Gravesham Schools' Football Association U14s 2016 / 17
KENT CUP AND FRIENDLY FIXTURES
The team have entered the Kent Cup which is played on a League basis. The first two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals of the Presidents Shield.
Saturday 8th October, 2016. FRIENDLY
Croydon 2 Gravesham 4 (Scorers: Ikumobasin, Osborne(2), Blake(pen.))
10.15 kick off. Croydon Postal Sports Ground, Trenham Drive, Warlingham. CR6 9RU
Gravesham U14s made the journey to Junction 6 of the M25 to play their first match of the season. Playing against a skillful and physically strong Croydon side Gravesham suffered a set back when the hosts took the lead within the first three minutes of the game. However Gravesham showed a mixture of dogged determination and good passing movement to establish themselves in the game. After creating some good chances Gravesham reaped their reward when a cross from the left fell to David Ikumobasin who finished clinically from eight yards out. Despite Gravesham's good football they were also grateful for some fine defending from Jermaine Dee which meant the scores stayed level at half-time.
In the second half both teams continued to press forward and Gravesham were saved on a number of occasions by the impressive Callum Ford in goal. However, Gravesham continued to create some chances of their own and after 55 minutes were awarded a free-kick after the Croydon goalkeeper handled the ball outside of his area. George Osborne took the resulting free-kick and placed it with curl to give Gravesham a 2-1 lead. The lead was short-lived however and Croydon broke away after a Gravesham free-kick to make the score 2-2. Gravesham were then awarded a penalty following a blatant push and Ellis Blake confidently converted from 12 yards out. Gravesham completed the victory with seven minutes remaining when George Osborne followed up an initial shot by heading the ball into an empty net to make the final score 4-2 to Gravesham.
Saturday 22nd October, 2016. FRIENDLY
Gravesham 3 Maidstone 1(Scorers: Ikumobasin (2), Jones)
10.15 kick off. Elite Venue, Dunkirk Close, Gravesend. DA12 5ND
Gravesham U14s entertained Maidstone on a bright October morning. Gravesham made a strong start and took the lead after 12 minutes after some excellent inter-play between Ellis Blake and George Osbourne resuted in David Ikunobasin scoring from 10 yards out on the right hand side of the penalty area. Gravsham remained in the ascendancy and a good pass from Jermaine Dee saw Ellis Blake advance on the Maidstone goal but his shot was wide of the left post. Maidstone created some opportunities and goalkeeper Callum Ford was called on to make some good saves before the visitors broke and equalised after 25 minutes. Cameron Houghton came close to scoring with a rasping shot from the edge of the area which narrowly missed the goal. Gravesham did regain the lead after 32 minutes when David Ikumobasin passed to Morgan Jones who was clinical from eight yards out. The teams went into the break with Gravesham leading 2-1. The second half was a fairly even competition but Gravesham lost their goalkeeper with an injury. Outfield players Cameron Houghton and then Jermaine Dee stepped into goal and Maidstone did have a couple of opportunities to equalise before Gravesham were able to re-organise. However Gravesham extended their lead when a long kick form stand-in goalkeeper Jermaine Dee was chased by David Ikumbasin to score his second goal of the game and make the final score Gravesham 3 Maidstone 1.
Saturday 5th November, 2016. KENT CUP
West Kent 2 Gravesham 4 (Scorers: Sherwood, Medhurst (2, 1 pen.) Miles)
St Gregorys Catholic School, Reynolds Ln, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN4 9XL 10.45 kick off
Gravesham U14s made a bright start away to West Kent and within two minutes the ball a Gravesham attack saw the ball passed to Dray Sherwood who finished clinically from 10 yards out. Gravesham maintained their momentum and just three minutes later a fine pass from Joe Salmon provided George Wells with an opportunity which went wide of the West Kent goal. Gravesham did extend their lead after 15 minutes when Vinnie Medhurst headed home a corner from George Wells. Ten minutes later David Ikumbasin was clear through and fouled to give Gravesham a penalty, but Cameron Houghton's strike was well saved by the host's goalkeeper. However, Gravesham were awarded another penalty after 30 minutes and this time Vinnie Medhurst converted the opportunity. Although goalkeeper Callum Ford was called on to make a couple of saves the score remained 3-0 at half-time.as both teams created opportunities.
