Chatham Town 2 (Lewis Hammill, Samuel Musundi) Phoenix Sports 1
A win to finish off the season and a fourth place finish but as normal we made the last five minutes hard work just about hanging onto the win.
Phoenix started well with a lively front three with the impressive Steadman Callender causing problems. The first twenty minutes we were slow but never really looked in trouble apart from Olly Dewey missing a kick and Glenn Conlon cleared the ball as it rolled towards the goal line.
We opened the scoring five minutes before half time when Lewis Hammill headed home a Steve Rothery free kick from the edge of the penalty box.
Second half was much better we dominated the first fourty minutes with Carl Harrold & Steve Rothery having excellent games out wide, the change in formation half way through the season from 4-3-3 to 3-5-2 gave both Carl and Steve more freedom to go forward and last night it worked perfectly with Carl's hard work creating the second goal for Samuel Musundi to score from a narrow angle through the keepers legs. Pete Sayer had a shot that some how was kept out as it rolled into the net.
Three minutes left and Phoenix score from a long kick by the keeper which bounced through after a mix up in defence, fell to the forward who crossed for it to be slotted home, two minutes later Steadman Callender cuts in from the left wing smashes a shot against the bar from 20 yards only for his team mate to head wide of the open goal.
Season over...... Well done to all the lads who played their part.
Chatham Town XI 1.Olly Dewey 2.Carl Harrold 3.Steven Rothery 4.Lewis Hammill 5.Neil Spackman (Capt) 6.Glenn Conlon 7.Anthony Louch 8.James Huggins 9.Samuel Musundi 10.Paul Colenutt 11.Pete Sayer Subs; 12.Nathan Lindo 14.Elliott Green -> 8.Huggins 15.Ali Musa -> 10.Colenutt 16.Ben O'Neill -> 9.Musundi 17.Chris Cooper
Saturday 11th May 2013
Chatham Town 1 (Anthony Louch) Erith Town 1
On a day when nearly all the squad were at the ground, along with a number of new young players the reserves and u18's could develop very quickly in the future, lots of discussions need to take place very soon.
An entertaining game which we started slowly and were fortunate to be level at half time. Erith arguably are the best footballing team we have played this season, however our defensive unit has developed well over the season, making us very difficult to break down.
Erith had plenty of possession during the first half but lacked the finishing quality. Our 3-4-3 formation didn't really work mainly down to a lack of effort when trying to regain the ball, To many individuals got caught ball watching.
The second half was a different story, James Huggins was introduced in midfield for the injured Harry Smith. This gave us a better balance giving wing backs Carl Harrold and Steve Rothery more freedom to get forward. The game changed with the introduction of Samuel Musundi and Ali Musa we started to keep the ball better and created a number of chances.
Sam ran onto a through ball out wide on the right from Glenn Conlon and lobbed the stranded keeper from 35 yards only for the ball to clip the far post. Anthony Louch had a run and shot which was saved easily late in the half only then for Louchy to open the scoring five minutes from time when he broke the Erith back four and scored his 10th of the season from midfield.
Erith had lots of pressure and equalised direct from a corner in the last minute which with the help of the wind found its way into the back of the net. We had one final chance and the best of the game when George Lowes raced through only for his shot with the outside of his boot to miss the near post with the keeper beaten.
One more game on Wednesday evening at home vs Phoenix Sports to secure a fourth place finish.
Chatham Town XI 1.Tom Benham 2.Carl Harrold 3.Steve Rothery 4.Lewis Hammill 5.Neil Spackman (Capt) 6.Glenn Conlon 7.Anthony Louch 8.Ben O'Neill 9.George Lowes 10.Elliott Green 11.Harry Smith Subs 12.Samuel Musundi -> 10.Green 14.James Huggins -> 11.Smith 15.Nathan Lindo 16.Ali Musa -> 8.O'Neill 17.Pete Sayer
Monday 6th May 2013
Margate 0 Chatham Town 2 (James Huggins, Anthony Louch)
A very solid team performance against a young and energetic Margate XI. We started with a 4-3-3 formation with Connor Charlton starting in his 1st game for the club after six substitute appearances in central midfield. His passing to keep possession of the ball was key to the victory.
The game was very open with Ben O'Neill having two shots just wide of each post, it was James Huggins who opened the scoring with a 30 yard strike which dipped over the Margate keeper. Anthony Louch was given a rest for only the second time this season but was back in action after 35 minutes when Jonathan Shea picked up an achilles injury which could rule him out for the season and had to be replaced.
Second half again was end to end, Neil Spackman and Glenn Conlon were both solid winning plenty of headers at the heart of our defence, George Lowes picked up another injury and was replaced by Nathan Lindo five minutes into the second half, I'm expecting George will be back for Saturday's important home game with Erith Town.
Nathan Lindo hit the cross bar and had a free kick saved as the game progressed, it was Anthony Louch who netted the second breaking from midfield with fifteen minutes remaining to secure the three points. Pete Sayer looks like he has been ruled out for the season with an ankle injury.
Big game Saturday at home to Erith Town still looking to finish as high as possible.
