Kentish Town Football Club

[Rhodes]

Folks - Enjoy:

Saturday 9 September

Spartan South Midlands League Division 1

Kentish Town 3 New Bradwell St Peter 0

 

Town made it four home league wins in succession with this fine victory over Milton Keynes based side New Bradwell St Peter at Hendon FC, they remain third in the table but significantly close the gap to just one point behind leaders Stony Stratford Town.

Town began the proceedings slowly and appeared to be missing star striker Josh Standford and Lee Scott, the prolific Scott, who had netted in all of Town's previous games this season, had been delayed getting to Claremont Road and had been placed as a substitute on the team sheet. New Bradwell didn't seem overawed in the slightest by playing at such salubrious and historic surroundings and had no difficulty in containing Town early on, Town were struggling to get into their normal routine of fast flowing football played on the floor to feet and failed to create any clear cut chances, indeed the visitors missed a golden opportunity to open the scoring when Lea Coulter was left in the clear and could only screw his shot wide of the post with just Town keeper James Noonan to beat.

Town play-maker Thomas Kanaris had a speculative drive from 30 yards go just wide midway through the first period however Town were still in first gear and it was only the superb Aaron Hutchins who saved the day with a lunging tackle that won the ball cleanly as a striker was about to pull the trigger for a certain goal.

Town had a stroke of good fortune just before the break when debutante Anthony Styles, who had replaced the absent Standford, was sent sprawling in the box and Referee Mr Savill pointed to the spot although this was deemed to be harsh by the opposition. Kanaris stepped up to send the ball low to the keepers left giving him little chance and put Town ahead at the interval.

Town made two substitutions bringing on Lee Scott, who had by this time arrived, to replace Styles and Daniele Quattromini who replaced Aaron Serieux. Scott immediately transformed Town's performance when he entered the fray and they looked a totally different team from that of the first period. Daniel Young who had so far had a quiet game found himself in the clear on 50 minutes to run through and unexpectedly chip the keeper who appeared to be expecting a shot along the ground, this gave Town the 2-0 lead they were desperately seeking to put daylight between them and the visitors stubborn resistance.

Town were by now their usual selves and playing some delightful football, Lee Scott could and should have got on the score sheet on a number of occasions before the inspirational Thomas Looney picked up the ball on 75 minutes some 25 yards from goal in a central position before unleashing an unstoppable drive into the roof of the net giving the bemused keeper no chance. This certainly put the game beyond a deflated New Bradwell side who, to their credit, kept playing stubbornly for the final fifteen minutes, Town brought on Philip Lynch for the masterful Tom McMullen shortly before Mr Savill put the whistle to his lips to signal the end of the proceedings and another three points for Town.

Town travel to bottom of the table, and Bedfordshire based, Cranfield United on Saturday, kick off 3.00, and could well find themselves in top spot come the evening if other results go their way in what is beginning to look like a very promising season indeed.

Town Team: Noonan, B McMullen, Malcolm, T McMullen, Hutchins, Young, Kanaris, Looney, Lynch, Zanre, Serieux.

Subs: Scott, D Quattromini, Lynch, R Quattromini

[phoinex]

A season is a marathon not a sprint and if you can get results when not playing your best football all the better.You've got to be happy with yesterday's result,New Bradwell St Peter I heard are a much changed team,with new management and a mixture of new and reserve team players from last year.But another fine win nether the less and three more points secure,it should be a interesting encounter later this month at Ampthill Town if you can still remain unbeaten until then.

 

<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />BE LUCKY

[Rhodes]

Phoinex - Thanks for your support and kind words, I wish everyone on here was like you as our recent performances are not really receiving the credit they deserve. Tomorrow night will be a useful yardstick to see how far we have come, it will be good to pit our wits against Premier Division opposition although it looks as if we will be fielding a weakened team with the likes of Josh Standford doubtful and Thomas Kanaris suspended. On Saturday we go to bottom of the table Cranfield United so there is a chance we might be top of the pile if other results go our way, I am still not convinced by Brimsdown Rovers who haven't played anyone of any real note as yet.

[phoinex]

Rhodes- I agree that Brimsdown Rovers so far have not played anyone of note other than Cockfosters,but I understand that the new management team have brought in new players that may have improved their squad from last season.At the end of the day you can only concentrate on your own matches and not worry about other teams results.

 

Keep up the good work

 

<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />BE LUCKY

[Lato]

Rhodes surely the Brazil of 70 who you seem to liken kentish town coped with a few missing players so why can't KTFC?

[Rhodes]

Lato - Over half our team are now missing tomorrow, would Brazil have beaten England and Italy in 1970 without the likes of Tostao, Ghersson, Alberto, Jairzinho and Rivelinho, I don't think so. I have even predicted a 4-0 win for Biggleswade United, a SSML Premier side should normally beat a Division 1 team anyway unless you're Haringey Borough of course who have lost to division 2 sides Padbury and Crawley Green in the Challenge Trophy 1st Round for the last two seasons.

