Strike Force’s friendly fire

Faversham Strike Force Women were back on top form as two own goals helped them to a 3-2 friendly win at home to Diamond United.

Having taken the lead, debutant Jade Childs and player-of-the-match Emma White led a determined display but the visitors levelled after the interval. Another own goal put Faversham back ahead as they dominated but failed to convert their numerous chances.

But a supreme strike from Beth Dunkin eventually gave the Force breathing space and, despite a late rally by Diamond, Strike Force held on for a merited victory. The under-14s hosted the inaugural Trevor Twyman Memorial Cup - named in honour of the club’s late and much-missed coach who died two years ago raising more than £650 for Pilgrims Hospice with the help of Canterbury Eagles, Chartham and Tankerton. It was the under-14 Thunder team who claimed the cup, adding it to their trophy cabinet following their victory in the East Kent Youth League Cup. Player-of-the-match Jack Wyles marked his return from injury with a screamer but under-12 Thunder slipped to a 3-1 defeat at Ramsgate. Riley Scamp provided the assist for his team’s goal. Strikes from Toby Smith and Finn Pearson crowned a fine performance from under-11 Hurricanes against Betteshanger Youth, with a player-of-the-match performance coming from Barney Harrison who played apartinbothgoals. Under-10 Thunder hosted East Kent Rhinos and Robbie Winton scored his team’s only goal while there was some excellent goalkeeping from Frankie Essery. Dylan Jones was named top player for under-9 Lightning in a friendly with Canterbury Eagles at The Mount.

He was outstanding in defence and midfield, while Elliott Jones scored a thunderbolt free-kick. Under-8 Thunder were excellent against Herne Bay Tigers, boosted by Dillan Critcher (2) and goals for player-of-the-match Isaac Carrol and Orson Perrin. Ethan Moss scored four goals, including a free-kick, and Harrison Boulton added a hat-trick for under-8 Lightning against Herne Bay Harriers.

Hamish Allison (2) and Heinrich Olivier also scored to cap a brilliant team performance.