After Tuesday's winning performance against Whitstable, we finished with a tired group of players last night. James Huggins has been injured since last Saturday and George Lowes missed this game just as a precaution, while Olly Dewey picked up a groin strain in the warm up.
The first half wasn't the best on a poor, rock hard pitch. Both teams had chances but it was the home side who opened the scoring 4 minutes before half time when we got caught trying to play out from the back.
Anthony Louch came off at half time and was replaced by 17 year old Connor Charlton, after only missing one game this season Louchy needed a break, with Royce Greenidge returning from injury he was given a rest and replaced by 18 year old Jonathan Shea.
The second half was better, Jonathan Shea and Ben O'Neill both impressed running with the ball in wide areas, Herne Bay got a second after an hour only for Elliott Green to slot home with fifteen minutes remaining. Both Glenn Conlon and Chris Cooper picked up injuries during the second half, Glenn was replaced by Nathan Lindo while Chris had to go up front just to make up the numbers.
Herne Bay's third was from a dubious penalty in the 88th minute and their fourth in injury time was an Own Goal from a right wing cross that hit Carl Harrold in the chest and looped over Olly Dewey.
Chatham Town XI 1.Olly Dewey 2.Carl Harrold 3.Steve Rothery 4.Chris Cooper (Capt) 5.Neil Spackman 6.Glenn Conlon 7.Anthony Louch 8.Ciaran Aldous 9.Royce Greenidge 10.Elliott Green 11.Ben O'Neill Subs 12.Connor Charlton 14.Jonathan Shea 15.Nathan Lindo
Tuesday 30th April 2013
Chatham Town 2 (George Lowes 2) Whitstable Town 0
Not surprisingly the lads pulled together and beat the league leaders with two goals from George Lowes who completed 89 minutes for the first time since October.
Like the Herne Bay game this felt like a proper game of football, not a game against a group of young kids who have no real chance of progressing to first team level.
Our first goal came in the first minute when Elliott Green broke down the right, crossed the ball to the back post for George to control and smash home unmarked. Whitstable had a lot of possession but against an excellent defensive unit of Olly Dewey, Carl Harrold, Steve Rothery, Glenn Conlon, Chris Cooper and Neil Spackman all the Whitstable chances came from long distance. The Chatham midfield of Pete Sayer, Anthony Louch and Ben O'Neill broke quickly causing the opposition defence all kinds of problems when playing balls through to George & Elliott. George had an excellent second chance but missed the target when Carl Harrold crossed from the right. It was good to have Ben O'Neill make his long awaited debut, he will make a big impact in the remaining fixtures.
Second half was a well organised defensive job against a lot of pressure but nothing that caused many problems, the second goal came from a break away when George drove into the box, his low shot hit a defenders knee and deflected passed the keeper. Paul Colenutt returned to action after three months out, Connor Charlton played his part as a holding midfielder and Nathan Lindo also made a return replacing George in injury time.
On paper we have a very strong squad and a great group of lads, 3 more games to play in the next five days, we need full commitment from all, I'm hoping to see Lewis Hammill return asap and get Kevin, Roddy Ndiane and Harry Smith involved.
A hard fought draw is the best way to describe the game although a point against the leagues form team after our stop start season isn't that bad. Herne Bay are the form team having recently beaten Whistable Town 2-1, Maidstone United 5-0 and Erith Town 4-2.
For the first time in a while we had lots of options available but we do look like a team who have only been playing every two or three weeks, the five games in ten days will challenge the squad.
Neither team had any real chances, James Huggins had a chance after 30 minutes from the edge of the box, defensively we were very organised. Olly Dewey had little to deal with in goal, Glenn Conlon had an oustanding game, while Ian Varley & Neil Spackman dealt with a lot of long balls.
George Lowes came off the bench and a had a half chance when a shot from inside the box was blocked. Not much else to report, onto the next game at home Tuesday night against league leaders Whitstable Town who need 3 points to secure the league title.
Chatham Town XI 1.Olly Dewey 2.Carl Harrold 3.Steve Rothery 4.Ian Varley 5.Neil Spackman (Capt) 6.Glenn Conlon 7.Anthony Louch 8.James Huggins 9.Elliott Green 10.Kelvyn Williams 11.Pete Sayer Subs; 12.George Lowes -> 11.Sayer 14.Royce Greenidge -> 9.Green 15.Nathan Lindo 16.Chris Cooper 17.Todd Wood
Saturday 13th April 2013
Lordswood 2 Chatham Town 1 (Jonathan Shea)
More points dropped against a team at the wrong end of the table, not a lot to say really, the performance was poor, the weather was terrible and the pitch was at best waterlogged when we started and totally destroyed at the end.....
Lordswood scored both goals from indirectly from freekicks given away around the penalty area in the first 25 minutes, Jonathan Shea & Elliott Green nearly pulled a goal back after a scramble in the penalty area, Shea then opened his account five minutes before half time. The second half was dtermined by the state of the pitch, the ball got stuck in the mud every time it rolled. Elliott Green had a chance to level but saw his shot saved. Carl Harrold was the main threat down the right before moving upfront, it was Carl's free kick that hit a post late in the game.
