Gravesham Schools' Football Association U13s 2012 / 12
KENT CUP AND FRIENDLY FIXTURES
The team entered the Kent Cup which was organised on a league basis with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the semi-finals of the Charles Harvey Trophy.
Saturday 6th October Kent Cup
North Kent 1 Gravesham 3 (Scorers: Gildea(2), Jones)
Gravesham opened their season with a journey to Mottingham Playing Fields to play North Kent in the Charles Harvey Trophy. In an even start to the game Gravesham had the first good opportunity after twelve minutes when Luke Carey's through pass allowed Jack Conway to shoot over the crossbar from the edge of the penalty area. North Kent then caused a few problems which were often thwarted by the impressive Dan Birch and co-centre back Kieran Stoneham. However after 21 minutes North Kent did break through and although goalkeeper Jack Morrisson did make a good initial save North Kent followed up to score. The score remained 1-0 to North Kent at half-time.
Gravesham's second half performance was more determined. After thirty-nine minutes Henry Arnold's shot hit a post but Jaydn Gildea followed up to equalise. Five minutes later North Kent nearly regained the lead but goalkeeper Jack Morrisson saved well in a one-on one situation. Within a minute Gravesham were attacking and a cross from Donvieve Jones was headed over the bar by Jack Conway. With ten minutes remaining a corner from Luke Carey was helped on by Jack Fenton before Jaydn Gildea scored his second goal of the match. Three minutes from time Henry Arnold's shot was saved by the North Kent goalkeeper before Donvieve Jones followed up to score. Jaydn Gildea almost added another goal in the final moments when his shot from the edge of the area was just too high so the final score was North Kent 1 Gravesham 3.
Saturday 27th October Friendly
Gravesham 7 Swale 3 (Scorers: Worfiah(2), Jones(2), Gildea, Anosike, Arnold)
Gravesham Under 13s were at home to Swale on a cold, blustery October morning. Gravesham made a slow start to the match with Swale hitting the cross bar after five minutes before taking the lead ten minutes later. This motivated Gravesham to raise their game and Jack Conway twice made good passes to Jeffery Worfiah to score after 16 and 25 minutes. However, Gravesham lost concentration and Swale equalised within a minute of Gravesham taking the lead.
In the second half Gravesham were more convincing. Forty-eight minutes into the game Brenden Anosike's corner was headed into the goal by Donvieve Jones. Ten minutes later Donvieve Jones scored his second of the match with a well struck shot. After 63 minutes Jones then went on a delightful dribble inside the Swale penalty area before passing to Brenden Anosike who finished well to make the score 5-2. Swale then scored with a good strike from outside the penalty area. With three minutes remaining Jaydn Gildea scored following a good pass from Henry Arnold. With full-time approaching Henry Arnold made the final score 7-3 with an excellent long range shot.
Saturday 8th December Kent Cup
East Sussex 0 Gravesham 4 (Scorers: Conway(2), Anosike, Arnold (penalty)
On December 8th Gravesham travelled to play East Sussex on a 3G pitch in Battle. The match started evenly but early on Gravesham lost left back Danny Peen who clashed heads with fellow defender Jeffery Worifah and had to go to hospital with concussion. Gravesham scored the only goal of the first half when Henry Arnold delivered an outstanding cross which the hard-working Brenden Anosike majestically headed with great power into the back of the net.
In the second half Gravesham played some good football and extended their lead when Henry Arnold calmly converted a penalty with an excellen strike into the corner of the goal. Jack Conway ensured Gravesham won the match with two well taken goals in the last fifteen minutes. Gravesham earnt the victory through a determined performance where every player showed commitment and great effort.
Saturday 12th January Kent Cup
Gravesham 2 West Kent 1 (scorer: Jones(2))
Gravesham U13s played West Kent on a cold morning at Fleet Leisure. Following an indifferent start Gravesham took the lead after 15 minutes. Henry Rowland delivered an excellent cross from the right for Donvieve Jones to head in from ten yards. However, the lead was short lived with West Kent equalising just two minutes later. For the remainder of the first half both teams had opportunities to take the lead but at half-time the teams remained level at 1-1.
In the second half Gravesham were more dominant but West Kent always looked dangerous when they broke. Mid way through the second half an excellent run into the left hand side of the penalty area by Jack Conway culminated in a perfect cross which Donvieve Jones headed for his second goal of the match. Donvieve Jones nearly completed his hat-trick when his shot from inside the penalty area was saved by the travelling goalkeeper. West Kent nearly equalised in the last two minutes when a shot from outside the penalty area struck the Gravesham cross bar. However, the final score was Gravesham 2 West Kent 1.
Saturday 2nd February Kent Cup
Gravesham 2 Medway 0 Medway conceded the game and a 2-0 victory was awarded
The team entered the Kent Cup which was organised on a league basis with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the semi-finals of the Charles Harvey Trophy.
