County Teams

Dramatic defeat denies Kent

Monday, 07 April 2008.

Kent and Middlesex entertained the crowd despite the horrendous weather as the visitors grabbed a dramatic victory at Sittingbourne FC.

Kent needed only a point to secure the championship with Middlesex needing a win to keep their hopes of winning it alive.

Kent started the game well and created chances with debutant Adam Woollcott linking well with Steve Brading down Kent’s right hand side.

Both teams worked very hard in bitterly cold conditions and Brading and Harry Harding both went close for Kent.

Jake Marsh also making his debut down the left for Kent fell awkwardly and was replaced by Billy Holland.

Holland then put Kent 1-0 ahead with an excellent header from Harding’s corner on 30 minutes. Kent then scored again on 37 minutes when neat work from Woollcott set up Harding to slide the ball in the bottom corner. At 2-0 Middlesex began to apply some pressure and scored a goal just before half time which was a big blow to Kent. Defensively Kent hadn’t played that well, and it was the tonic Middlesex needed.

Straight after half time, Middlesex scored two quick goals which put them 3-2 ahead. Kent then reacted and began putting Middlesex under pressure. Middlesex also proved dangerous on the break.

Harding, Michael Scott and Jack Sparrow all went close as Kent besieged the Middlesex goal. With 5 minutes remaining Holland got on the end of a cross and scored for Kent.

With 2 minutes of normal time remaining Middlesex’s quick forward beat the Kent back four and keeper Woods came out to tackle him. The ball bounced off the striker and he was able to put the ball into the bottom corner. Leaving kent no time to get that all important equaliser.

Kent Under 16’s Manager and Coach said “The game was a real credit to youth football as both teams gave their all in freezing conditions. The lads were desperately disappointed at the end of the game as it did mean everything to them to get that point. However they should be really proud of themselves as they have represented the County with pride and real passion all the season. ”

Middlesex now need to beat Sussex by 4 clear goals next Sunday to take the Championship ahead of Kent.

Team: Jack Rankin (Croydon Athletic), Callum Crutchfield (Dover Athletic), Ryan Woods (Chatham Town), George Crimmen (Tonbridge Angels), Jack Sparrow (Corinthian), Michael Scott (Chatham Town), Steve Brading (Maidstone United), Charlie Sweetman (Corinthian), Adam Woollcott (Canterbury City), Karl Dent (Dartford), Jake Marsh (Dover Athletic), Perry Scofield-Lamoon (Ebbsfleet), Dan Langiano (Canterbury City), Scott Byers (Maidstone United), Billy Holland (Bromley), Harry Harding (Bromley)

The Kent County FA would like to thank Sittingbourne FC for hosting the game and the hard work that went on to ensure the game went ahead.