The second half started more evenly. However, Gravesham made the score 4-0 after 50 minutes when a cross from Dray Sherwood was well headed by George Miles off of the post and into the net. West Kent then became more dangerous and missed a number of opportunities before clawing themselves back into the match scoring two goals. However they were unable to further penetrate the Gravesham defence and so the final score was West Kent 2 Gravesham 4.
Saturday 3rd December, 2016. KENT CUP
Gravesham 1 North Kent 6 (Scorer: Medhurst)
Elite Venue, Dunkirk Close, Gravesend. DA12 5ND 10.00 kick off
Gravesham started off brightly against an opposition that had won the Kent Cup the previous two seasons. A mixture of dogged determination and good passing meant the two teams were evenly matched in the opening period. Gravesham created three good chances in the first half but were unable to take advantage of any them. North Kent on the other hand were more clinical and took a 2-0 advantage into the second half. After the interval Gravesham were unable to maintain their level of performance and conceded two more goals within ten minutes of the re-start. North Kent would have made it 5-0 but were denied by a fantastic penalty save from Gravesham goalkeeper Callum Ford. Gravesham then pulled a goal back to make the score 4-1 following a header from Vinnie Medhurst. However, North Kent went on to score two more goals to make the final scoreline 6-1 in the visitors favour.
Saturday 4th February, 2017. KENT CUP
Blackheath 2 Gravesham 5 (Scorers: Ikumobasin, Osborne, Hougton, Blake(2))
Meridian Sports & Social Club, Charlton Park Lane SE7 8QS 10.30 kick off
After heavy rain the night before and a further downpour in South East London as the teams arrived, this match was subject to a late call by the referee as to whether it could go ahead. Despite a treachourous area in the middle of the pitch the decison was made to play. The game started evenly with both teams having opportunities as they acclimatised to the conditions. Gravesham battled hard and began to pass te ball with more purpose. There was a delay for a few minutes when Gravesham goalkeeper Callum Ford, who made a number of important saves throughout the game, struggled as a result of mud going into his eye during a goal mouth scramble. After 20 minutes Gravesham took the lead when David Ikumobasin finished clinically after running onto a pass from Jermaine Dee over the top of the Blackheath defenders. Ten minutes later Gravesham extended their lead when George Osborne scored from close range, and the score remained 2-0 at half-time. In the second half Gravesham grew in confidence and a fine strike by Cameron Houghton made the score 3-0. Gravesham then enjoyed a strong period and Connor Baldock's fierce shot was well saved by the Blackheath goalkeeper before Ellis Blake followed up and fired home from an accute angle. Within three minutes Ellis Blake had scored again, this time skillfully culing the ball into the corner of the Blackhetah goal. Gravesham had now earnt a 5-0 lead with fifty minutes of the match played. The game then became a more even encounter once more, with David Ikumobasin unfortunate not to score his second goal when a powerful dribble culminated in a blistering shot striking the post. However, Blackheath also threatened and managed to pull back two goals to make the final score Blackheath 2 Gravesham 5.