Saturday 6th October Kent Cup
North Kent 1 Gravesham 3 (Scorers: Gildea(2), Jones)
Gravesham opened their season with a journey to Mottingham Playing Fields to play North Kent in the Charles Harvey Trophy. In an even start to the game Gravesham had the first good opportunity after twelve minutes when Luke Carey's through pass allowed Jack Conway to shoot over the crossbar from the edge of the penalty area. North Kent then caused a few problems which were often thwarted by the impressive Dan Birch and co-centre back Kieran Stoneham. However after 21 minutes North Kent did break through and although goalkeeper Jack Morrisson did make a good initial save North Kent followed up to score. The score remained 1-0 to North Kent at half-time.
Gravesham's second half performance was more determined. After thirty-nine minutes Henry Arnold's shot hit a post but Jaydn Gildea followed up to equalise. Five minutes later North Kent nearly regained the lead but goalkeeper Jack Morrisson saved well in a one-on one situation. Within a minute Gravesham were attacking and a cross from Donvieve Jones was headed over the bar by Jack Conway. With ten minutes remaining a corner from Luke Carey was helped on by Jack Fenton before Jaydn Gildea scored his second goal of the match. Three minutes from time Henry Arnold's shot was saved by the North Kent goalkeeper before Donvieve Jones followed up to score. Jaydn Gildea almost added another goal in the final moments when his shot from the edge of the area was just too high so the final score was North Kent 1 Gravesham 3.
Saturday 27th October Friendly
Gravesham 7 Swale 3 (Scorers: Worfiah(2), Jones(2), Gildea, Anosike, Arnold)
Gravesham Under 13s were at home to Swale on a cold, blustery October morning. Gravesham made a slow start to the match with Swale hitting the cross bar after five minutes before taking the lead ten minutes later. This motivated Gravesham to raise their game and Jack Conway twice made good passes to Jeffery Worfiah to score after 16 and 25 minutes. However, Gravesham lost concentration and Swale equalised within a minute of Gravesham taking the lead.
In the second half Gravesham were more convincing. Forty-eight minutes into the game Brenden Anosike's corner was headed into the goal by Donvieve Jones. Ten minutes later Donvieve Jones scored his second of the match with a well struck shot. After 63 minutes Jones then went on a delightful dribble inside the Swale penalty area before passing to Brenden Anosike who finished well to make the score 5-2. Swale then scored with a good strike from outside the penalty area. With three minutes remaining Jaydn Gildea scored following a good pass from Henry Arnold. With full-time approaching Henry Arnold made the final score 7-3 with an excellent long range shot.
Saturday 8th December Kent Cup
East Sussex 0 Gravesham 4 (Scorers: Conway(2), Anosike, Arnold (penalty)
On December 8th Gravesham travelled to play East Sussex on a 3G pitch in Battle. The match started evenly but early on Gravesham lost left back Danny Peen who clashed heads with fellow defender Jeffery Worifah and had to go to hospital with concussion. Gravesham scored the only goal of the first half when Henry Arnold delivered an outstanding cross which the hard-working Brenden Anosike majestically headed with great power into the back of the net.
In the second half Gravesham played some good football and extended their lead when Henry Arnold calmly converted a penalty with an excellen strike into the corner of the goal. Jack Conway ensured Gravesham won the match with two well taken goals in the last fifteen minutes. Gravesham earnt the victory through a determined performance where every player showed commitment and great effort.
Saturday 12th January Kent Cup
Gravesham 2 West Kent 1 (scorer: Jones(2))
Gravesham U13s played West Kent on a cold morning at Fleet Leisure. Following an indifferent start Gravesham took the lead after 15 minutes. Henry Rowland delivered an excellent cross from the right for Donvieve Jones to head in from ten yards. However, the lead was short lived with West Kent equalising just two minutes later. For the remainder of the first half both teams had opportunities to take the lead but at half-time the teams remained level at 1-1.
In the second half Gravesham were more dominant but West Kent always looked dangerous when they broke. Mid way through the second half an excellent run into the left hand side of the penalty area by Jack Conway culminated in a perfect cross which Donvieve Jones headed for his second goal of the match. Donvieve Jones nearly completed his hat-trick when his shot from inside the penalty area was saved by the travelling goalkeeper. West Kent nearly equalised in the last two minutes when a shot from outside the penalty area struck the Gravesham cross bar. However, the final score was Gravesham 2 West Kent 1.
Saturday 2nd February Kent Cup
Gravesham 2 Medway 0 Medway conceded the game and a 2-0 victory was awarded
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CHARLES HARVEY TROPHY SEMI-FINAL
Saturday 23rd March, Fleet Leisure
Gravesham 6 Maidstone 1 (Scorers: Arnold(2), Jones, Worifah, Bunger, Conway)
Gravesham Under 13s played Maidstone in the Charles Harvey Trophy semi-final at Fleet Leisure. Gravesham dominated the first half and took the lead after 22 minutes when Henry Arnold scored following a pass from Jack Fenton. Despite further attempts the score remained 1-0 at half time.
