Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Promising signs in defeat
Faversham Strike Force under-13 Lightning put in a brilliant performance but came up just short in a 3-2 defeat away to Folkestone Invicta.
Argjend Nimanaj grabbed the opener before Max Moreton headed home Toby Sears’ corner. Champions under-13 Thunder finished off their league campaign with a 5-0 win at Dover Rangers. Liam Kilshaw grabbed a brace with further efforts coming from Archie Johnson, Frankie Smith and Sammy Laker following a Jack Wyles corner. Max Draganov was named their player-of-the-match. There were goals galore for under-12 Lightning against Chartham. Player-of-the-match Henry Gossling, Ethan Whelan and Roman Lee scored twice while Kailan Wallace, Harrison Dowling, Austin Wanmer and Huey Garlinge also netted.
Finn Pearson swept home a first-half winner to get under-12 Hurricanes’ new season off to a strong start against Deal Town Rangers. A dominant first-half performance should have seen Hurricanes add to their advantage - Benji Kenyonjones hitting a curling effort that was saved brilliantly. They then dug in to protect their lead as skipper Barney Harrison was named their top player. Under-11 Hurricanes put in a strong performance at Margate.
Ellison Gashi, Reuben Wilkinson, Mason Mount and Ocean Pankhurst found the net, with Sid Biscoe adding a screamer, direct from a free-kick. Gashi,
Elliott Jones and rock-solid keeper Elijah Sparks shared player-of-the-match honours. Dylan Jones claimed player-of-the-match honours for under-10 Hurricanes against Tankerton - a result of his calmness and excellent distribution of the ball. Hamish Allison was handed the same award for his work-rate after under-9 Lightning’s match against Herne Bay Tigers. Heinrich Olivier and Orson Perrin got their goals. Under-7 Hurricanes enjoyed a competitive derby against Faversham Town. Felix Redman scored a brace and Ethan Purcell added another from Connor Reeves’ great assist.
Anton Mamrych was named their top player.