Saturday 18th February, 2017. KENT CUP
Gravesham 3 Brighton 0 (Scorers: Ikumobasin(2), Osborne)
Elite Venue, Dunkirk Close, Gravesend. DA12 5ND 10.30 kick off
Gravesham made a strong start against Brighton and took the lead within two minutes when David Ikumobasin chased onto a through ball from Jermaine Dee and lifted the ball over the advancing Brighton goalkeeper into an empty net. Gravesham maintained the impetus and George Osborne was unfortunate when a crisp shot following a sharp turn struck the visitor's post. Gravesham again nearly doubled their lead when David Ikumobasin's strong shot was pushed onto the crossbar by Brighton's goalkeeper. However, after 20 minutes Gravesham deservedly took a 2-0 lead when David Ikumobasin expertly lobbed the Brighton 'keeper to score his second of the game. Both teams had half-chances to score and Gravesham goalkeeper Callum Ford made a couple of decent stops to deny Brighton clawing themselves back into the game. Brighton began the second half a little stronger and Gravesham had to defend resolutely to maintain their advantage. Having weathered the storm of the first ten minutes of the second half, the remainder of the half was an even affair with both goalkeepers being called on to prevent any further goals. However, with 20 minutes remaining Gravesham scored a third goal when George Osborne drove the ball low into the corner of the net. Gravesham deservedly finished the game as 3-0 winners, and move into the semi-finals of the Presidents' Shield.
Saturday 4th March, 2017. KENT CUP
Presidents Shield Semi-Finals
Canterbury 1 Gravesham 3 (Scorers: Ikumobasin(2), Sherwood)
Simon Langton School For Boys, Nackington Road, Canterbury. CT4 7AS. 10.30 kick off
Gravesham kicked off the semi-final playing down a slope in the first half. In an interesting start Canterbury could have easily taken the lead within the first minute of the match before conceding a penalty after just two minutes when the home team's goalkeeper brought down David Ikumobasin. The Canterbury goalkeeper was also injured in the incident which meant there was a delay before the penalty could be taken. After recovering the Canterbury goalkeeper saved the penalty which was taken by David Ikumobasin. Both teams then had opportunities to score before Gravesham made the breakthrough when the Canterbury goalkeeper was unable to hold onto a long range free-kick and David Ikumobasin was able to follow up and score after 15 minutes. David Ikumobasin scored a second goal for Gravesham ten minutes later with a powerful shot ten minutes later. Gravesham then had to make a forced change when George Osborne was injured after a foul. The score remained 2-0 at half time. Gravesham played up the slope in the second half and both David Ikumobasin and George Wells had chances to score with headers before Dray Sherwood's shot went in off of the post to make the score 3-0. To their credit Canterbury did not give up and created a number of chances before pulling a goal back with six minutes remaining. However, there were no more goals so Gravesham won 3-1 to reach the final of the Presidents Shield for the first time since 2012.
Saturday 22nd April. KENT CUP
Presidents' Shield Final
Brighton 2 Gravesham 1 (Scorer: Medhurst)
Gallagher Stadium, Maidstone United FC, James Whatham Way, Maidstone. ME14 1LQ. 2.15 kick off
The Final was a game of two halves. In the first half Gravesham were very comfortable and Brighton rarely threatened. Gravesham looked dangerous from set play situations and were unfortunate to see an effort from a corner hooked off of the goal line before Vinnie Medhurst scored again form a corner. However, in the second half Gravesham tired and Brighton pulled themselves back into it to take a 2-1 advantage. Gravesham worked hard to try to pull themselves back into the game and for the second time in the match had an attempt cleared off of the line. However, it was not to be and although it was disappointing to lose it was certainly achievement to reach a Kent Cup Final.
The team have entered the Kent Cup which is played on a League basis. The first two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals of the Presidents Shield.
Saturday 8th October, 2016. FRIENDLY
Croydon 2 Gravesham 4 (Scorers: Ikumobasin, Osborne(2), Blake(pen.))
10.15 kick off. Croydon Postal Sports Ground, Trenham Drive, Warlingham. CR6 9RU
Gravesham U14s made the journey to Junction 6 of the M25 to play their first match of the season. Playing against a skillful and physically strong Croydon side Gravesham suffered a set back when the hosts took the lead within the first three minutes of the game. However Gravesham showed a mixture of dogged determination and good passing movement to establish themselves in the game. After creating some good chances Gravesham reaped their reward when a cross from the left fell to David Ikumobasin who finished clinically from eight yards out. Despite Gravesham's good football they were also grateful for some fine defending from Jermaine Dee which meant the scores stayed level at half-time.
