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| A very encouraging start to the season, with a good performance in a difficult away game at Tenterden, who finished just below us in 4th place last season. We lost a few players in the close season, including our goalkeeper, Jamie Hards, who had held the record for the number of appearances for the team. During the week we learned that we were going to be without Chris Newbury, players' player for the past two seasons. But we were able to welcome back Jamie Wickham, who played for us in the 2001-02 season. We also signed James Faulkner, who originally joined Tonbridge Juniors at Under 7s, as our new goalkeeper. The rain just about held off before kickoff, but there were dark clouds around, and the grass was very long - quite a factor as the team were going to be playing an extra 10 minutes per game this season. We looked a bit rusty in the first half, but still created most of the chances. James Faulkner had few saves to make, but he impressed with his handling and his distribution. Mike Ide and Jamie Wickham kept the Tenterden keeper busy and Ben Spring went close with a well-struck free kick. We started the second half a bit sluggishly and Tenterden began to get into the game. There's always a feeling that if you don't take your chances you'll be made to pay and so it proved. 12 minutes into the second half Olly Leigh attempted to take a quick free kick, but the ball went to a Tenterden player who hit an unstoppable shot over James Faulkner. We continued to create chances of our own and Jamie Wickham has added an extra dimension to the team with his left foot. We now have a source of inswinging corners from both sides and it was just such a corner that brought us level in the 60th minute. Jamie Wickham hit a superb corner from the right which the goalkeeper could only get a touch to and captain Ben Spring was on hand to stroke the ball home. We gained confidence and continued to attack, but the Tenterden defence held out and were strong when we got into their penalty area. Then in the 65th minute Jamie Wickham picked up the ball on the edge of the box, ran towards the left and unleashed a superb left-footed shot that gave the Tenterden goalkeeper no chance. Tenterden weren't finished and almost got level, but James Faulkner came out to make a superb save when it looked inevitable that it would be 2-2 and Tom Ryan also made a brave clearance under pressure. Both teams had chances in the last 15 minutes, but both teams agreed that it was a fair result on the balance of play. The defence was excellent - Martin Hill and Tom Ryan didn't put a foot wrong in the 80 minutes and Jack Holden had a great second half at right back. The midfield wasn't as strong as it has been, but Chris Phillips and Nick Edwards did well on the flanks. The strikers were all lively - obviously Jamie Wickham made one and scored one, but Mike Ide also put in an excellent and unselfish performance. Man-of-the-match however went to James Faulkner, who made a very impressive 11-a-side debut for the team and gave everyone a lot of confidence for the coming season. |
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