[Rhodes]

Folks - A link to some press publicity about us, enjoy:

http://www.thecnj.co.uk/camden/090706/sports090706_01.htm

[Rhodes]

Potters Bar Town - I have to say I'm a little surprised that you have predicted we will go down 2-0 to Cranfield United tomorrow when everyone else has given us to win comfortably including Horace (6-0), is this just through spite. You will see from the press link on the previous post that Gregg saved the Club from extinction at the start of this season and a lot of the blame for that would have been laid at Potters Bar Town's door for unceremoniously showing us the door of Parkfield at such short notice rather than extending our lease for another season as was agreed in principle. As it so happens we are a stronger now than we have ever been so there are no hard feelings, we were more annoyed at the way Haringey Borough went about getting rid of us the season before when frogmarching little kids in tears off the premises.

[Rhodes]

Further to the above, and even Lato gives us to win 5-1 tomorrow using his joker into the bargain!

[Lato]

Rhodes weren't you part of Haringey at the time of that incident? Can you therefore apply the 'we' pronoun to that statement?

[Lato]

Quote:

Rhodes said:
even Lato gives us to win 5-1 tomorrow using his joker into the bargain!

I've been convinced by your spin...Kentish Town are the greatest team ever to play football and should win every game by a convincing margin. I don't actually know why every other team don't give up football and FIFA just award every single trophy around the world to Kentish Town...I mean they are that good aren't they?

[Football Man]

Quote:

Rhodes said:
Potters Bar Town - I have to say I'm a little surprised that you have predicted we will go down 2-0 to Cranfield United tomorrow when everyone else has given us to win comfortably including Horace (6-0), is this just through spite. You will see from the press link on the previous post that Gregg saved the Club from extinction at the start of this season and a lot of the blame for that would have been laid at Potters Bar Town's door for unceremoniously showing us the door of Parkfield at such short notice rather than extending our lease for another season as was agreed in principle. As it so happens we are a stronger now than we have ever been so there are no hard feelings, we were more annoyed at the way Haringey Borough went about getting rid of us the season before when frogmarching little kids in tears off the premises.

Rhodes - I've just read that article. It states that the club almost went into administration due to escalating costs in running a semi pro side. What has that got to do with the ending of the groundshare at Potters Bar Town?

It states that the club almost went into administration due to unpaid fines. What has that got to do with Potters Bar Town?

It states that the club almost went into administration due to the cost of registration fees. What has that got to do with Potters Bar Town?

As I have said before, you have only heard one side of the story yet you still insist on having a dig at Potters Bar Town. Adding the phrase "we are a stronger now than we have ever been so there are no hard feelings" doesn't wash I'm afraid, you are still publicly attacking the club based on your misconceptions.

I have repeatedly said that I do not want to discuss the matter publicly here but what I will say is that the second year was optional for both sides. We decided to reinstate our reserve side this season. It was a decision that was made very late in the day and we were only accepted into the Suburban League very late in the day. Therefore, Kentish Town were told late in the day. However, the fact that Kentish Town had already broken the terms of the agreement (and I'm not going to state publicly how), made it a much easier decision for us. Despite that, had we not chosen to run a reserve side this season, Kentish Town would probably have still been groundsharing with us.

I would seriously suggest that you let this matter drop now as you are coming at it from an angle of complete ignorance, having not even been at the club last season. You really haven't got a clue what you are talking about.

As for my prediction for tomorrow's game at Cranfield, why do you automatically assume it is out of spite? I put a 2-0 home win because I genuinely believe that will be the scoreline. It may be right, it may be wrong, but that is my prediction and I don't have to justify it. It doesn't matter to me what anyone else has predicted for the game in the same way that it shouldn't matter to you what my prediction is.

Still waiting for Gregg's response to my e-mail, by the way.

[Rhodes]

Quote:

Lato said:
Rhodes weren't you part of Haringey at the time of that incident? Can you therefore apply the 'we' pronoun to that statement?

Lato - Well it's strange you should bring that up, I was at Coles Park on that infamous night in question and it still sends a shiver down my spine that any human beings could be so ruthless where little kids are concerned, it made me ashamed to be associated with Haringey Borough although I didn't say anything at the time and just bit my tongue.

[Lato]

I don't know the full details of the incident but as usual Rhodes you miss the point.

[Rhodes]

Potters Bar Town - Well I've clearly hit a raw nerve here as your posts are normally just two liners. I don't think Gregg would have blamed Potters Bar in the article as you could have set your lawyers onto him but anyway I'm not having a dig at your Club and am more than happy to let the matter drop as it was all before my time anyway. I do know that although you terminated the groundshare agreement after one year rather than extending it the Club were still grateful to you for your help and for stepping in when Haringey un-ceremoniously showed them the door.