In the second half both teams continued to press forward and Gravesham were saved on a number of occasions by the impressive Callum Ford in goal. However, Gravesham continued to create some chances of their own and after 55 minutes were awarded a free-kick after the Croydon goalkeeper handled the ball outside of his area. George Osborne took the resulting free-kick and placed it with curl to give Gravesham a 2-1 lead. The lead was short-lived however and Croydon broke away after a Gravesham free-kick to make the score 2-2. Gravesham were then awarded a penalty following a blatant push and Ellis Blake confidently converted from 12 yards out. Gravesham completed the victory with seven minutes remaining when George Osborne followed up an initial shot by heading the ball into an empty net to make the final score 4-2 to Gravesham.
Saturday 22nd October, 2016. FRIENDLY
Gravesham 3 Maidstone 1(Scorers: Ikumobasin (2), Jones)
10.15 kick off. Elite Venue, Dunkirk Close, Gravesend. DA12 5ND
Gravesham U14s entertained Maidstone on a bright October morning. Gravesham made a strong start and took the lead after 12 minutes after some excellent inter-play between Ellis Blake and George Osbourne resuted in David Ikunobasin scoring from 10 yards out on the right hand side of the penalty area. Gravsham remained in the ascendancy and a good pass from Jermaine Dee saw Ellis Blake advance on the Maidstone goal but his shot was wide of the left post. Maidstone created some opportunities and goalkeeper Callum Ford was called on to make some good saves before the visitors broke and equalised after 25 minutes. Cameron Houghton came close to scoring with a rasping shot from the edge of the area which narrowly missed the goal. Gravesham did regain the lead after 32 minutes when David Ikumobasin passed to Morgan Jones who was clinical from eight yards out. The teams went into the break with Gravesham leading 2-1. The second half was a fairly even competition but Gravesham lost their goalkeeper with an injury. Outfield players Cameron Houghton and then Jermaine Dee stepped into goal and Maidstone did have a couple of opportunities to equalise before Gravesham were able to re-organise. However Gravesham extended their lead when a long kick form stand-in goalkeeper Jermaine Dee was chased by David Ikumbasin to score his second goal of the game and make the final score Gravesham 3 Maidstone 1.
Saturday 5th November, 2016. KENT CUP
West Kent 2 Gravesham 4 (Scorers: Sherwood, Medhurst (2, 1 pen.) Miles)
St Gregorys Catholic School, Reynolds Ln, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN4 9XL 10.45 kick off
Gravesham U14s made a bright start away to West Kent and within two minutes the ball a Gravesham attack saw the ball passed to Dray Sherwood who finished clinically from 10 yards out. Gravesham maintained their momentum and just three minutes later a fine pass from Joe Salmon provided George Wells with an opportunity which went wide of the West Kent goal. Gravesham did extend their lead after 15 minutes when Vinnie Medhurst headed home a corner from George Wells. Ten minutes later David Ikumbasin was clear through and fouled to give Gravesham a penalty, but Cameron Houghton's strike was well saved by the host's goalkeeper. However, Gravesham were awarded another penalty after 30 minutes and this time Vinnie Medhurst converted the opportunity. Although goalkeeper Callum Ford was called on to make a couple of saves the score remained 3-0 at half-time.as both teams created opportunities.
The second half started more evenly. However, Gravesham made the score 4-0 after 50 minutes when a cross from Dray Sherwood was well headed by George Miles off of the post and into the net. West Kent then became more dangerous and missed a number of opportunities before clawing themselves back into the match scoring two goals. However they were unable to further penetrate the Gravesham defence and so the final score was West Kent 2 Gravesham 4.
