Sun closing in on another final

KENNETT CLINCHES HARD-FOUGHT VICTORY IN LAST EIGHT OF KENT PREMIER CUP

Rising Sun are just one game from the Kent Premier Cup final after a 3-2 win away to North Kent League side Real Gima at Gravesend on Sunday.

Riser – finalists last year – made the perfect start going ahead inside the opening minute when James Turner turned on a through ball on the edge of the penalty area and slotted home under the keeper.

Gima resisted almost constant pressure from Riser until the 33rd minute when Ben Brown headed home from a Harry Brown corner to give Riser a 2-0 half-time lead.

Gima showed renewed purpose after the break and early pressure was rewarded with a goal in the 53rd minute when a free kick on the edge of the Riser penalty area was curled beyond Andy Maxted’s reach.

The home side continued to press and levelled on 70 minutes only for Riser to raise their game and clinch victory in the 86th minute when Joe Kennett rose above the Gima defence to head home a long throw-in from Connor Sanders.

Monument’s hopes of joining Riser in the last four were blown away by holders Quested who won 5-1 after James Brown had scored inside the first 30 seconds.

Whitstable Old Boys, next bottom of Division 2, sprang a surprise in the first round of the Faversham Charity Cup Junior Section.

They held first division Blean Sunday 2-2 and then edged them 6-5 on penalties.

A first- minute own goal gave Tankerton Royals a flying start against Premier Division opponents Littlebourne but the visitors eased to a 9-2 victory.

John Lewis hit a hat-trick, with Lou Brister (2), Ean Flood, Matt Martin, Shaun Loomer and Michael Seagers the other Bourne scorers. Dave Carter scored the other Royals goal.

Jadon Blues edged Chartham in a nine- goal thriller, with Stephen Gilbert, Rob Wellings, Ben Lawrence and Rob Lawrence (2) their scorers in a 5-4 success. James Klosek, Joe Summerhayes (2) and Nathan Macnally replied for Chartham.

Monnument PFC Reserves moved four points clear at the top of Division 1 after a 1-0 win over promotion rivals Wingham.

Crusaders’ title challenge suffered another setback as they were pipped 3-2 by Northgate Rangers, for whom Liam Love, Adam Wells and Aaron Judd secured only a second win of the season.

Harry Paxman scored five goals to fire Bay Athletic to a 7-2 victory over Hampton. Aaron Fuller claimed the other two.

Woodman’s Hall picked up only their second win, beating A1 Tyres 4-1. Nathan Pout led the way with a hat-trick. Darren Eke was the other scorer.

Chislet CW moved to within five points of Division 2 leaders Faversham Strike Force after a 6-1 over Oare.

Nathan French and Jack Waite both scored twice with Callum Kennelly and Shannon Harris completing the tally. Ousman Tunkara replied for Oare.

St Stephen’s eased past Heron Athletic, led by a Johnny Pilcher’s treble. Daniel Wells and Alfie Oliver both struck twice.