Manager celebrates in style

Appledore manager Jim Kelly came off the bench on his 65th birthday for the final 20 minutes as his side got 2017 off to a winning start by beating New Romney 4-2. maintain their 13-point lead.

Paul Vidler scored both Red Heathens’ goals.

Second-placed Ashford Cavaliers defeated Mersham Reserves 5-1, with goals from Steve Ward, Mike Ward (2), Matt Moon and Jack Cossey.

Mersham scored courtesy of a Mark Hughes own goal.

Bottom-side Charing Reserves collected their first league point as they drew 1-1 against fellow strugglers Givaudan.

Liam Steel was on target for Charing before Lewis Newcombe levelled for Givaudan with his first goal of the season. Brad Godden, Brad Pritchard, Eddie Phillips and Lee Allen netted for Appledore who stay third in the table, while John Simpson scored both goals for New Romney. Cameron Lumsden.

Galacticos strike pair Josh Knight (2) and Sam Wilson scored again to take their joint tally to 63 goals so far this season.

Kevin Ruane and Alex Williams scored trebles in Aldington’s 11-1 win at home to Stour Valley.

Ruane netted a five-minute hat-trick for Alex Hoyle’s title chasing side, while two goals from George Argar and one each from Jack Clements, Craig Hume and a strike from Tyrone Beech saw Aldington record their biggest win in recent years.

Jesse Lee pulled a goal back for Stour Valley near the end.

Ashford Spartans won for the first time in five games as they defeated Troggs Reserves 3-0 at the Ridge with goals from Josh Mills (2) and Deryn Hardwick.