Saturday 3rd December, 2016. KENT CUP
Gravesham 1 North Kent 6 (Scorer: Medhurst)
Elite Venue, Dunkirk Close, Gravesend. DA12 5ND 10.00 kick off
Gravesham started off brightly against an opposition that had won the Kent Cup the previous two seasons. A mixture of dogged determination and good passing meant the two teams were evenly matched in the opening period. Gravesham created three good chances in the first half but were unable to take advantage of any them. North Kent on the other hand were more clinical and took a 2-0 advantage into the second half. After the interval Gravesham were unable to maintain their level of performance and conceded two more goals within ten minutes of the re-start. North Kent would have made it 5-0 but were denied by a fantastic penalty save from Gravesham goalkeeper Callum Ford. Gravesham then pulled a goal back to make the score 4-1 following a header from Vinnie Medhurst. However, North Kent went on to score two more goals to make the final scoreline 6-1 in the visitors favour.
Saturday 4th February, 2017. KENT CUP
Blackheath 2 Gravesham 5 (Scorers: Ikumobasin, Osborne, Hougton, Blake(2))
Meridian Sports & Social Club, Charlton Park Lane SE7 8QS 10.30 kick off
After heavy rain the night before and a further downpour in South East London as the teams arrived, this match was subject to a late call by the referee as to whether it could go ahead. Despite a treachourous area in the middle of the pitch the decison was made to play. The game started evenly with both teams having opportunities as they acclimatised to the conditions. Gravesham battled hard and began to pass te ball with more purpose. There was a delay for a few minutes when Gravesham goalkeeper Callum Ford, who made a number of important saves throughout the game, struggled as a result of mud going into his eye during a goal mouth scramble. After 20 minutes Gravesham took the lead when David Ikumobasin finished clinically after running onto a pass from Jermaine Dee over the top of the Blackheath defenders. Ten minutes later Gravesham extended their lead when George Osborne scored from close range, and the score remained 2-0 at half-time. In the second half Gravesham grew in confidence and a fine strike by Cameron Houghton made the score 3-0. Gravesham then enjoyed a strong period and Connor Baldock's fierce shot was well saved by the Blackheath goalkeeper before Ellis Blake followed up and fired home from an accute angle. Within three minutes Ellis Blake had scored again, this time skillfully culing the ball into the corner of the Blackhetah goal. Gravesham had now earnt a 5-0 lead with fifty minutes of the match played. The game then became a more even encounter once more, with David Ikumobasin unfortunate not to score his second goal when a powerful dribble culminated in a blistering shot striking the post. However, Blackheath also threatened and managed to pull back two goals to make the final score Blackheath 2 Gravesham 5.
Saturday 18th February, 2017. KENT CUP
Gravesham 3 Brighton 0 (Scorers: Ikumobasin(2), Osborne)
Elite Venue, Dunkirk Close, Gravesend. DA12 5ND 10.30 kick off
Gravesham made a strong start against Brighton and took the lead within two minutes when David Ikumobasin chased onto a through ball from Jermaine Dee and lifted the ball over the advancing Brighton goalkeeper into an empty net. Gravesham maintained the impetus and George Osborne was unfortunate when a crisp shot following a sharp turn struck the visitor's post. Gravesham again nearly doubled their lead when David Ikumobasin's strong shot was pushed onto the crossbar by Brighton's goalkeeper. However, after 20 minutes Gravesham deservedly took a 2-0 lead when David Ikumobasin expertly lobbed the Brighton 'keeper to score his second of the game. Both teams had half-chances to score and Gravesham goalkeeper Callum Ford made a couple of decent stops to deny Brighton clawing themselves back into the game. Brighton began the second half a little stronger and Gravesham had to defend resolutely to maintain their advantage. Having weathered the storm of the first ten minutes of the second half, the remainder of the half was an even affair with both goalkeepers being called on to prevent any further goals. However, with 20 minutes remaining Gravesham scored a third goal when George Osborne drove the ball low into the corner of the net. Gravesham deservedly finished the game as 3-0 winners, and move into the semi-finals of the Presidents' Shield.
