vs Hythe Town

[dave]

Big game tomorrow (of course). Always enjoy the games at Hythe. I particularly remember a couple
of seasons ago, 0-2 down at H-T. Hythe hadn't conceded a goal in about 10+ years. We slaughtered them in
the second half. Goals from Jamie Maxted and a Wayne Wilson penalty.
Ended 2-2. We were quite simply superb in the second half.
A pivotal game to making the play-offs that year. The sort of performance that quite rightly, lives
long in the memory.

So, to tomorrow, We should be full of confidence. 7 wins in the last 8. A fine record. The latest,
a midweek win against Chipstead was, in my view, a really fine win.

So COYW.

And tomorrow, from a shouty perspective, we need a big shouty crowd. Same place as usual everyone? See you there.

COYW. Extra shouty tomorrow everyone

[FAV Army]

I remember that game.

As you say, Hythe hadn't conceded in ages (it might have been bordering 1,000 minutes actually, it was a good 10 games or something)!

But, then we got a corner.

Willo floats it in - bang on the money as per usual - and Maxted comes crashing in after a late run into the box from around 40 yards out.

The rest, as they say, is history.

We did meet again at some other point later in the season - that went quite well too!

But, I completely agree with you about tomorrow's match.

Dan Eason (one of the best keepers in the league) is still there and they do have some good players at the moment, despite their league position!

It certainly won't be easier but we have got good results against good teams plenty of times before.

I see no reason why we can't do it again tomorrow!

See you there.

FAV Army!

[dave]

Hythe Town 2-1 Faversham Town

Starting line up:

Rob French,
Aidan Sherlock, Jamie Maxted, Matt Bourne, John Scarborough,
Charley Robertson, Dave Botterill, Wayne Wilson, George Monger,
Jack Harris, Dean Grant.

Sweeping statements don't always hold water. As indeed this one
probably doesn't. But here goes anyway. The first twenty minutes have
cost us dear. We concede two and give ourselves far too much to do.
Particularly on a pitch and conditions such as today. Having said that,
we nearly get something from the game.

So as indicated, we start slowly. Early doors suggest it's going to be
a battle and Hythe take the fight to us. Just 4 minutes on the clock, an attack
down their left, a simple ball to a player in space, right hand side of the box
and the shot high into the opposite side of the net. 1-0. On 19, a quick Hythe
counter attack down their left, another simple ball, a player in space, 3/4 yards outside
of the box. Firmly struck lob/shot over Rob French. You have to say it was a quality
goal. But on 26, we repond with a quality goal of our own, Charley Robertson and Jack
Harris combine down our right, moved inside and out to Jamie Maxted on the left in
space, good delivery into the box and George Monger guides the header passed the keeper.
Really well worked goal. 2-1. Another decent move, Matt Bourne spreads the ball to
Jack Harris on the right, feeds Wayne Wilson inside, but not enough on the shot.
Safely gathered by the keeper. Just before half-time, Hythe break, they're in on goal,
but Rob French reads it, and comes out of his box and makes a crucial interception.
2-1 at H-T

Second half, we roll up our sleeves and get stuck in. We fashion some decent chances.
Jack Harris finds Charley Robertson, Charley evades all challenges, back to Jack, the
shot is saved by the keepers' feet. Just wide. Corner. Kieran Oliver is on for Dave
Botterill. It would be remiss of me not to mention that by this time a) the pitch
is really difficult-many a player was slipping/losing their footing and b) the snow is
as heavy as the pitch. So all in all, not ideal conditions.
But onwards. An Aidan Sherlock cross from the right, headed into the path of Jack Harris,
the shot is saved. Another corner. Dean Grant attacks down the right-brought down. Free-kick.
Wayne Wilson's free-kick is punched away to safety. Jack Harris is played in, snap shot on
goal. Their keeper makes a great save. We're running out of time. And right at the end, we're
awarded a free-kick. Wayne Wilson territory. A final chance to salvage something? The free-kick
is well struck, but the keeper dives to his left and punches away for a corner. Rob French
again anticipates well, comes a long way out of his area to curtail a late Hythe counter.
2-1 at F-T.

So, a personal opinion alert. Giving two early goals away is never ideal, but I think
we were worth a point today. We get ourselves back in the game with a well worked goal and then
the second half performance warranted/deserved an equaliser.

So, not our day today. Always disappointing to lose, of course. But let's remind ourselves.
Reasons to be cheerful.

a) still second in R1S.
b) 83 goals this R1S season-still the highest in the league. Fantastic entertainment.
c) when was the last time we didn't score in the league? Last season sometime.
d) to summarise a), b), c), we're in the midst of a fantastic season. The best we've ever
had. Fantastic time to be following FTFC. Team and management are doing us proud. Happy Days.

COYW.

[4500x]

Totally agree with you Dave.

It's already been a fantastic season so whatever happens in the next three months it's brilliant supporting FTFC anyway.
With teams in 6th & 7th positions also losing today we remain 23 points clear with their games starting to run out.
We will be in the play offs come the end of season and I'd fancy our chances of progressing against anyone.
Even if it doesn't go for us on those special Spring days, it won't be for lack of effort or entertainment - that's for sure!
 

[4500x]

... being a stat man I need to correct myself on the last posting.

For the record, 5th / 6th both lost with 7th / 8th / 9th not playing.

Chipstead in 10th now did win but to put things into perspective they are 29 points behind us with a maximum 42 points available to them.

[CJK]

Link to match video . . . youtu.be/-Pq89HI75z4