In the second half Gravesham continued to have the greater possession and after 40 minutes Henry Arnold scored his and Gravesham's second goal of the match. Henry Arnold nearly completed his hat-trick but a save by the Maidstone goalkeeper allowed Donvieve Jones to give Gravesham a 3-0 advantage. The hardworking Rohan Bunger made th score 4-0 after following up on a save from his initial shot to hit the back of the net. Gravesham then scored the best goal of the match after a superb passing move involving five Gravesham players before Jeffrey Worifah placed the ball into the back of the net. To their credit Maidstone kept working hard and scored to make the score 5-1. With three minutes remaining Jack Conway scored to make the final score 6-1.
This was a result of an all rond positive team performance, including Michael Arthey who played for the Under 13s for the first time to cover for injuries and illnesses.
CHARLES HARVEY TROPHY FINAL
Friday 10th May, Fleet Leisure, 6.30pm kick off
Gravesham 4 Canterbury 1 (Scorers: Conway, Arnold (penalty), Fenton, Anosike)
Gravesham lifted the Charles Harvey Trophy for the first time since 2009 with a 4-1 win against Canterbury on a bumpy surface at Fleet Leisure. Although Gravesham never played to their true potential in the first half they had the bulk of the possession. Within ten minutes Gravesham had taken the lead following some strong defending by Dan Birch who then passed to a determined Jack Conway who used his speed and strength to beat the home defence before powerfully striking the ball into the back of the net. Gravesham failed to take the opportunity to extend their first half lead and went into the interval with a 1-0 advantage. In the second half Gravesham had a slight slope advantage and were soon threatening the Canterbury defence. Ten minutes into the second half Jeffery Worifah dribbled into the Canterbury penalty area but was fouled and Gravesham were awarded a penalty. Henry Arnold's well struck penalty gave Gravesham a 2-0 lead. Five minutes later Jack Fenton received the ball on the edge of the penaly area and his shot was well struck over the Canterbury goalkeeper to score the best goal of the match. It wasn't long before Jeffery Worifah made a strong run in the left-hand side of the penalty area and crossed to allow Brenden Anosike the opportunity to pass the ball into an empty net. To their credit Canterbury continued to battle and were rewarded with a consolation goal with just 5 minutes remaining. Gravesham finished the match as 4-1 winners and had won the Kent Cup for the second consecutive year.
E.S.F.A. NATIONAL INTER-ASSOCIATION TROPHY
This competition was organised on a knock out basis and was open to all associations in England.
Saturday 13th October Round 1
Brighton 1 Gravesham 2 (Scorers: Gildea, Jones)
Gravesham arrived at Longhill High School, Rottingdean in torrential rain which had caused flooding to local roads and the school playing fields. Fortunately the sun came out and despite some lying water on the pitch the match could start with a delayed kick off. After a steady start to the match Gravesham were unfortunate not to take the lead when Dan Birch headed against the cross bar from a Luke Carey corner in the tenth minute.
However, Brighton were also causing problems and two minutes later Henry Rowland had to clear off of the line following a corner to the home side. Gravesham then started to apply some pressure and after 13 minutes Jeffery Worfiah beat two players before shooting just too high from the edge of the penalty area, and two minutes later Jack Fenton headed a cross just over the cross bar. The deadlock remained for the rest of the half and so the score was 0-0 at the interval.
Brighton made a positive start to the second half and within two minutes they had earnt a corner from which they hit Gravesham's cross bar. Seven minutes later visiting goalkeeper James Morrisson made a good save when rushing out at an oncoming Brighton forward. After 46 minutes Gravesham produced some good inter-play in their opponents penalty area - Jack Conway passed to Rohan Bunger whose pass was then converted by Jaydn Gildea to give Gravesham a 1-0 advantage. Five minutes later forward Brenden Anosike's deft flick gave Jack Fenton the opportunity to shoot, but his attempt was well saved by the Brighton goalkeeper. After 63 minutes Brighton equalised following a corner.
It looked as though the game would be heading to extra-time when Gravesham won a corner with just two minutes remaining. Luke Carey took the corner which appeared to have cleared all of the players before the determined Dan Birch gave chase, turned and crossed allowing Donvieve Jones to strike the ball firmly into the Brighton net.
Gravesham won a good competitive match in which they showed plenty of character and determination. Hard work throughout the team and strong defending produced an excellent result.
Saturday 10th November Round 2
Barking & Dagenham 1 Gravesham 5 (Scorers: Conway(2), Worfiah, Arnold, Fenton)
Gravesham Under 13s travelled to play Barking and Dagenham on a wet morning at Fairlop Powerleague. Gravesham made a strong start and after five minutes Luke Carey passed to Brenden Anisoke who shot just wide. Three minutes later the impressive Luke Carey shot from 25 yards. His shot was too strong for the Barking goalkeeper to hold and Jeffery Worfiah followed up to give Gravesham the lead. Twenty minutes into the game James Miles made a good pass for Henry Arnold to run onto and extend Gravesham's lead. Despite more pressure from Gravesham they were unable to score a third goal before half-time. Within a minute of the restart defender Cameron McMinn made a strong tackle around the half way line and then passed through to Jack Conway who shot just wide.