The only positive from today was Herne Bay lost again, second spot is still the target for our first season.
The fixture schdule now kicks in with 7 games in 18 days starting away at Margate on Tuesday 23rd April.
Chatham Town XI 1.Olly Dewey 2.Carl Harrold 3.Steve Rothery 4.Glenn Conlon 5.Neil Spackman 6.Mike Payne 7.Anthony Louch 8.Chris Cooper (Capt) 9.Jonathan Shea 10.Elliott Green 11.James Huggins Subs 12.Connor Charlton -> 8.Cooper 14.Todd Wood -> 5.Spackman
Monday 1st April 2013
Holmsdale 1 Chatham Town 4 (OG, Anthony Louch, Elliott Green 2)
Another excellent away win by the lads after yet another long period without any football. Not unexpectedly Holmsdale fielded many 1st team players, nine according to the new Holmsdale reserve manager who sat and watched.
We started slow giving Holmsdale plenty of possession which they failed to created anything until they opened the scoring when a long ball which caught us sleeping for the left winger to cut in and slot home passed Olly Dewey. We settled down into our game, Holmsdale's right winger then decided to get himself sent off after thirty minutes when he raced through one on one with Olly, the winger decided not to stop for the offside flag and elbowed / forearm smashed Olly in the face.
We hit back quickly with two goals before the break the first being an own goal from the Holmsdale left back, it might of been April Fools day but he had a shocker and was quickly hauled off in the second half. Anthony Louch netted again after a cross from Carl Harrold was helped back across goal by Bobby Dixey who started his first game.
Making his long awaited return to the starting XI was George Lowes. George had a couple of runs with the ball and half chances but getting nearly an hour of football under his belt after five months out was the main positive more to come from him with eight games remaining.
The second half reminded me of the Woodstock performance, we are very solid defensively but dropped off too much giving the opponents time to play. We soaked up what Holmsdale had to offer, which for the majority of the game was square passes across the pitch. James Huggins could of made it three when his shot hit the bar, Elliott Green got the third and fourth, his first goal was a great chip over the on rushing keeper while his second came from a cross from Carl Harrold who's pace down the right caused problems all day.
Eight games to go, the league title is still a possibility with all the top teams still to play each other. Another break now with our next game away to Lordswood on Saturday 13th April then we have seven games in eighteen days, I'll be calling on as many options as possible.
Chatham Town XI 1.Olly Dewey 2.Carl Harrold 3.Steven Rothery 4.Chris Cooper (Capt) 5.Neil Spackman 6.Glenn Conlon 7.Anthony Louch 8.James Huggins 9.George Lowes 10.Bobby Dixey 11.Pete Sayer Subs 12.Samuel Musundi -> 10.Dixey 14.Connor Charlton -> 6.Conlon 15.Elliott Green -> 9.Lowes
Wednesday 13th March 2013
Woodstock Sports 1 Chatham Town 3 (James Huggins, Neil Spackman, Elliott Green)
A good three points picked up Wednesday night after a horrendous journey to Sittingbourne due to an accident between junctions 3-5 on the M2.
Kick off was delayed until 8pm just as the snow blizzard started. The first ten minutes we again looked like a team who hadn't played for three weeks. We settled down into our game and took the lead through James Huggins who scored with a curling shot from the edge of the box after a clearance from a corner. We controlled the game for the rest of the first half with Neil Spackman scoring a near post header from a free kick ten minutes before half time. Elliott Green made it three finishing after a quick break away. 3-0 at half time.
The second half was a none event, we did enough to hold on to the comfortable lead. Woodstock were given a penalty after a long ball wasn't dealt with down the left side of the defence leaving Olly Dewey strandard and clipping the on rushing forward.
We had late chances from Pete Sayer who's thirty yard drive hit the inside of the Woodstock goalpost and rolled across the line eventually going out for a goal kick. New signing Jonathan Shea had a late chance to open his account after his lob bounced just wide of the goal.
Two important home games now against Pheonix and Erith Town to keep up the pressure at the top of the table.
Chatham Town XI 1.Olly Dewey 2.Glenn Conlon 3.Steve Rothery 4.Mike Payne 5.Neil Spackman 6.Lewis Hammill 7.Anthony Louch 8.Chris Cooper (Capt) 9.Pete Sayer 10.Elliott Green 11.James Huggins Subs; 12.Jonathan Shea -> 11.Huggins 14.Connor Charlton -> 8.Cooper
Saturday 23rd February 2013
Chatham Town 1 (Royce Greenidge) Woodstock Sports 1
Another frustrating home draw against one of the teams near the wrong end of the table. With 13 players injured, working, away on holiday or on a stag weekend we were down to our last 14 players including youngsters Connor Charlton & Todd Wood for the first time this season.