Saturday 4th March, 2017. KENT CUP
Presidents Shield Semi-Finals
Canterbury 1 Gravesham 3 (Scorers: Ikumobasin(2), Sherwood)
Simon Langton School For Boys, Nackington Road, Canterbury. CT4 7AS. 10.30 kick off
Gravesham kicked off the semi-final playing down a slope in the first half. In an interesting start Canterbury could have easily taken the lead within the first minute of the match before conceding a penalty after just two minutes when the home team's goalkeeper brought down David Ikumobasin. The Canterbury goalkeeper was also injured in the incident which meant there was a delay before the penalty could be taken. After recovering the Canterbury goalkeeper saved the penalty which was taken by David Ikumobasin. Both teams then had opportunities to score before Gravesham made the breakthrough when the Canterbury goalkeeper was unable to hold onto a long range free-kick and David Ikumobasin was able to follow up and score after 15 minutes. David Ikumobasin scored a second goal for Gravesham ten minutes later with a powerful shot ten minutes later. Gravesham then had to make a forced change when George Osborne was injured after a foul. The score remained 2-0 at half time. Gravesham played up the slope in the second half and both David Ikumobasin and George Wells had chances to score with headers before Dray Sherwood's shot went in off of the post to make the score 3-0. To their credit Canterbury did not give up and created a number of chances before pulling a goal back with six minutes remaining. However, there were no more goals so Gravesham won 3-1 to reach the final of the Presidents Shield for the first time since 2012.
Saturday 22nd April. KENT CUP
Presidents' Shield Final
Brighton 2 Gravesham 1 (Scorer: Medhurst)
Gallagher Stadium, Maidstone United FC, James Whatham Way, Maidstone. ME14 1LQ. 2.15 kick off
The Final was a game of two halves. In the first half Gravesham were very comfortable and Brighton rarely threatened. Gravesham looked dangerous from set play situations and were unfortunate to see an effort from a corner hooked off of the goal line before Vinnie Medhurst scored again form a corner. However, in the second half Gravesham tired and Brighton pulled themselves back into it to take a 2-1 advantage. Gravesham worked hard to try to pull themselves back into the game and for the second time in the match had an attempt cleared off of the line. However, it was not to be and although it was disappointing to lose it was certainly achievement to reach a Kent Cup Final.
EAGLES TROPHY
The team entered the Eagles Trophy which is played on a knock out basis and is open to associations in the South East area.
Saturday 19th November, 2016. Round 1
Gravesham 3 Thanet 1 (after extra time) (Scorers: O.G., Osborne, Miles)
Elite Venue, Dunkirk Close, Gravesend. DA12 5ND
Gravesham U14s made the perfect start in the Eagles Trohy when a free kick by George Wells was skewed into the net by a defender trying to clear his lines after only two minutes. After nine minutes David Ikumobasin ran on to chalenge the goalkeeper for a through ball on the edge of the penalty area and the ball fell to Morgan Jones who saw his goal-bound shot cleared off of the line. Two minutes later Thanet nearly equalised when a Thanet forward broke away and goalkeeper Callum Ford made a good initial save before following up with an even better one from the rebound. After 20 minutes Gravesham nearly increased their advantage when a shot form Morgan Jones was cleared off of the line with the visitor's keeper beaten. Within a minute Gravesham defender Joe Salmon produced similar heroics to acrobatically clear off of the home team's goal line. However five minutes before the end of the first half Thanet did break through and equalised after a one-on-one opportunity. The teams went into the break at 1-1.
The second half was an even affair with fewer chances. George Osborne nearly scored for Gravesham but saw his header well saved whilst Callum Ford made a fantastic save after 55 minutes to prevent Thanet taking the lead and so the match went into extra time.
