Gravesham Schools' Football Association U15s 2012 / 13

KENT CUP
The team entered the Kent Cup which was organised on a league basis on 3G pitches. The top two teams in each group qualified for the semi-finals of the Fletcher Trophy.

Monday 12th November Kent Cup
Gravesham 3 Medway 4 (Scorers: Johnson(2), Francis)

Monday 28th January Kent Cup
Gravesham 11 Maidstone 0 (Scorers: Johnson(4), Francis (4), Loft (2), Stewart)

Monday 4th March Kent Cup
Gravesham 4 North Kent 2 (Scorers: Francis(2), Stewart(penalty), Johnson)

FLETCHER TROPHY SEMI-FINAL
Monday 18th March
Gravesham 6 Swale 1 (Scorers: Johnson(3), Loft(2), Stewart)

FLETCHER TROPHY FINAL
Monday 15th April, Maplesden Noakes
Gravesham 4 Medway 1 (Scorers: Johnson, Francis, Stewart(penalty) OG)
Gravesham won the under 15s Fletcher Trophy to finish as Kent champions for the second consecutive year. Despite not having the powerhouse and influential Ryan Loft available because of suspension Gravesham put on a thoroughly professional performance to beat Medway 4 - 1. Regular marksmen Casey Johnson and Ben Francis scored a goal each. Other goals came from a confident Sam Stewart penalty and an own goal.
The Cup final was played at Maplesden Noakes school, Maidstone on  15 April. In the first half Gravesham started slowly against a direct and strong Medway team that stopped Gravesham from playing the ball from the back. Gravesham looked comfortable defensively with the impressive Joe Denny and Mitch Liddle commanding at the back and restricting Medway to a few long shots. These were competently handled by the colossus Tom Cox who is developing into an assured goalkeeper with tremendous potential.
After 20 minutes Gravesham started to influence the game with Thompson, Johnson and Francis looking sharp. After several corners and a period of pressure Johnson scored a well taken goal. With the ball played in behind the defender Johnson used his lightning pace to win the race and smash an unstoppable shot to put Gravesham in front. With Thompson in the mood to cause problems for Medway it was no surprise that following the first of many dribbles he sashayed passed three defenders before passing to Francis who had no difficulty in finding the net from just inside the box with a confident finish from this goal predator. With Ross Hinksman and Dan Sparks starting to strangle the midfield, Gravesham were good value for their two nil lead. The only downside to this first half was when Ben Francis pulled a hamstring and had to be replaced by Jack Keaveney. With the super confident Sam Stewart and youngster Taylor forming a good partnership on the left side as Gravesham were able transfer defence into attack quickly and never let Medway get a foothold in the first half. 
In the Second half and after five minutes Gravesham switched the dangerous Ryan Thomson to attack with the hardworking and effective Jack Keaveney playing in midfield to help the defensive shape. This paid off well with another mazy dribble from Thompson forcing Medway to trip Thompson in the penalty area for a stone wall penalty. A superbly and coolly taken penalty from Stewart put Gravesham three nil up. Gravesham, while not playing as fluently as they can, grew in confidence and with Casey Johnson proving difficult to control, the team looked comfortable.
 It was not all one way traffic as a spirited Medway continued to try and salvaged something from the game but the reliable and defensively solid Benjamen Fenton is a full back that does not want to be beaten and with the workaholic Keaveney putting in a tremendous shift Medway were unable to penetrate on Gravesham right side of Defence and had little joy through the middle or left with all defenders looking rock solid.
 After a brief period of Medway pressure it was Thompson the tormentor again as he burst passed three Medway players and forced an own goal to give Gravesham a four nil lead. Sam Stewart had opportunities to increase the lead from a few free kicks and other efforts from Casey Johnson were well saved by the Medway keeper. With Ross Hinksman unwell in midfield he was replaced by Alex Fialho with 20 minutes to play. Alex like Jack Keaveney has been troubled by injuries this year and showed great attitude and desire when they both came on as substitutes. However, it was not long before Alex started to get his foot on the ball and play intelligently in midfield and kept possession well and show his undoubted talent. With 12 minutes to goal the Gravesham defence unit lost concentration and Medway scored a soft consolation goal which was the only negative moment in a toughly professional performance. The last minutes were played out confidently by Gravesham with Joe Denny and Mitch Liddle in no mood to let Medway have any further chances.
This Gravesham side has a strong team spirit and winning mentality and all players gave 110% to keep their title and finish the season successfully. There was a few contenders for man of the match with the back four a goalkeeper all impressing and with Casey Johnson also a goal threat. However, it was Ryan Thompson who was man of the match. He created three goals with individual brilliance. 
This was the final game of District football for this talented and successful team with all the squad contributing to the success. This Gravesham team had a proud record of being Kent Champions twice and runners-up once during their four years of District football. A tremendous achievement. 


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 2
Gravesham 1 Croydon 4 (Scorer: Johnson)