31 Oct Youth Round-Up

Four wins and one loss for the Kent Youth League teams today, with two of the victories being in the County Cup. For the East Kent Youth League teams there were two wins, one of which was in the League Cup, and three losses.

Kent Youth League

The Under 18s were away to Sevenoaks Town in the County Cup, and with the score 3-3 after 90 minutes, the Rams went on to score 4 goals in extra-time to make it 7-3 and move into the next round.

The Under 16s achieved something that all good title contenders need to do at some point in their seasons, that’s to take all 3 points without actually playing at their very best; winning ugly is an important strength. The flowing football that has been a big part of our recent  performances was replaced today with strength, desire, teamwork and character, yes there were some fluent passages of play, some great chances and near misses but it was a war of attrition as much as anything else. Dover had probably more possession but only really mustered 1 meaningful shot on goal in the 80^th minute, although to be fair to them they gave us our toughest test of the season so far. The Rams, despite missing 4 important squad members, were on top early but it was 25 minutes before a superb on side run from George Stannard allowed him to outpace a defender and cut back on to his right foot to smash an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net. The lads had other chances throughout the game to increase the lead, but Dover was working hard and although their possession was never allowed to turn into real chances, they were always a dangerous foe. The strikers and midfield worked tirelessly as always but the defensive unit of Ollie Sharpe, Nick Symaka, Joe Thomas, Henry Piper and ‘keeper Josh Mattless were outstanding and simply gave Dover nothing all day. The lads remain unbeaten in all competitions so far and a defensive record of conceding less than a goal a game is a great platform for us to build on. Next week sees a top of the table clash for the third week running, this one away to Hollands and Blair.

The Under 15s kept their winning run going with another good away performance against Hugin Vikings in this Halloween County Cup tie. Alexandros Papadimos opened the scoring with a devilish chip to beat the approaching ‘keeper and Kane Rowland made it two following some good build up play from the midfield duo of Jack Grainger and Jarrett Francis. Kane Rowland and Ben Munday linked well to send Dominic Crawford free to score his first of the match, and his second wasn’t long to follow when the Hugin defence failed to clear a Harry Brooks monster goal-kick that had been headed on by Rowland. More nightmares were to follow for the Hugin defence and they were lucky not to have conceded another following Jarrett Francis’ diving header which was superbly saved on the line by Ethan Ashington in the Hugin goal. Centre back Macaulay Durling hit an absolute screamer on the volley from twenty yards to go in 5 up at the break. The second half continued much the same as the first ended, with the Rams pushing forward, and when Mason Webb ghosted into the Hugin area he was brought down, which was to lead to grave consequences and a penalty was awarded that Webb thundered home. Macaulay Durling soon followed with his second of the match, and  Ben Munday hit a low cross into the area that was cruelly deflected off two defenders into their own goal to add to their horror. Mason Webb netted a well deserved hat-trick and treated the away fans with two more well taken goals. Rams’ ‘keeper Harry Brooks made it 11 after seeing his penalty kick hit from the crossbar only to fire home the rebound and add to Hugin’s Halloween nightmare (although throughout the game Hugin had battled hard and made a spirited effort). Jordon Box impressed on his return from injury, and the defensive line of Niall Turner, Tom Pither, Sid Twelthtree and Ben Davies made certain of no howlers and well deserved their fourth consecutive clean sheet. Daniel Barrett and Josh McAteer bossed the midfield second half while Mason Webb picked up Man of the Match for coming off the bench at half time to net a second half hat-trick.

The Under 14s visited Maidstone United, losing 7-0 in a game they would rather forget.

The Under 13s’ winning run continued, putting 11 past Folkestone Invicta with no reply. The young Rams’ goals came from Harris Rodgers (2), Mitchell Laing (3), Alfie Dickinson (2), Dan Adams (2), James Price and Dan Vinson.

East Kent Youth League

The Under 18s move into the next round of the League Cup with a 4-1 win at Great Chart, thanks to a hat-trick from Tom Rickwood and a single from Lewis Haine. Man of the Match went to Dan Tucker.

No games today for the Under 16s or the Under 15s.

The Under 13s were away to Chartham Sports, but lost 2-0.

The Under 12s welcomed Ashford Borough to Clarendon but lost 2-1. The young Rams started the stronger and were 1-0 up at half-time, thanks to a Brad Kelly goal, but their visitors came back strongly in the 2^nd half to secure the win.

The Under 12 A Team welcomed Canterbury Eagles to Clarendon today. Charlie James opened up the scoring after being brought down in the area with a well taken penalty, swiftly followed by a second goal from Ryan Lewis. The Rams continued to dominate the game, securing a 3-0 lead with a second goal for James bringing us to the half-time whistle. The second half continued with more pressure from the Rams indomitable defence, preventing any goals from the opposition. The match ended with an unstoppable shot from Lewis from the 16-yard box bringing the final score to 4-0, which was well deserved. Another clean sheet to give the young Rams a one hundred percent record at home. Strong performances from all the boys – Well done! The team would like to thank John Galer and Chandlers Building Supplies for the sponsorship of their kit this season.

The Under 11s were also at home, welcoming Folkestone Invicta to Clarendon, but despite a goal from Finlay McConnell, ended up losing 4-1.