City a harder nut to crack

Southern Counties East League

Canterbury City are showing some defensive mettle, to the delight of Chris Woollcott. His team took a point from their Monday night trip to K Sports after withstanding plenty of second-half pressure. The only goal they conceded was from a 30-yard rocket. Boss Woollcott said: “They put it on us second half, but we defended well and nobody was getting anywhere near the shot for the goal.

“We are looking more solid defensively. We are looking harder to break down.” City might have had more than a point had they capitalised on a first-half penalty. Jake Page had put them one up after three minutes but a Danny Lawrence spot-kick on 33 minutes was saved.

K Sports got their equaliser just past the hour with their shot from distance. City still had chances, however, striking the woodwork twice.

“It was probably a fair result in the end,” admitted Woollcott. “I thought we had the better of the first half, took an early lead which is always nice, then created one or two chances. “It was a little scrappy at times but we looked OK, we won the penalty and it was a good save from the keeper.”

City had also been in action on Friday, beating FC Elmstead 5-0 in the FA Vase first qualifying round via Jack Healey, Tom Cousins, Teddy Nelson, Jordan Casey and Danny Keyte. They are away to Holmesdale this Saturday. Dale won promotion and have had a reasonable start, winning four and losing four. “It will be a big challenge,” said the City boss. “I am sure they will be confident and we will have to be on our game and hopefully be solid defensively.”

■ Faversham Strike Force were beaten 1-0 by Loxwood in their FA Vase first qualifying round match on Saturday. Ali Adam and Dan Sparks both had good chances to put the visitors ahead in the opening half but Loxwood, from the Southern Combination Football League Premier Division, forced the breakthrough after a defensive mix-up allowed for a tap-in. Strike Force thought they had levelled via Kane Taylor, but his effort was ruled out. Manager Gary Axford said: “Overall it was a very good second half from us but we couldn’t find the net. It’s really disappointing but we can be proud that we held our own.” Faversham were due to host Kent Football United last night (Wednesday) in Division 1 and are away to Bridon Ropes this Saturday.