The first half started brightly with Woodstock pinned in their half for the first ten minutes, we then played a number of unnecessary back passes to keeper Tom Benham who scuffed a kick which went straight to the Woodstock forward on the edge of the penalty area for him to slot home. The first half continued with both teams creating half chances, I have to say the football played by both teams was painful at times, I lost count the amount of times we lost the ball. Woodstock tried to take advantage of the long ball to a new fairly quick striker and we again couldn't string three passes together. Royce Greenidge again looked dangerous, scoring his sixth goal in eight appearances after Pete Sayer chipped the ball over the opposition back four for Royce to round the keeper and slot home after 35minutes.
The second half had lots of effort, we created chances through forwards Elliott Green and sub Bobby Dixey, Carl Harrold had a good second half creating chances down the right wing. Ciaran Aldous and Mike Payne were very solid at the heart of the defence, Woodstock were limited to only a couple of chances in the last ten minutes which Tom Benham saved well. Connor Charlton made his debut playing at sweeper in a back three replacing Matt Cunningham after an hour.
Still third in the table with ten games to play so cant be to disappointed for a new team still developing, I still believe we are yet to show our best football this season, the simple fact is those four home draws are the reason why we are not sitting top of the table. Three must win fixtures against Woodstock, Phoenix and Lordswood to play in March.
Ramsgate 0 Chatham Town 4 (Anthony Louch, Royce Greenidge 3)
An outstanding performance from all the lads against a much changed, stronger Ramsgate team who had clearly brought in more experienced players from those who came to Chatham early this season.
The day didn't start well when George Lowes pulled up in the warm up concerned about his hamstring so a late change was made and Elliott Green returned to the starting line up to partner Kelvyn Williams upfront. Elliott had an early chance which the Ramsgate keeper pulled off a save down to his left. That was basically the end of Elliott's game after he picked up a knee injury and was replaced by Royce Greenidge in the first ten minutes. Team captain Chris Cooper also started his first game since November due to an ankle injury, after fifteen minutes the same injury reoccurred forcing him to be replaced by Mike Payne. All on a day when physio Liam Mitchell had to complete university work.
We took an early lead through Anthony Louch who volleyed the ball into the net for his seventh goal of the season from centre midfield, the first half was fairly even with Kelvyn Williams causing Ramsgate lots of problems on the break. Ramsgate main threat came from corners and the numerous free kicks we gave away outside the penalty area. A special mention should go to 16 year old keeper Tom Benham who replaced Olly Dewey (work commitments), Tom dealt with several crosses aimed towards the Ramsgate target man who was a handful all day.
The second half was a different game, we totally dominate the opposition. Tom Benham pulled off a couple of sharp saves from close range shots, our back three of Lewis Hammill, Neil Spackman and debutant Ciaran Aldous gave nothing away. Wing backs Carl Harrold & Steven Rothery provided excellent width and none stop running. James Huggins returned in central midfield after injury to add quality and finally got us passing the ball. Royce Greenidge had a quite first half playing just behind Kelvyn Williams, his first goal came from a corner when he headed home at the near post, his second was an excellent left foot strike across the advancing keeper from outside the box and he completed his hat trick from the penalty spot after Steven Rothery was tripped.
Another long awat trip next week to Margate with 3 more points needed, then two home games Tues 19th vs Herne Bay and Saturday 23rd vs Woodstock Sports two teams we haven't yet played in the league.
Chatham Town XI 1.Tom Benham 2.Carl Harrold 3.Steven Rothery 4.Ciaran Aldous 5.Neil Spackman 6.Lewis Hammill 7.Anthony Louch 8.Chris Cooper (Capt) 9.Elliott Green 10.Kelvyn Williams 11.James Huggins
Chatham Town 2 (Anthony Louch, Lewis Hammill) Lordswood 2
After only one game since December 15th, this was a performance of a team that hadn't played much football recently. This week we confirmed the squad of 25 players to complete the remaining thirteen games of the season, 22 of which were at Saturdays fixture so there were plenty of options for team selection. We signed Bobby Dixey a forward from Tonbridge Invicta who had scored 11 in 9 games in the Kent County League, Bobby had worked with Mike Langston at Tonbridge Angels, Ciaran Aldous also joined to add strength to the defence, Ciaran has played for Ashford United and was player manager at Sheppey United last season.
The game started well with an early chance created in the first thirty seconds by Matt Cunningham, this continued with a number of half chances coming but none being taken, totally against the run of play Lordswood took the lead, Olly Dewey rolled the ball to Lewis Hammill who's pass across the penalty box was cut out and slotted home at the second attempt. Despite the lack lustre performance we still looked more likely to score, Paul Colenutt & Royce Greenidge both had shots that hit both posts, the goal finally came when Anthony Louch headed home a Steve Rothery free kick. Bobby Dixey made his debut replacing Matt Cunningham just before half time.
Second half started the same, we continued to play pretty poorly, passing the ball to a player in a Chatham shirt proved particularly difficult. Pete Sayer had a few long distances efforts which the keeper dealt with, our pressure continued which lead to a break away goal that saw Lordswood take the lead again. A positive from the second half was the return of leading scorer George Lowes who replaced Royce Greenidge after sixty minutes. After throwing on a fourth striker in Samuel Musundi it was Centre Back Lewis Hammill who levelled volleying home from a corner. George Lowes had the final chance when his shot hit the inside of the far post and rolled back across the line and out of play.