Eight minutes into the second half Gravesham had a corner which Jack Fenton forced in to make the score 3-0. After 45 minutes Luke Carey nearly increased the lead with a long range shot which whizzed low but just wide of the home team's goal and four minutes later he saw the hosts goalkeeper offf of his line and an ambitious shot from 50 yards narrowly missed the target. Shortly afterwards Jaydn Gildea had a good shot which the Barking and Dagenham goalkeeper saved to concede a corner. Within a minute Jack Conway received the ball, dribbled through on his own before scoring and giving Gravesham a 4-0 advantage, Jaydn Gildea was fouled with ten minutes remaining and we later learned that in falling to the ground he fractured his collar bone. With ten minutes remaining Henry Arnold took a Gravesham corner which James Miles headed on. The host goalkeeper half-cleared the ball but Jack Conway was on hand to score his second goal of the match. With two minutes remaining Barking and Dagenham scored from a corner to make the final score Barking and Dagenham 1 Gravesham 5.
Saturday 24th November Round 3
Gravesham 1 Havering 1 (after extra time) (Scorer: Worifah) Havering won 4-3 on penalties (Gravesham penalties scored by Anosike and Carey)
Gravesham were at home to Havering on a cold, frosty morning. Gravesham started the stronger side and dominated large parts of the first half without creating any clear opportunities. The closest they came was after 25 minutes when Gravesham had a corner which was volleyed by Rohan Bunger from the edge of the box and Donvieve Jones was just unable to direct the shot into the goal. Although Havering became more threatening towards the end of the first half but the score remained 0-0 at half-time.
Gravesham started well in the second half and within three minutes took the lead. Brenden Anosike shot from within the penalty area and his shot could not be held by the visiting goalkeeper, allowing Jeffery Worifah to follow up and score. However, five minutes later Havering equalised with a well struck shot. Gravesham continued to apply pressure and Donvieve Jones was unfortunate to see a shot loop over the Havering goalkeeper before being cleared by a defender. From the resulting corner Dan Birch headed narrowly wide. However at the end of normal time the score remained 1-1 and so the tie went into extra-time.
In the second half of extra-time Gravesham were unfortunate not to take the lead when Jack Conway's well struck shot hit the post. However, the deadlock could not be broken and so the match went to penalties. Although Gravesham goalkeeper James Morrisson saved one penalty and Brenden Anosike and Luke Carey were able to convert their penalties it was not to be and Havering won the penalty shoot out 3-2 to make the final score 4-3.
WIMBLEDON CHALLENGE TROPHY
This competition was organised on a knock out basis and open to all associations in the South East area.
Saturday 17th November Round 1
Gravesham 4 Canterbury 2 (Scorers: Worifah(2), Anosike, Jones)
Gravesham were at home to Canterbury on a bright November morning in the Wimbledon Challenge Cup. Gravesham made a steady start but found themselves 1-0 down after ten minutes. Gravesham then raised their game and Jeffrey Worifah hit the cross bar following a corner after twelve minutes.
Three minutes later Jack Conway passed to Jeffery Worifah who dribbled into a one-on-one contest with the visitors goalkeeper; Worifah struck the ball confidently just inside the penalty area to equalise. A minute later Gravesham nearly took the lead when Jefffery Worifah again caused difficulties by hitting he crossbar following a corner. The ball fell to Roham Bunger and he too was unfortunate not to score when his attempt hit the juncture of the post and crossbar. Gravesham continued to play some good football, although goalkeeper Jack Morrisson made a good save from a long-range shot in the last minute of the first half. The score at half-time was Gravesham 1 Canterbury 1.
Eight minutes into the second half Jeffery Worifah ran powerfully through the Canterbury defence before shooting to restore Gravesham's lead. Within two minutes the impressive Worifah had again dribbled through the visitors defence and provided an excelllent cross leading to Brenden Anosike's positive finish to make the score 3-1.
After 48 minutes Brenden Anosike delivered a fine corner which Donvieve Jones headed just off target. A minute later Canterbury attacked and scored to make the score 3-2. After 50 minutes Donvieve Jones was unfortunate when he shot only to strike the crossbar. With just three minutes remaining Jeffery Worifah made an excellent tackle before embarking on a strong run gown the left flank; he then provided a perfect cross for Donvieve Jones to powerfully head the ball into the back of the net.
The final score was Gravesham 4 Canterbury 2 and Gravesham will face East Sussex or Woking in the quarter-finals of this competition for teams in the South East of England.
