Report following the opening day of the season

Saturday saw the first games of the 2023/24 season where we saw a total of 25 goals over the 5 games.

In the Premier Division, last seasons champions Smeeth and Brabourne, took on well established Smarden in a game of two halves. Smeeth who scored two goals in the first half from Kian Derry & Tom Ramsden meanwhile Smarden’s 2 goals came in the second half scored Barney Burton & Mitchell Fuller. In the 90th minute, the Foxes’ Kian Derry got his brace with a 90th minute winner to give Smeeth and Brabourne the vital 3 points.

Hotly contested Skippers First beat Sellindge Development 3-0 with 2nd half goals from Alfie Glendinning x2 & Jack Brown. There was also a clean sheet for Anthony Reed.

Meanwhile in the First Division, Skippers Reserves travelled to Bromley Green and went home with 3 points. Winning 6-0, they were thankful to a Hat-trick from Ben Pilcher and a goal from Ryan Kirkin as well 2 own goals from the Bromley Green defence. Goalkeeper Louis Burton piked up a the clean sheet.

Two newcomers, Elham Valley and William Harvey battled at the Gore and ended in a 5-2 win for Elham. Their goals came from Matthew Gilbert x2, Daniel Hawkes, Jevon Hraboweckyj & Robbie Westbrook which were two much for the goals from Lewis Bagshaw and Karl Levett of William Harvey.

Another newcomer, Staplehurst U21s who have joined us following a successful period with our friends at the Ashford Youth League, continued their successes winning 3-1 against Woodchurch Reserves. The goals for Staplehurst came from Oliver Williams x2 and Koda Hildem, however a goal from Raven Mason was not enough for Woodchurch Reserves.

Pilgrims vs Hope was unfortunately postponed with Pilgrims being awarded the tie