A frustrating day, but a scrappy performance where completing any consecutive passes was an achievement, a point was probably what we deserved, a missed opportunity to go second. Lordswood had some very impressive youngsters in Luke Fewsdale & Captain George Hayes.
A huge improvement expected next weekend away at Ramsgate.
Chatham Town 3 (Elliott Green 2, Royce Greenidge) Rusthall 0
After a month off the reserves returned to action yesterday with a comfortable performance against bottom of the league Rusthall. The game gave us an opportunity to try a new formation and mix up the starting XI. Regulars Olly Dewey, Steven Rothery & Anthony Louch didn't make the starting line up for the first time this season, a debut was given to sixteen year old keeper Tom Benham.
Rusthall had improved since the opening game of the season and added six new players this week, they started brightly but failed to cause to many problems during the ninety minutes. Royce Greenidge had our first chance with a run and left foot shot which hit the inside of the post and came back into play. Lots of pressure followed but we failed to take our opportunities, Samuel Musundi having the best chance when he went one on one with the keeper only for his shot to be saved. The break through finally came when Elliott Green beat the offside and slotted home after 38 minutes, Elliott then scored again on 44 minutes when Musundi set him up to fire home from six yards.
The second half followed a similar pattern with chances created but not taken, Matt Cunnignham saw a shot hit the bar and bounce down onto the line, we then lost Elliott Green with a head injury. The third goal came from a cross from the left by Steve Rothery at the third attempt of trying, the ball landed at the feet of Royce Greenidge who slotted home. Keeper Tom Benham had little to do until late in the second half when Rusthall got their only corner of the game which he comfortably came and caught in a crowded six yard box. Carl Harrold had an excellent game at right wing back.
A solid performance giving players a chance to get back involved, the squad is now very strong with Glenn Conlon, Lee Roots, Tomi Ibikunle, Liam Palmer, Kelvyn Williams & George Lowes all missing yesterday, looking to add a new centre back and striker to the squad this week. Maidstone United also dropped points with a 2-2 draw at Ramsgate so a good start to the new year.
Two vital games to come this month, away vs Deal Town next Saturday, a team we beat 5-0 in the league but then lost 3-1 too in the cup followed by the first league meeting this season with Herne Bay.
Chatham Town XI 1.Tom Benham 2.Michael Payne (Capt) 3.Nathan Lindo 4.Paul Colenutt 5.Neil Spackman 6.Lewis Hammill 7.Carl Harrold 8.Matt Cunningham 9.Samuel Musundi 10.Elliott Green 11.Royce Greenidge
Another solid performance saw us take the three points from a lively Holmsdale team. Last week eight players missed the game, this week it rose to ten. Holmsdale started quickly creating a few half chances but the back four stayed solid through out with Olly Dewey having little to do in goal. The game was an excellent opportunity to move up the table, knowing a win would take us third. Elliott Green and Kelvyn Williams created problems for Holmsdale and again like last week it was Elliott Green who opened the scoring on 25 minutes after running onto a through ball rounding the keeper and slotting home.
The second half started the same with Holmsdale looking sharp, I was impressed with their midifielder Ted Bailey, maybe a transfer window enquiry could happen??. Our back four of Glenn Conlon, Lewis Hammill, Neil Spackman & Nathan Lindo stood firm against several attacks, Royce Greenidge had an excellent game in midfield causing a number of problems with his direct running. The best chance in the second half fell to right back Glenn Conlon whos's 25 yard left footed shot hit the crossbar and came back into play.
An excellent team effort, 6 points from 6 against Erith Town & Holmsdale who were both in the top five, still lots more to come from the team, those two home draws against Ramsgate & Margate now look really costly. We must finish off 2012 with a home win against Lordswood, hopefully a number of players who missed the game will be available. Having a strong squad and knowing players is the key to success at this level of football thats something we now have after taking a few months of putting it together.
Next week's home game could be an early kick off 1.30pm, providing we are not affected by players working if this the case then it will have to remain as 3pm.
Chatham Town XI 1.Olly Dewey 2.Glenn Conlon 3.Nathan Lindo 4.Lewis Hammill 5.Neil Spackman 6.Michael Payne (Capt) 7.Royce Greenidge 8.Anthony Louch 9.Elliott Green 10.Kelvyn Williams 11.Samuel Musundi
Thankfully the run of five games without a win came to an end against an impressive Erith Town team who had only lost twice this season, again we had a number of regulars missing Lee Roots, Chris Cooper, James Huggins, Kelvyn Williams, George Lowes, Matt Cunningham, Royce Greenidge & Paul Colenutt for a variety of reasons which makes the win more impressive.
Elliott Green played as a lone striker and was outstanding, he grabbed the only goal of the game in the first ten minutes giving everyone a lift in confidence. Erith Town played some good football but lacked any real threat up front something that shows in their goal record this season. Olly Dewey & the back four of Glenn Conlon, Mike Payne, Lewis Hammill, Steve Rothery looked solid through out, most of Erith's chances coming from long distance.
