Chatham U18's started their season away to Sittingbourne and earned themselves a point from a 3-3 draw. The game was a fine advert for the U18 Kent Youth League but was a nightmare for both respective managers.
Sittingbourne started strongly and it was end to end football with both sides having chances until Chats let through a dubious first goal scored by ex Chat Joe Sands with 22 minutes on the clock. 1-0 However, with Chats getting into their passing game they soon hit back with Charlie Ticehurst notching up the first from a well placed free kick from Kenney. 1-1 Conor O'Neil’s nifty bit of footwork took the ball round the Brickies keeper, putting the Chats ahead right on the whistle. 1-2 Added time 2 minutes.
Halftime 1-2
The second half opened brightly for the Chats with a well rehearsed goal in the first minute by skipper Robbie Dengate from a Steve Rothery free kick. 1-3 However, Sittingbourne edged the last period putting Chatham under enormous pressure seeing some superb saves from Crosby and a last ditch clearance off the line from the Chats defence.
It was only a matter of time before Sittingbourne pulled one back and it came on 70 minutes from a goalmouth scuffle. 2-3. With Sittingbourne keeping up the pressure and the downhill advantage they were able to pull out the equaliser. 3-3. With just 3 minutes left on the clock Sittingbourne were awarded a penalty after a player was brought down in the box. Crosby pulled off another great save to keep the scores level.
The game had everything, excitement, goals and neat football by equally contested sides.
Overall the management and squad felt a little disappointed at the outcome. However, there were a considerable amount of positives and in particular a number of players who adjusted well and gave good performances.
Players to mention are: Toby Kenney, Adam Kennedy, Robbie Dengate, Tom McKenzie, Charlie Ticehurst and Goalkeeper Aaron Crosby.
The Chats travel to Bromley on Tuesday 7 September for the FA Youth Cup Kick off 7.45 pm.
