Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
FAVERSHAM STRIKE FORCE: All NOT lost As AXFORD PROVES SPOT ON TO SALVAGE late POINT
Faversham Strike Force FC scored two goals in the final five minutes to claim a point from their Kent County Premier Division game against high-flying Tudor Sports.
A largely uneventful first half ended goalless and hosts Faversham created some good chances early in the second – Ali Adam dragging a shot wide – but those wasted opportunities looked costly when Tudor led 2-0.
The comeback began in the 86th minute. Andy Parker was fouled and Tom Axford converted from the spot and when Force won a 90th-minute corner, everyone piled forward including keeper Ben Buckingham, who flicked on player-of-the-match Tom Holmes’ cross before a defender handled. Axford held his nerve again.
“After the heavy defeat (5-0 against Staplehurst) of last week, this match was all about our attitude,” said boss Gary Axford. “It was a brilliant performance in the second half.” Faversham Strike Force’s under-16s maintained their fine Kent League form against Folkestone.
Force took the lead when they broke from a Folkestone corner just before the half-hour. Zac Benfield played an early ball forward and when Kurt Dayson-scott found Luke Taylor, he made no mistake from close range.
The Force could do nothing about Folkestone’s 20-yard equaliser but John Williamson’s unstoppable shot gave them the lead again before an own goal made it 3-1.
The under-12s lost 3-1 to Deal Town Rangers, Rue Sladen scoring.
The under-10s played Ashford United in the East Kent Youth League with Sam Clucias, George Maguire and Lucian Tann all finding the net.
In Force’s other match in that age group, Jake Crawley hit three against Cheriton, with Ryan Brown – his first for the club – Frank Davison, Luke White and Charlie Hope also scoring.
The Under-8 Hurricanes played Deal Town Rangers Colts and Toby Sears scored a free-kick. Ethan Taylor struck and Rufus Mcintyre’s strike went in off the bar.
The Thunder side took on Herne Bay Harriers and scored via Archie Brazil’s half-volley and Jack Wyles’ free-kick. Defender Will Jones was player-of-the-match.