The second half started well with Elliott Green having a chance cleared off the line, Pete Sayer went close from a free kick and Anthony Louch saw his shot roll passed the outside of the post. Erith had chances the best coming in injury time when a header from a corner was cleared off the line by Carl Harrold.
A excellent hard working team performance too get us back on track, we now go to Woodstock Sports on Wednesday evening knowing a win in our game in hand will move us into third place in the league table. we follow up with two home games against Holmsdale & Lordswood
A poor game, lacking any real quality came to life midway through the second half. Maidstone opened the scoring after we lost the ball outside the box which was punished by a good finish. We hit back almost immediately when Kelvyn Williams was tripped running through on goal 25 yards out, Nathan Lindo had only been on the pitch five minutes when he curled the free kick into the top left corner giving the keeper no chance. Almost straight away and not for the first time we gave the ball away on the edge of our box, the ball was passed out wide for the shot to deflect off a defender and loop over Olly Dewey into the net.
A lot of effort from us however missing any quality which was frustrating after last weekends result at Whitstable Town.
With 13 goal striker George Lowes away with the first team and 1st team Centre Back Lewis Hammill returning to action in the reserves after picking up an injury against Harrow Borough in the Ryman League cup the mixing of players is now starting to happen after a few months of settling the squads down.
Chatham Town XI 1.Olly Dewey 2.Carl Harrold 3.Steven Rothery 4.Paul Colenutt (Capt) 5.Neil Spackman 6.Lewis Hammill 7.Anthony Louch 8.James Huggins 9.Samuel Musundi 10.Kelvyn Williams 11.Michael Payne
Subs; 12.Glenn Conlon -> 3.Rothery 14.Nathan Lindo -> 11.Payne 15.Lee Roots 16.Chris Cooper 17.Elliott Green -> 8.Huggins
Saturday 10th November 2012
Whitstable Town 3 Chatham Town 3 (Kelvyn Williams 2, Carl Harrold)
The lads really responded after last weeks setback with the performance of the season against a decent Whitstable Town XI. After releasing eight players this week, we finally have a squad of 20 committed players who want to put the effort in and play for the club.
Looking back Whitstable Town should be happy with a point, it's clear they are very strong going forward but suspect at the back against decent forwards. Whitstable took a 2-0 lead, firstly a free header from a corner and then scored the second from a rebound after a save by Olly Dewey. Leading scorer George Lowes missed the game with a hamstring problem, Kelvyn Williams took his place and Samuel Musundi returned to the team after injury, both caused Whitstable Town all kinds of problems with their pace, supported in wide areas from Paul Colenutt & Royce Greenidge plenty of chances were created, it was Williams who scored another two goals to bring the scores level, the first out pacing the defence to slot passed the keeper, the second just after half time which came from a Colenutt cross which was finished at the second attempt after the initial header hit the keeper.
Whitstable came back to score a third against the run of play when the ball fell to the unmarked winger to score with ten minuted to play. Further pressure came from Chatham with Glenn Conlon having a header from a free kick go just wide. In the final minute of the game a ball into the Whitstable box dropped to the impressive right back Carl Harrold who smashed it into the top corner from 18 yards.
A throughly deserved point against the current league leaders and no questions our best performance of the season, quality passing, work rate and effort from start to finish, the same is expected next week against Maidstone United.
Chatham Town XI 1.Olly Dewey 2.Carl Harrold 3.Steven Rothery 4.Paul Colenutt 5.Neil Spackman 6.Lee Roots 7.Anthony Louch 8.James Huggins 9.Samuel Musundi 10.Kelvyn Williams 11.Royce Greenidge
Saturday 3rd November 2012 Phoenix Sports 3 Chatham Town 1 (Nathan Lindo)
An awful display from start to finish, despite taking the lead from a Nathan Lindo direct free kick after ten minutes this was a performance to forget. Phoenix had to replace their keeper after 25 minutes with a knee injury, which saw the captain go in goal. Another missed penalty, our third miss from four this season cost us. Going into the half time break ahead 1-0 there were no real positives apart from the score line.
Full credit to Phoenix who despite their lowly league table position were not one of the worse teams we have played, a spirited hard working performance was rewarded with three second half goals, including a header by a Chatham player into his own goal. Top scorer George Lowes also had to leave to pitch with a hamstring injury.
Next week we travel to league leaders Whitstable Town, thankfully they slipped up losing to Erith Town. At least we can add to the squad with Paul Colenutt, Kelvyn Williams, Samuel Musundi, Chris Cooper, Glenn Conlon, James Huggins, Royce Greenidge & Jim Glover all returning.
What is a concern is our lack of goals in the first half of games when we are on top of opponents, only 5 of our 23 goals have been scored in the first 45 minutes of the first 8 league games.