Saturday 26th January Quarter-Final
East Sussex 1 Gravesham 2 after extra time (Scorers: Fenton, Gildea)
Gravesham played East Sussex on the 3G pitch at Swadelands School in Lenham in the Quarter-Finals of the Wimbledon Challenge Cup. In an even first half both teams had chances but were unable to break the deadlock. Gravesham's best efforts were a long range shot from Luke Carey which just failed to curl into the top corner and a header from Dan Burch which went over the bar from a corner.
In the second half Gravesham started brightly and within the first five minutes put a lot of pressure on the East Sussex defence before Jack Fenton's fine header from a corner was too powerful for the East Susex defence to prevent Gravesham taking the lead. Mid way through the second half East Sussex equalised from a magnificent 30 yard strike. Gravesham threatened the East Sussex on a number of occassions without scoring so at the end of normal time the temas remained level.
In extra time Gravesham became increasingly dominant as their opponents appeared to tire. Eventually, with just two minutes remaining, Jaydn Gildea's well struck shot won the game. This was a fine all round performance where tireless commitment from every player produced a victory which means Gravesham will be away to South London in the semi-finals.
WIMBLEDON CHALLENGE TROPHY SEMI-FINAL
Saturday 16th March
South London 2 Gravesham 4 (Scorers: Carey (2), Jones, Conway)
Gravesham travelled to play South London on a 3G pitch at Burgess Park on a wet and blustery morning in the semi-finals of the Wimbledon Challenge Trophy.
The morning had started badly for Gravesham with the goalkeeper and a defender both arriving late having got lost! Witin 5 minutes of the start South London took the lead from a corner. Although in terms of possession the gane was even Gravesham looked to have lost the tie when South London took a 2-0 advantage after 22 minutes scoring from a free-kick. However Gravesham battled on and Jack Conways long range shot went just over the opposition's cross bar. Gravesham did manage to score after 30 minutes when Donvieve Jones header sent the opposition goalkeeper the wrong way following a strike from Henry Arnold. Gravesham therefore went into half time with a 2-1 deficit.
Ten minutes into the second half Gravesham were unfortunate not to equalise when Dan Birch was deemed to be offside. However, Luke Caey turned the game around with two long range thunderbolt shots in as many minutes. From then on Gravesham dominated the match and the defence which was well marshalled by Dan Birch was rarely threatened. With four minutes remaining Gravesham secured victory with a shot form the edge of the area which finished in the bottom corner of the net by Jack Conway who had caused South London problems all morning.
WIMBLEDON CHALLENGE TROPHY FINAL
Monday 13th May, Ebbsfleet United F.C. 7.00pm kick off
Blackheath 1 Gravesham 2 (Scorers: Gildea, Fenton)
Gravesham played Blackheath in the Final of the Wimbledon Challenge Trophy - which is for Districts in the South East of England - at Stonebridge road, home of Ebbsfleet United F.C. Gravesham had Henry Rowland and Cameron McMinn sidelined through injuries but were still able to field a strong team.This was a superb game betweeen two talented sides and Gravesham took the advantage after 11 minutes when Jaydn Gildea received the ball inside the right hand side of the penalty area and cooly finished to make the score 1-0. A competitive battle ensued with midfielders Luke Carey and James Miles working hard to keep the upper hand in central midfield whilst Jack Conway worked hard up front to cause the Blackheath defence lots of difficulties.
Gravesham were dealt a blow after only 15 minutes when Henry Arnold came off unwell but substitute Rohan Bunger stepped into the role well and was more than amatch for his opponent. Blackheath equalised with ten minutes left in the first half and the teams went into the interval level at 1-1. At half time Donvieve Jones who had an outstanding first half was given a rest with the adaptable Jaydn Gildea playing right midfield. Brenden Anosike came on as substitute to work tirelessly up front in the second half. Gravesham also gave Captain James Miles a rest and substitute Jeffery Worifah's strength in midfield was evident in the second half. Gravesham had to defend well throughout the game against strong and fast opponents, but goalkeeper Jack Morrisson looked confident throughout the game. The defence was superbly marshalled by Dan Birch and his partner at centre back Kieran Stoneham made some important interventions. Full backs Jack Fenton and Danny Peen also kept on top of the speedy Blackheath wide players.
Gravesham were a little fortunate midway through the second half when Blackheath hit a post but on balance Gravesham had more possession and loked marginally more dangerous. Then with ten minutes remaining Gravesham were attacking when the ball was half cleared to Jack Fenton who hit the ball superbly from 25 yards over the Blackheath goalkeeper and into the top corner of the net. This was a fantastic goal which was fit to win any final. Gravesham remained strong to the final whistle and won the Wimbledon Challenge Trophy. This was Gravesham's second trophy of the season and their only defeat was in a penalty shoot out in the national competition.