Gravesham made the perfect start to extra time when George Osborne received the ball on the edge of the penalty area and saw his powerful shot go into the bottom left hand corner of the visitor's goal. Five minutes later Gravesham attacked again and Morgan Jones rolled the ball to the right hand side of the field and George Miles' shot from 20 yards screamed into the top corner. There were no more goals in this match so Gravesham progressed to the next round with a 3-1 victory.
Saturday 17th December, 2016. Round 2
Gravesham 1 South East Sussex 3
Elite Venue, Dunkirk Close, Gravesend. DA12 5ND 10.30 kick off
Gravesham had a reasonable opening five minutes but South East Sussex then began to take control of the match and nearly scored after 10 minutes when a fierce shot struck the cross bar. However, the visitors pressure paid off and they scored twice before the 15th minute. David Ikumobasin nearly scored following a strong run and then after 30 minutes Gravesham pulled back a goal with an unstoppable freekick from 20 yards. As half time approached a thick fog enveloped the pitch so much so that the white matchball had to be changed for a yellow one at half-time. The second half was a fairly even contest. South East Sussex were able to extend their lead half way through the second half. Cameron Houghton and David Ikumobasin were unable to capitalise on opportunities to make the final score 3-1 to South East Sussex.
The team entered the Eagles Trophy which is played on a knock out basis and is open to associations in the South East area.
Saturday 19th November, 2016. Round 1
Gravesham 3 Thanet 1 (after extra time) (Scorers: O.G., Osborne, Miles)
Elite Venue, Dunkirk Close, Gravesend. DA12 5ND
Gravesham U14s made the perfect start in the Eagles Trohy when a free kick by George Wells was skewed into the net by a defender trying to clear his lines after only two minutes. After nine minutes David Ikumobasin ran on to chalenge the goalkeeper for a through ball on the edge of the penalty area and the ball fell to Morgan Jones who saw his goal-bound shot cleared off of the line. Two minutes later Thanet nearly equalised when a Thanet forward broke away and goalkeeper Callum Ford made a good initial save before following up with an even better one from the rebound. After 20 minutes Gravesham nearly increased their advantage when a shot form Morgan Jones was cleared off of the line with the visitor's keeper beaten. Within a minute Gravesham defender Joe Salmon produced similar heroics to acrobatically clear off of the home team's goal line. However five minutes before the end of the first half Thanet did break through and equalised after a one-on-one opportunity. The teams went into the break at 1-1.
The second half was an even affair with fewer chances. George Osborne nearly scored for Gravesham but saw his header well saved whilst Callum Ford made a fantastic save after 55 minutes to prevent Thanet taking the lead and so the match went into extra time.
Gravesham made the perfect start to extra time when George Osborne received the ball on the edge of the penalty area and saw his powerful shot go into the bottom left hand corner of the visitor's goal. Five minutes later Gravesham attacked again and Morgan Jones rolled the ball to the right hand side of the field and George Miles' shot from 20 yards screamed into the top corner. There were no more goals in this match so Gravesham progressed to the next round with a 3-1 victory.
Saturday 17th December, 2016. Round 2
Gravesham 1 South East Sussex 3
Elite Venue, Dunkirk Close, Gravesend. DA12 5ND 10.30 kick off
Gravesham had a reasonable opening five minutes but South East Sussex then began to take control of the match and nearly scored after 10 minutes when a fierce shot struck the cross bar. However, the visitors pressure paid off and they scored twice before the 15th minute. David Ikumobasin nearly scored following a strong run and then after 30 minutes Gravesham pulled back a goal with an unstoppable freekick from 20 yards. As half time approached a thick fog enveloped the pitch so much so that the white matchball had to be changed for a yellow one at half-time. The second half was a fairly even contest. South East Sussex were able to extend their lead half way through the second half. Cameron Houghton and David Ikumobasin were unable to capitalise on opportunities to make the final score 3-1 to South East Sussex.