Chatham Town XI 1.Olly Dewey 2.Carl Harrold 3.Steven Rothery 4.Pete Sayer 5.Neil Spackman 6.Lee Roots 7.Matt Cunningham 8.Anthony Louch 9.George Lowes 10.Elliott Green 11.Nathan Lindo
Saturday 27th October 2012 Chatham Town 3 (Matt Cunningham, George Lowes, Anthony Louch) VCD Athletic 0
After a month of limited football on the pitch, the first half was a poor displayed from where we left off against Deal Town. VCD started brightly with some quick play in the attacking third of the pitch, Jay Smale, VCD's number 9 looked sharp in the early stages, something that was noted resulting into a future enquiry to his services??. For the first 30 minutes keeper Olly Dewey kept us in the game with three outstanding saves in one on one situations, carrying on his form from Tuesday night when he represented Kent in a 1-0 win over Essex. Towards the end of the half George Lowes started to cause problems one of which saw him brought down for a penalty, only then to step up and miss! George then saw a shot from 25 yards hit the post. The opening goal came from a Nathan Lindo left wing cross which was volleyed home by right midfielder Matt Cunningham two minutes before the break.
The second half was a lot more comfortable with both teams having opportunities, our second goal came from a set piece which saw Nathan Lindo's free kick headed back across goal for George Lowes to tap home, with a two goal advatage we took control and capped off a good win with a 25 yard strike from midfielder Anthony Louch. The league table is now looking better, with games in hand and a few more signings im confident we will have a good season.
Saturday 13th October 2012 Chatham Town 5 Deal Town 0
Chatham Town 5 George Lowes 2, Kelvyn Williams 2, Samuel Musundi Deal Town 0
After two free weekends, it was good to finally have a game. A couple of changes had to be made to the starting XI that took the pitch against Bearsted, right back Mike Payne missed out due to injury and Paul Colenutt had to work. Neil Spackman returned to central defence with Glenn Conlon moving to right back and debutant James Huggins started in central midfield. The league table saw us start fourth from bottom with three or four games in hand, it was vital to get another three points an move us back up the table. Despite a confident first half with Chatham dominating, a number of chances came to nothing with the majority of shots all from outside the box being dealt with by the Deal Town keeper. Matt Cunningham looked Chatham's best outlet down the right using his pace and forced the keeper into a couple of good saves. Frustrating 0-0 at half time. The second half was much the same but with us taking our chances, George Lowes continued his scoring streak with his 9th & 10th of the season, his 9th a fantastic volley from inside the box. Kelvyn Williams and Samuel Musundi were introduced early in the second half, Musundi tapped in the second after a good run and cross by Lowes, Williams got the third after a deep cross hit the far post, rolled back across the line and was poked home, Lowes got his second after more good work on the left, cutting in and firing across the keeper. Spanish right back Pedro Arais was introduced and played a key roll in the final and best goal, a good passing moving found it's way to Pedro on the right wing which saw a first time cross straight to Williams who smashed the ball home from ten yards. With 20 players at the game available for selection and others to return the squad is now very strong, Target man Elliott Green who signed in pre season will return to add further options, also hoping to sign Sheerness East player of the year Jim Glover in the next couple of weeks.
Saturday 22nd September 2012 Bearsted 0 Chatham Town 9
Kent Intermediate Challenge Cup Bearsted 0 Chatham Town 9 Goals -> George Lowes (4) Samuel Musundi (3) Anthony Louch
A comfortable victory in the first round of the Kent Cup. Bearsted had a brief spell in the first five minutes while the game was settling down but after that they were outplayed. George Lowes opened the scoring running onto a pass from Felipe Ferreira, Lowes then added his 2nd & 3rd in the first 20 minutes. A spell of play saw many chances go missing with Matt Cunningham firing over from six yards and Felipe Ferreria hitting the bar from a deflected shot from 20 yards. Midfielder Anthony Louch added the fourth 5 minutes before half time.The second half started slowly for both teams, a Chatham double substitution introduced forwards Samuel Musundi and Danny Smith, with extra fire power on the pitch and a formation of 4-2-4, Bearsted fell apart George Lowes got his fourth, Samuel Musundi scored a 15 minute hat trick, all excellent finishes and Anthony Louch added his second running through on goal and slotting passed the keeper. Bearsted didnt help them selves by having a player sent off at 6-0 when he told the ref what he thought of a decision.
A lack of concentration in the final five minutes turned 3 points into 1, Margate were a very young fit team who played some good football, apart from Maidstone United the best team we have come up against so far.
The first ten minutes were pretty even with both teams having half chances, it was a late back post run into the box by right back Michael Payne which saw him tripped for a penalty, Ali Musa stepped up to take it, looking for his fourth goal in five games, he hit it low to the keepers right only for it to be saved. Strength and experience started to show, forwards Kelvyn Williams and George Lowes were causing problems, it was Lowes scoring his fifth of the season who opened the scoring after 25 minutes, more chances came and went, although Margate kept good possession the chances were very limited leaving keeper Olly Dewey hardly touching the ball in the first half.
Second half started the same Margate having lots of the ball but not really hurting the Chatham back four, a number of long range efforts from Anthony Louch & impressive new signing Linton Hayles from Bromley Green tested the keeper, one of which caused a hand injury, just our luck at the moment Margate had a keeper on the bench. Steven Rothery had an impressive game at left back, cutting in from the left Steven found the top corner with a right foot strike from 25 yards.
