Friendly Round-up – 1st July
For most of our SCEFL sides today was the first run out of pre-season and while results mean nothing at this stage it’s good practice for us to summarise a busy Saturday of action. So, despite Twitter doing it’s best to stop us seeing what went on, here’s what we have found out so far…
Punjab United welcomed Ebbsfleet United to the Steve Cook Stadium for their annual encounter, with the newly promoted Step One team bringing a large following across Gravesend with them. The scoreline showed the difference between the levels with ‘Fleet’ winning the game 6-0, but the experience will benefit Punjab, whose line-up included new signing Tunde Aderonmu.
In a hastily arranged all-Premier Division encounter, Lydd Town came away from Lordswood as 3-0 victors. Kenny Pogue, Ronnie Dolan and Oliver Bussey got the goals for Lydd, who in just 4 weeks time will be playing Step 5 league football for the first time.
Erith Town went to Lingfield FC and picked up a 4-0 win. New signing Louie Clarke described his hat-trick as a trio of ‘tap-ins’ but it looks to us that Louie has started where he left off, albeit in a different shirt this time.
Former SCEFL side AFC Croydon have attracted the headlines this week, and much is expected from them this year with Lee Roots now in the dugout and a couple of high-profile investors on the way. A new-look VCD Athletic were their visitors today, with the hosts taking the game tahnks to goals from Emiliano Lika and Michael Kamara.
You shouldn’t take too much from results at this stage but it is hard not to be impressed with AFC Whyteleafe’s 3-1 win at Sevenoaks Town. Newly signed Helge Orome found the net for Leafe, as did Gus Barnes – twice.
Tunbridge Wells got their pre-season underway with a 5-1 win over Jarvis Brook. Festos Kamara hit a late double with Frankie Griffin, Luca Bradley and James Nurden also finding the net.
Whitstable Town also collected a 5-1 victory. Josh Oliver scored twice, while Tom Mills, Steadman Callender and Josh Williams got the others against Basildon United at the Belmont.
The Whitstable u23s side picked up an impressive win too. Zack Jennings claimed a brace in a 4-1 success at Faversham Strike Force.
There was 342 in attendance at Rusthall today, with Tonbridge Angels the visitors to Jockey Farm. Tommy Wood, Ruben Soares-Jr and Jamie Fielding each scored for the National League South team in a 3-0 victory.
Almost 200 spectators welcomed the return of football to St Pauls, where Fisher hosted Redhill. The large crowd were treated to an entertaining game that finished 3-3.
It was no surprise at all to hear that Jamie Philpot hit the net today. The Golden Boot winner go the only goal of the game as Glebe edged past Beckenham Town.
Big things are expected from Snodland Town again this year, and they warmed up nicely for the new season with a 3-1 win at Crowborough Athletic. Francis Babalola claimed a goal on debut, with Ben Davisson and Malachi Hudson also on target. Ollie Hyland notched for the Crows.
At Charles Darwin School, Croydon beat Holmesdale 2-0. Ryan Burrell-Grant got the first, and Bola Noiki the second for a Trams side that will be looking for a promotion push from their upcoming First Division campaign.
Lewisham Borough went down 4-1 at Barking, Meridian VP won 3-0 at home to Southern Combination side Steyning Town and thanks to goals from Cameron MacMillan and Tommy Whitnell, Stansfeld picked up a 2-0 victory against Dorking Wanderers B. Greenways went down 3-0 to Kent County team Ide Hill.
We will have further updates from the games when we get them!
Main Photo Credit: Vijay – view album here