Saturday 23rd March, Fleet Leisure
Gravesham 6 Maidstone 1 (Scorers: Arnold(2), Jones, Worifah, Bunger, Conway)
Gravesham Under 13s played Maidstone in the Charles Harvey Trophy semi-final at Fleet Leisure. Gravesham dominated the first half and took the lead after 22 minutes when Henry Arnold scored following a pass from Jack Fenton. Despite further attempts the score remained 1-0 at half time.
In the second half Gravesham continued to have the greater possession and after 40 minutes Henry Arnold scored his and Gravesham's second goal of the match. Henry Arnold nearly completed his hat-trick but a save by the Maidstone goalkeeper allowed Donvieve Jones to give Gravesham a 3-0 advantage. The hardworking Rohan Bunger made th score 4-0 after following up on a save from his initial shot to hit the back of the net. Gravesham then scored the best goal of the match after a superb passing move involving five Gravesham players before Jeffrey Worifah placed the ball into the back of the net. To their credit Maidstone kept working hard and scored to make the score 5-1. With three minutes remaining Jack Conway scored to make the final score 6-1.
This was a result of an all rond positive team performance, including Michael Arthey who played for the Under 13s for the first time to cover for injuries and illnesses.
CHARLES HARVEY TROPHY FINAL
Friday 10th May, Fleet Leisure, 6.30pm kick off
Gravesham 4 Canterbury 1 (Scorers: Conway, Arnold (penalty), Fenton, Anosike)
Gravesham lifted the Charles Harvey Trophy for the first time since 2009 with a 4-1 win against Canterbury on a bumpy surface at Fleet Leisure. Although Gravesham never played to their true potential in the first half they had the bulk of the possession. Within ten minutes Gravesham had taken the lead following some strong defending by Dan Birch who then passed to a determined Jack Conway who used his speed and strength to beat the home defence before powerfully striking the ball into the back of the net. Gravesham failed to take the opportunity to extend their first half lead and went into the interval with a 1-0 advantage. In the second half Gravesham had a slight slope advantage and were soon threatening the Canterbury defence. Ten minutes into the second half Jeffery Worifah dribbled into the Canterbury penalty area but was fouled and Gravesham were awarded a penalty. Henry Arnold's well struck penalty gave Gravesham a 2-0 lead. Five minutes later Jack Fenton received the ball on the edge of the penaly area and his shot was well struck over the Canterbury goalkeeper to score the best goal of the match. It wasn't long before Jeffery Worifah made a strong run in the left-hand side of the penalty area and crossed to allow Brenden Anosike the opportunity to pass the ball into an empty net. To their credit Canterbury continued to battle and were rewarded with a consolation goal with just 5 minutes remaining. Gravesham finished the match as 4-1 winners and had won the Kent Cup for the second consecutive year.
E.S.F.A. NATIONAL INTER-ASSOCIATION TROPHY
This competition was organised on a knock out basis and was open to all associations in England.
Saturday 13th October Round 1
Brighton 1 Gravesham 2 (Scorers: Gildea, Jones)
Gravesham arrived at Longhill High School, Rottingdean in torrential rain which had caused flooding to local roads and the school playing fields. Fortunately the sun came out and despite some lying water on the pitch the match could start with a delayed kick off. After a steady start to the match Gravesham were unfortunate not to take the lead when Dan Birch headed against the cross bar from a Luke Carey corner in the tenth minute.
However, Brighton were also causing problems and two minutes later Henry Rowland had to clear off of the line following a corner to the home side. Gravesham then started to apply some pressure and after 13 minutes Jeffery Worfiah beat two players before shooting just too high from the edge of the penalty area, and two minutes later Jack Fenton headed a cross just over the cross bar. The deadlock remained for the rest of the half and so the score was 0-0 at the interval.
Brighton made a positive start to the second half and within two minutes they had earnt a corner from which they hit Gravesham's cross bar. Seven minutes later visiting goalkeeper James Morrisson made a good save when rushing out at an oncoming Brighton forward. After 46 minutes Gravesham produced some good inter-play in their opponents penalty area - Jack Conway passed to Rohan Bunger whose pass was then converted by Jaydn Gildea to give Gravesham a 1-0 advantage. Five minutes later forward Brenden Anosike's deft flick gave Jack Fenton the opportunity to shoot, but his attempt was well saved by the Brighton goalkeeper. After 63 minutes Brighton equalised following a corner.
It looked as though the game would be heading to extra-time when Gravesham won a corner with just two minutes remaining. Luke Carey took the corner which appeared to have cleared all of the players before the determined Dan Birch gave chase, turned and crossed allowing Donvieve Jones to strike the ball firmly into the Brighton net.
Gravesham won a good competitive match in which they showed plenty of character and determination. Hard work throughout the team and strong defending produced an excellent result.
