FAVERSHAM STRIKE FORCE: CLUB CONTINUING TO GROW IN POPULARITY

Faversham Strike Force first team endured a difficult start to 2018 but the club have reached a landmark with the establishment of their 20th team across all age groups. Gary Axford’s men could not overturn the formbook against top-of-the-table Kennington in their Kent County League, Premier Division clash, as the visitors won 5-0 at Sittingbourne Community College. The under-16s, though, carried their strong Kent League form into the new wear as they beat Greenways Aces 2-0 thanks to goals from Ben Treacher and Hayden Knowles. Strike Force’s two under-8s sides will become three from next weekend as a result of the club’s popularity in that age group. Thunder rounded off their games in style against Herne Bay Harriers as players-of-the-match Rufus Mcintyre and Will Jones scored their first goals for the club. Sammy Laker and Samuel Lilley added two more. The squad will now split into the Thunder and Hurricane sides so that additional players can get match experience over the remainder of the season. Club manager Gary Axford said: “We will now have 20 teams across all age groups which is a new high for the club. “That’s almost 300 players of all ages and abilities who are getting regular exercise and the enjoyment of playing football, thanks to our club’s amazing team of volunteers. This landmark is testament to their time and dedication.” The under-8 Lightning team were also in action against Dawes Hernhill. Doubles from Oliver Jobe and Elliott Swift were added to by Ollie Maguire. James Cummins was player-of-the-match.

Picture: Les Biggs Whitstable’s Stuart West equalises during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Erith Town

Strike Force under-8 Thunder enjoy their final match before splitting into two new squads