actively rip off every single paying punter, and where yes, the supporters are still supporters, and not "consumers". Don't get me wrong, the pitfalls of the Premier League are trickling down to the non league game, and threatening its very existance. Clubs with money will always do well - as an example, would the righfully respected AFC Wimbledon have done so well were it not for the enormous (relatively speaking) fan base that has funded their meteoric rise to the Conference national is seven years? They are though, a rarity - they can afford to be. For those who gamble on future success, its a different story. Only this summer we have seen one of the south east's most famius club's go to the wall - Fisher Athletic are no more, although a new club owned and run by the fans, who have been to the AFC Dons school of the method, have been entered into the ailing Kent League.
The money in the proffessional game, and the resultant market forces, are threatening football whole scale; player's wages throughout the game, even at semi pro level are vastly over inflated, and even us non league fans are starting to see the one club stalwart as a thing of the past. But I digress, although I'm sure I'll end up coming back to this through the season...
Chatham Town FC - a little known club, formed in the same year as Tottenham Hotspur, a club who for many seasons in the days of Victoriana, TB, Pea-soupers and the Crimea (well, later than that admittedly), in front of crowds that even the modern day Gillingham FC would be grateful for, are excited about the 2009-2010 season, and it could be argued, with good reason.
The last campaign, was for the most part, dire. In fact, it was mooted by many that a return to the Kent League was a distinct possibility, with relegation from the Ryman League looking increasingly likely each week. Something stirred though in February this year, when the Chats as they are know, went on an unbeaten run that took them to the end of the season, aided in no small part by the unearthed gem of a goal machine, Lee Barnett. Barnett, who at 22 has the look of a man ten years his senior when he is on the ball, in my mind, single handedly acted as the unibond that stuck the team together. He scored his first goal for the club having stepped up from Kent League minnows (and sadly now defunct) Slade Green, against Thamesmead Town in the home fixture on the 27th December. Barnett then went on to score 15 times in his next 19 outings, as Chatham went on to record their best league finish in 23 years.
Somewhat surprisingly, boss and general all round good guy (and Commercial Director!!!) Steve Binks was replaced at the season's end by rookie manager Alex O'Brien. O'Brien, who had been "helping out" for the duration of the unbeaten season finale, was something of a surprise appointment. A proper hard-man midfielder in the truest sense of the word, he had played briefley for the Chats whilst on loan from Dartford earlier in the season. Early suspicions about O'Brien (or AOB as some know him) and his abilities as a boss were calmed when he swiftly announced the retention of several key players on contract for the coming season, including Barnett, and, to my mind, he became a hero when he announced the capture of all round Chats legend, returning prodigal hero, Brendon Cass. Cass, who had infamously left Chatham for Dartford when the Darts were below Chatham in the league in 2006 went on to bag 81 goals in 134 appearances for Dartford, and helped take them back to the sort of position in the non league game that they have historically deserved. The idea of Cass and Barnett together is one that should be terrifying for Ryman 1 South defences this season...
I'll make an assumption that if you're reading this, you are already somewhat versed in the ways of non leage football. That is, where the game is still played, to an extent anyway, out of love for the game, where the clubs do not seek to actively rip off every single paying punter, and where yes, the supporters are still supporters, and not "consumers". Don't get me wrong, the pitfalls of the Premier League are trickling down to the non league game, and threatening its very existance. Clubs with money will always do well - as an example, would the righfully respected AFC Wimbledon have done so well were it not for the enormous (relatively speaking) fan base that has funded their meteoric rise to the Conference national is seven years? They are though, a rarity - they can afford to be. For those who gamble on future success, its a different story. Only this summer we have seen one of the south east's most famius club's go to the wall - Fisher Athletic are no more, although a new club owned and run by the fans, who have been to the AFC Dons school of the method, have been entered into the ailing Kent League.
The money in the proffessional game, and the resultant market forces, are threatening football whole scale; player's wages throughout the game, even at semi pro level are vastly over inflated, and even us non league fans are starting to see the one club stalwart as a thing of the past. But I digress, although I'm sure I'll end up coming back to this through the season...
Chatham Town FC - a little known club, formed in the same year as Tottenham Hotspur, a club who for many seasons in the days of Victoriana, TB, Pea-soupers and the Crimea (well, later than that admittedly), in front of crowds that even the modern day Gillingham FC would be grateful for, are excited about the 2009-2010 season, and it could be argued, with good reason.
The last campaign, was for the most part, dire. In fact, it was mooted by many that a return to the Kent League was a distinct possibility, with relegation from the Ryman League looking increasingly likely each week. Something stirred though in February this year, when the Chats as they are know, went on an unbeaten run that took them to the end of the season, aided in no small part by the unearthed gem of a goal machine, Lee Barnett. Barnett, who at 22 has the look of a man ten years his senior when he is on the ball, in my mind, single handedly acted as the unibond that stuck the team together. He scored his first goal for the club having stepped up from Kent League minnows (and sadly now defunct) Slade Green, against Thamesmead Town in the home fixture on the 27th December. Barnett then went on to score 15 times in his next 19 outings, as Chatham went on to record their best league finish in 23 years.
Somewhat surprisingly, boss and general all round good guy (and Commercial Director!!!) Steve Binks was replaced at the season's end by rookie manager Alex O'Brien. O'Brien, who had been "helping out" for the duration of the unbeaten season finale, was something of a surprise appointment. A proper hard-man midfielder in the truest sense of the word, he had played briefley for the Chats whilst on loan from Dartford earlier in the season. Early suspicions about O'Brien (or AOB as some know him) and his abilities as a boss were calmed when he swiftly announced the retention of several key players on contract for the coming season, including Barnett, and, to my mind, he became a hero when he announced the capture of all round Chats legend, returning prodigal hero, Brendon Cass. Cass, who had infamously left Chatham for Dartford when the Darts were below Chatham in the league in 2006 went on to bag 81 goals in 134 appearances for Dartford, and helped take them back to the sort of position in the non league game that they have historically deserved. The idea of Cass and Barnett together is one that should be terrifying for Ryman 1 South defences this season...
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