Saturday 10th November Round 2
Barking & Dagenham 1 Gravesham 5 (Scorers: Conway(2), Worfiah, Arnold, Fenton)
Gravesham Under 13s travelled to play Barking and Dagenham on a wet morning at Fairlop Powerleague. Gravesham made a strong start and after five minutes Luke Carey passed to Brenden Anisoke who shot just wide. Three minutes later the impressive Luke Carey shot from 25 yards. His shot was too strong for the Barking goalkeeper to hold and Jeffery Worfiah followed up to give Gravesham the lead. Twenty minutes into the game James Miles made a good pass for Henry Arnold to run onto and extend Gravesham's lead. Despite more pressure from Gravesham they were unable to score a third goal before half-time. Within a minute of the restart defender Cameron McMinn made a strong tackle around the half way line and then passed through to Jack Conway who shot just wide.
Eight minutes into the second half Gravesham had a corner which Jack Fenton forced in to make the score 3-0. After 45 minutes Luke Carey nearly increased the lead with a long range shot which whizzed low but just wide of the home team's goal and four minutes later he saw the hosts goalkeeper offf of his line and an ambitious shot from 50 yards narrowly missed the target. Shortly afterwards Jaydn Gildea had a good shot which the Barking and Dagenham goalkeeper saved to concede a corner. Within a minute Jack Conway received the ball, dribbled through on his own before scoring and giving Gravesham a 4-0 advantage, Jaydn Gildea was fouled with ten minutes remaining and we later learned that in falling to the ground he fractured his collar bone. With ten minutes remaining Henry Arnold took a Gravesham corner which James Miles headed on. The host goalkeeper half-cleared the ball but Jack Conway was on hand to score his second goal of the match. With two minutes remaining Barking and Dagenham scored from a corner to make the final score Barking and Dagenham 1 Gravesham 5.
Saturday 24th November Round 3
Gravesham 1 Havering 1 (after extra time) (Scorer: Worifah) Havering won 4-3 on penalties (Gravesham penalties scored by Anosike and Carey)
Gravesham were at home to Havering on a cold, frosty morning. Gravesham started the stronger side and dominated large parts of the first half without creating any clear opportunities. The closest they came was after 25 minutes when Gravesham had a corner which was volleyed by Rohan Bunger from the edge of the box and Donvieve Jones was just unable to direct the shot into the goal. Although Havering became more threatening towards the end of the first half but the score remained 0-0 at half-time.
Gravesham started well in the second half and within three minutes took the lead. Brenden Anosike shot from within the penalty area and his shot could not be held by the visiting goalkeeper, allowing Jeffery Worifah to follow up and score. However, five minutes later Havering equalised with a well struck shot. Gravesham continued to apply pressure and Donvieve Jones was unfortunate to see a shot loop over the Havering goalkeeper before being cleared by a defender. From the resulting corner Dan Birch headed narrowly wide. However at the end of normal time the score remained 1-1 and so the tie went into extra-time.
In the second half of extra-time Gravesham were unfortunate not to take the lead when Jack Conway's well struck shot hit the post. However, the deadlock could not be broken and so the match went to penalties. Although Gravesham goalkeeper James Morrisson saved one penalty and Brenden Anosike and Luke Carey were able to convert their penalties it was not to be and Havering won the penalty shoot out 3-2 to make the final score 4-3.
WIMBLEDON CHALLENGE TROPHY
This competition was organised on a knock out basis and open to all associations in the South East area.
Saturday 17th November Round 1
Gravesham 4 Canterbury 2 (Scorers: Worifah(2), Anosike, Jones)
Gravesham were at home to Canterbury on a bright November morning in the Wimbledon Challenge Cup. Gravesham made a steady start but found themselves 1-0 down after ten minutes. Gravesham then raised their game and Jeffrey Worifah hit the cross bar following a corner after twelve minutes.
Three minutes later Jack Conway passed to Jeffery Worifah who dribbled into a one-on-one contest with the visitors goalkeeper; Worifah struck the ball confidently just inside the penalty area to equalise. A minute later Gravesham nearly took the lead when Jefffery Worifah again caused difficulties by hitting he crossbar following a corner. The ball fell to Roham Bunger and he too was unfortunate not to score when his attempt hit the juncture of the post and crossbar. Gravesham continued to play some good football, although goalkeeper Jack Morrisson made a good save from a long-range shot in the last minute of the first half. The score at half-time was Gravesham 1 Canterbury 1.
Eight minutes into the second half Jeffery Worifah ran powerfully through the Canterbury defence before shooting to restore Gravesham's lead. Within two minutes the impressive Worifah had again dribbled through the visitors defence and provided an excelllent cross leading to Brenden Anosike's positive finish to make the score 3-1.
After 48 minutes Brenden Anosike delivered a fine corner which Donvieve Jones headed just off target. A minute later Canterbury attacked and scored to make the score 3-2. After 50 minutes Donvieve Jones was unfortunate when he shot only to strike the crossbar. With just three minutes remaining Jeffery Worifah made an excellent tackle before embarking on a strong run gown the left flank; he then provided a perfect cross for Donvieve Jones to powerfully head the ball into the back of the net.
