Debut keeper’s efforts prove in vain

Club round-up

A promising debut by keeper Ryan Wright could not prevent Pilgrims from a 3-1 defeat at Crawley 1sts in Kent/sussex Regional 2.

Crawley dominated the early possession and it told midway through the first half when they struck after Wright had initially kept out a short corner. The keeper was similarly unlucky with Crawley’s second which came from another rebound which was bundled home.

Hopes were revived in the second half when Zak Williams smashed home a rebound from a short corner but the Pilgrims had Jake Smith dismissed and not long after Crawley wrapped up the points from a clinical counter attack.

The 3rds were pipped 3-2 at home in Kent Area Division 1 by Old Bordenians 2nds having clawed their way back from 2-0 down.

Bords broke the deadlock and then, after the hosts had created numerous chances, the visitors struck again with only their second attempt on goal.

Canterbury continued to press at the start of the second half and the were rewarded with two goals in quick succession, both scored by Matt Lea, but the visitors took the points with a third goal.

Glen Prebble claimed a hat-trick as the 4ths overturned an early 2-0 deficit to beat Gore Court 2nds 6-2 in Kent Area Division 2.

Both Court goals came inside the first 10 minutes and as Court continued to press, Canterbury were indebted to keeper Brad Lea who made several one-on-one saves.

Two minutes before half-time Prebble struck the ball from a short corner to halve the home advantage and early in the second period Rich Keir levelled the scores.

Canterbury dominated the rest of the game with Prebble putting Canterbury ahead before a superb drag flick from Matt Hammond made it 4-2.

Craig Cholerton then displayed good skill to score his first goal for the club, before Prebble – who also saw a flick saved – completed his hat-trick by applying the final touch to a fine team move.

A late goal from Miles Coode gave Millers a 2-1 home win over Blackheath & Elthamians 3rds in Kent Area Division 2.

Debutant Ben Young made the best possible start finishing calmly after some good team passing to put the home side ahead.

Sustained Millers pressure failed to yield a second goal and midway through the first half Blackheath managed to sneak through to level the score with a welltaken reverse stick shot.

The deadlock continued throughout the second half and despite increased fluency from the home side,the game was into the last few minutes when Hugo CreaneyBirch ghosted into the D around several defenders along the baseline and pulled the ball back for Coode to slot home.

The 5ths went down 5-3 to Old Bordenians 3rds in Kent Open Premier B.

An early goal lifted Canterbury’s spirits but they trailed 2-1 at half-time.

The match was deadlocked 3-3 before the final 15 minutes when Bords struck twice reply to secure the points.

Canterbury’s scorers were M. Lister, Josh White and Jack Mason.

The Griffins made it four wins from four – and three clean sheets – in Kent Open Premier C with a 2-0 win over Herne Bay 3rds.

Max Messenger broke the deadlock with a quality turn and reverse stick shot.

The second goal did not arrive until the very end when man-of-the-match Ed Laslett slotted home from the left of the circle.

Messenger and Chris Figgis both enjoyed excellent games.

An outstanding display by keeper Dave Kiernan helped the Squires hold Kent Open Division 1 leaders Bromley & Beckenham 6ths.

Kiernan produced a string of fine saves and blocks and commanded the D throughout to ensure the youthful and skilful Bromley side were kept at bay.

Squires created a handful of chances to pinch the points but the one-on-one Ali Scot-kilvert found himself in was cleverly swatted away by the keeper.

Another youngster, Tyler Aitken, contributed hugely and demonstrated skills and thought beyond his years.

Lee Rowney was another keeper in superb form but despite his heroics Friars went down 1-0 away to Blackheath Dynamos in Kent Open Division 3.

The penalty corner count was 18 to two in Blackheath’s favour but Rowney denied them with save after save until finally being beaten at the death.

Good support came from Kyron Tritton and Chris Ward, well marshalled by Roger Dunn, while in midfield John Ratcliffe had a good game and never tired.

Picture: Tony Flashman Craig Boyne