[Football Man]

For the record, I (personally) stepped in BEFORE Kentish Town were shown the door by Haringey (the kids team had gone but the first team were still there). Given the lack of notice Kentish Town were given by Haringey Borough (which you will be fully aware of), there wouldn't have been a Kentish Town last season, at least not at senior level, if I hadn't!

 

There was never a guarantee of a second year to the groundshare, just an option that required both sides agreement. Having basically kept your club alive, I will always respond to comments that display me and/or the club in the handling of this issue as negatively as yours did.

 

Let's move on now.

[Rhodes]

Yes I certainly blame Haringey Borough for trying to put Kentish Town out of business and agree that you and your Club were instrumental in helping us out of a tight spot at the time. Haringey were absolutely ruthless in the way they showed Gregg and co the door at such short notice having no regard for their future or for their flourishing youth set up which sadly had to be shelved. Unlike with yourselves Gregg had written agreement from Haringey to an extension of another year and could easily have taken them to the cleaners particularly as groundshares are not permitted at Coles Park in the Club's lease with the Council but that's not his style.

[Rhodes]

The link to our Website is currently down so I'm afraid you have the long version of our press report from Saturday's game to enjoy, sorry:

Saturday 16 September

Spartan South Midlands League Division 1

Cranfield United 0 Kentish Town 3

 

Following a superb midweek display in the Challenge Trophy in a narrow 3-2 defeat at Premier Division Biggleswade United, Town made it five league wins in succession with this 3-0 victory over bottom of the table Cranfield United however they did not have it all their own way and had to fight tooth and nail for the three points against opponents who are clearly in a false position.

Town started the proceedings a little sluggishly and were not able to exert any real superiority allowing Cranfield to dictate play in the early exchanges on an excellent playing surface, when Town began to find their feet midway through the first period raids came down both flanks and they were able to force a number of corners in quick succession which were frustratingly all hit too deep and wasted. Cranfield created some openings themselves from some good passing play and Jason Reeves made a mazey run that resulted in the ball finding its way across goal and Town keeper James Noonan was forced to make a superb save from an on-rushing forward.

Town's Lee Scott was starting to show why he is Town's top scorer this season and was taken down just outside the area following a good run but the resulting free kick was not capitalised on. Scott continued to probe down the left and on 43 minutes he gathered a long ball out of defence before controlling it superbly and sending a low drive past the home keeper into the far corner of the net. Town breathed a sigh of relief and it was perfect timing as the Referee's whistle sounded for the interval shortly afterwards.

United were not going to lay down despite being behind and Town had a lucky escape following the break when an attack caught them unawares and Tom McMullen was in the right place at the right time to clear a goal bound shot superbly off the line. Town substitute Terry O'Leary entered the fray on the 65 minute mark for the injured Thomas Looney who had been a thorn in Cranfield's side down the right all afternoon and had taken a lot of heavy challenges, the home side continued to make a mockery of their league position and it was Noonan who saved Town's blushes with a great save low down to his left. Cranfield then forced a corner which Noonan gathered well under pressure and another dangerous home attack was foiled when a last ditch challenge put an attacker off and he shot wide.

Town deserve enormous credit for soaking up heavy pressure through sheer determination when in previous seasons they may well have conceded, on 80 minutes the ball was played up to Lee Scott and in a one on one situation he made no mistake when side stepping an opponent to fire home from just inside the area. It was only then that Cranfield heads began to drop and on 85 minutes with the clock running down it was Daniel Young who popped up in the box to stab the ball in following a melee when any one of three Town players could have netted. Young deserved his goal however with another masterful display from midfield and was arguably Town's man of the match although the McMullen brothers, Aaron Hutchins and Daryl Malcolm were all superb in defence in an often backs to the wall display.

Town now sit proudly joint top of Division 1 with Brimsdown Rovers and travel to fourth placed Ampthill Town next Saturday in what promises to be, on paper at least, an old fashioned thriller.

 

Town Team: Noonan, B McMullen, Malcolm, T McMullen, Hutchins, Young, Cole, Looney, Scott, Dawson, Zanre. Sub: O'Leary.

[Rhodes]

Folks - Just to let you all know that I'm off to our encounter at Ampthill Town in deepest Bedfordshire now so catch you all this evening, good luck in all your games today.

[Rhodes]

Evening all - Round the Chairman's place at the moment having a few celebratory bevvies and using his state of the art computer, catch you later on:

Goals from Dave Dawson and a last minute penalty from top scorer Lee Scott secured all three points for Town this afternoon in leafy Bedfordshire. Town led 1-0 at the break through Dawson's 27th minute strike however Ampthill got back into the proceedings five minutes after the interval and held the upper hand for a time, Town would have probably settled for a point at that stage and with a minute of normal time remaining that looked like it was going to be the case however a long ball out of defence found Lee Scott who was then taken down just inside the area and Referee Carl Couzens had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Scott stepped up as cool as a cucumber to send the home keeper the wrong way and give Town, who now top the table by two points from Stony Stratford Town, all three points for their sixth win in succession.

(full report to follow).