The final score was Gravesham 4 Canterbury 2 and Gravesham will face East Sussex or Woking in the quarter-finals of this competition for teams in the South East of England.
Saturday 26th January Quarter-Final
East Sussex 1 Gravesham 2 after extra time (Scorers: Fenton, Gildea)
Gravesham played East Sussex on the 3G pitch at Swadelands School in Lenham in the Quarter-Finals of the Wimbledon Challenge Cup. In an even first half both teams had chances but were unable to break the deadlock. Gravesham's best efforts were a long range shot from Luke Carey which just failed to curl into the top corner and a header from Dan Burch which went over the bar from a corner.
In the second half Gravesham started brightly and within the first five minutes put a lot of pressure on the East Sussex defence before Jack Fenton's fine header from a corner was too powerful for the East Susex defence to prevent Gravesham taking the lead. Mid way through the second half East Sussex equalised from a magnificent 30 yard strike. Gravesham threatened the East Sussex on a number of occassions without scoring so at the end of normal time the temas remained level.
In extra time Gravesham became increasingly dominant as their opponents appeared to tire. Eventually, with just two minutes remaining, Jaydn Gildea's well struck shot won the game. This was a fine all round performance where tireless commitment from every player produced a victory which means Gravesham will be away to South London in the semi-finals.
WIMBLEDON CHALLENGE TROPHY SEMI-FINAL
Saturday 16th March
South London 2 Gravesham 4 (Scorers: Carey (2), Jones, Conway)
Gravesham travelled to play South London on a 3G pitch at Burgess Park on a wet and blustery morning in the semi-finals of the Wimbledon Challenge Trophy.
The morning had started badly for Gravesham with the goalkeeper and a defender both arriving late having got lost! Witin 5 minutes of the start South London took the lead from a corner. Although in terms of possession the gane was even Gravesham looked to have lost the tie when South London took a 2-0 advantage after 22 minutes scoring from a free-kick. However Gravesham battled on and Jack Conways long range shot went just over the opposition's cross bar. Gravesham did manage to score after 30 minutes when Donvieve Jones header sent the opposition goalkeeper the wrong way following a strike from Henry Arnold. Gravesham therefore went into half time with a 2-1 deficit.
Ten minutes into the second half Gravesham were unfortunate not to equalise when Dan Birch was deemed to be offside. However, Luke Caey turned the game around with two long range thunderbolt shots in as many minutes. From then on Gravesham dominated the match and the defence which was well marshalled by Dan Birch was rarely threatened. With four minutes remaining Gravesham secured victory with a shot form the edge of the area which finished in the bottom corner of the net by Jack Conway who had caused South London problems all morning.
WIMBLEDON CHALLENGE TROPHY FINAL
Monday 13th May, Ebbsfleet United F.C. 7.00pm kick off
Blackheath 1 Gravesham 2 (Scorers: Gildea, Fenton)
Gravesham played Blackheath in the Final of the Wimbledon Challenge Trophy - which is for Districts in the South East of England - at Stonebridge road, home of Ebbsfleet United F.C. Gravesham had Henry Rowland and Cameron McMinn sidelined through injuries but were still able to field a strong team.This was a superb game betweeen two talented sides and Gravesham took the advantage after 11 minutes when Jaydn Gildea received the ball inside the right hand side of the penalty area and cooly finished to make the score 1-0. A competitive battle ensued with midfielders Luke Carey and James Miles working hard to keep the upper hand in central midfield whilst Jack Conway worked hard up front to cause the Blackheath defence lots of difficulties.
Gravesham were dealt a blow after only 15 minutes when Henry Arnold came off unwell but substitute Rohan Bunger stepped into the role well and was more than amatch for his opponent. Blackheath equalised with ten minutes left in the first half and the teams went into the interval level at 1-1. At half time Donvieve Jones who had an outstanding first half was given a rest with the adaptable Jaydn Gildea playing right midfield. Brenden Anosike came on as substitute to work tirelessly up front in the second half. Gravesham also gave Captain James Miles a rest and substitute Jeffery Worifah's strength in midfield was evident in the second half. Gravesham had to defend well throughout the game against strong and fast opponents, but goalkeeper Jack Morrisson looked confident throughout the game. The defence was superbly marshalled by Dan Birch and his partner at centre back Kieran Stoneham made some important interventions. Full backs Jack Fenton and Danny Peen also kept on top of the speedy Blackheath wide players.
Gravesham were a little fortunate midway through the second half when Blackheath hit a post but on balance Gravesham had more possession and loked marginally more dangerous. Then with ten minutes remaining Gravesham were attacking when the ball was half cleared to Jack Fenton who hit the ball superbly from 25 yards over the Blackheath goalkeeper and into the top corner of the net. This was a fantastic goal which was fit to win any final. Gravesham remained strong to the final whistle and won the Wimbledon Challenge Trophy. This was Gravesham's second trophy of the season and their only defeat was in a penalty shoot out in the national competition.