Moving into the final five minutes we threw it away, a nothing cross which was going out of play was flapped at by keeper Olly Dewey, pushing it straight on to the head of the forward for a consolation goal, unfortunately as last week against Ramsgate another goal happened in the last minute, a long throw into the box was cleared to the unmarked midfielder outside the box who controlled the ball on his chest and volleyed it into the top corner. Two draws makes the league table look a lot worse than it should be.
Chatham Town XI
Goals; Lowes & Rothery
1.Olly Dewey 2.Michael Payne 3.Steven Rothery 4.Chris Cooper (Capt) 5.Neil Spackman 6.Lee Roots 7.Anthony Louch 8.Linton Hayles 9.George Lowes 10.Kelvyn Williams 11.Ali Musa Subs 12.Nathan Lindo 14.Samuel Musundi 15.Glenn Conlon -> Lowes 16.Jordan McTigue -> Musa 17.Joel Sani -> Williams
Saturday 8th September Chatham Town 2 Ramsgate 2
A very good performance ruined by a last minute dubious penalty, the lads totally dominated the game from start to finish, a couple of changes had to be made from the win at VCD with striker Kelvyn Williams working & Midfielder Matt Cunningham unavailable at the last minute. A solid first half saw Ali Musa open the scoring with his third goal of the season from his new role in central midfield, Ramsgate then equalised after a goal mouth scamble from a free kick, Anthony Louch filling in on the right of midfield then scored five minutes before half time. The second half was one way traffic with Chatham missing chances, George Lowes, Jordan McTigue, Nathan Lindo and Samuel Musundi all had clear chances, if Ramsgate had walked off 6 or 7 behind the could'nt of complained and then the referee made his decision when Ramsgate striker and there best player collapsed in the box in the 89th minute. Really frustrating end to a good day, made worse by knowing we should be sitting second if we had finished them off.
Few more players coming in this week to provide more options. Thanks to Clare for taking photo's and Bill for sorting everything out for us.
Chatham Town XI Goals; Musa, Louch
1.Olly Dewey
2.Michael Payne
3.Steven Rothery
4.Paul Colenutt (Capt)
5.Neil Spackman
6.Lee Roots
7.Anthony Louch
8.Ali Musa
9.Jordan McTigue
10.George Lowes
11.Nathan Lindo Subs
12.Glenn Conlon -> 8.Musa
14.Samuel Musundi -> 9.McTigue
15.Chris Cooper -> 11.Lindo
16.Sten Mayunga
17.Matt Bedford
Saturday 1st September VCD2 Chatham Town 5
An excellent performance from the lads today after the midweek non display at Maidstone. Six changes to the starting XI today
VCD were a decent young team, but a determined performance blew them away with them having little chance against a front three of Kelvyn Williams, Jordan McTigue and George Lowes.
Jordan McTigue opened the scoring with a penalty in the 4th minute, George Lowes made it two five minute before half time cutting in from the left and firing low under the keeper. Kelvyn Williams made it 3, ten minutes into the second half breaking the offside trap and lobbing the keeper, Lowes got his second after rounding the keeper and slotting home, Ali Musa made it five with a low drive from the edge of the box after good work in the right from Samuel Musundi. Captain for the day Paul Colenutt had one disallowed for offside, VCD hit back late with two goals, a free header from a free kick and a late penalty.
Goals; McTigue (Pen), Lowes 2, Williams, Musa
Chatham Town XI Olly Dewey, Mike Payne, Steven Rothery, Ali Musa, Lee Roots, Neil Spackman, Matt Cunningham, Paul Colenutt, George Lowes, Jordan McTigue, Kelvyn Williams.
Subs; Tony Green Samuel Musundi -> Williams Sten Mayunga -> Colenutt Nathan Lindo -> McTigue Lawrence Nelson
Tuesday 14th August 2012
Chatham Town Res 3 Louch, Ferriera, Lowes
Kent County League Rep XI 3 Rowley, Cunningham 2
Final game of the resevres pre season finished 3-3 in a very entertaining fixture, Chatham took the lead through a long range effort from midfielder Anthony Louch. Chatham had more chances through striker Jordan McTigue who chipped the keeper only to hit the under side of the bar and bounce down onto the line.
The second half started with Brazilian forward Felipe Ferriera scoring an over head kick which found the corner of the net, Chris Rowley of Tudor Sports pulled a goal back from the penalty spot, then Kent sub and new Chatham Town signing Matt Cunningham drilled home a shot from outside the box to level the scores. Cunningham then put in a high cross from the right only for keeper Aaron Crosby to have a nightmare moment when he dropped the ball into his own net to give the Kent side a 3-2 lead.
Chatham Town subs Roddy Ndiane & George Lowes made a difference injecting pace into Chatham attacks and it was George Lowes formerly of Bridon Ropes who got a shot away which looped over Kent & Chatham Town keeper Olly Dewey
