Weeked Preview - Off to Margate

Margate v Hendon

Ryman League Premier Division

Hartsdown Park

Saturday September 10th 2011

Hendon take their unbeaten record to the Isle of Thanet tomorrow as they travel to meet Margate in what promises to be a closely fought encounter at Hartsdown Park. Games between the two sides are rarely dull and often decided by the odd goal. The Greens are unbeaten in their last 4 visits to Margate, who in turn are unbeaten in their last 4 visits to Hendon.

The ‘Gate have enjoyed a solid start to the new season under the returning Chris Kinnear currently sitting 8^th having taken 8 points from their first 5 matches, their one defeat coming at home to Lowestoft Town who went back up the east coast with a 4-1 win under their belts. Their two wins have come against Aveley at home, 3-0, and last weekend at Horsham whom they beat 2-1. After a few seasons of on field and off field uncertainty, the Blues’ supporters will be encouraged by this start and can look forward to the future with a certain degree of optimism.

It was just over 2 years ago that Margate finished in that dreaded 19^th place in the division. Although history dictated that they would probably survive, Greens fans can tell you from experience that it is a very unpleasant feeling on the final day knowing that in all honesty, you deserve to be relegated. Margate finished 2 points behind 18^th placed Boreham Wood but like Wood themselves, Harrow and ourselves before them (and Aveley last season), financial mismanagement from clubs in other leagues and other clubs deciding to ‘voluntarily’ drop down the pyramid saved them from the drop. Don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with any club that accepts a reprieve from relegation, quite the opposite in fact, but I find it increasingly depressing that relegation and promotion issues are almost decided more often these days at League AGMs than they are by on field performance. More on that I’m sure come the end of the season.

As with most Greens fans I suspect my memories of matches at Margate will forever be tainted with the rollercoaster of emotions that we went through on the final day of the 2005/6 season. Needing a win to have any chance of avoiding finishing in the bottom four, things began well. Jeff Campbell converted an Andy Cook to give those of us behind the goal hope. Some thought the lead had been increased on the quarter hour mark when Ricci Crace netted from close range, albeit with his hand. I could barely believe our luck when the referee signaled a goal to apoplectic rage from anyone wearing a blue shirt within 25 yards. Luckily for ‘Gate, the assistant had spotted the infringement and the goal was ruled out. Crace for his part was booked for being a cheeky little sod.

Margate responded well and began to bombard the Hendon goal. Rikki Banks made a couple of decent stops and the frame of the goal seemed to be a couple of yards thick as the ball kept rebounding off it. Robin Trott, Pat Gradley and Lee Protheroe were the unfortunate trio to be denied. In amongst the desperation at that end, the Greens broke to double their lead 8 minutes before the break as Crace buried Blaise O’Brien’s pass. 2-0 up at the break, Hendon’s goal leading a charmed life. Luck was most definitely on our side.

That all changed soon enough after the break. I can’t actually bring myself to describe my feelings as O’Brien scuffed a shot inches (about 230 of them) wide of a gaping, inviting net from no more than 10 yards out. Predictably Margate flew down the other end and within 3 minutes had drawn level, Danny Hockton netting both times. Spencer Knight added a third and we all knew, deep down the game was up. Lee Protheroe’s fourth goal late on merely confirmed our worst fears. 39 points over 42 matches simply wasn’t good enough, not that it would have made any difference in the end due to Wealdstone winning as well. I have never felt so deflated upon hearing the final whistle of a football match, particularly knowing that survival would merely have papered over the many cracks. In the end of course, the demise of Jeff King’s money at Canvey Island and their reluctance to try playing in the Premier Division of the Ryman League saved us, much like Grays’ preference of Division 1 North football saved Margate just over a year ago.

Margate’s financial woes have been well documented elsewhere over the last few years and credit has to go to Keith Piper and his board of directors for steadying the ship and getting the club on a stable footing. Last season saw Iain O’Connell’s side finish 16^th, comfortably outside the relegation dogfight but also saw the former Great Wakering boss and on-pitch hero of Gate’s march to the Conference in the 90s depart towards the end of the season and replaced full time in the summer by the architect of those glory years, Chris Kinnear. It remains to be seen whether Kinnear can weave his old magic, and of course there is the old adage about ‘never going back’, but after a summer where it felt like he was announcing a new signing every other day, early signs are looking good for a season towards the top end of the table.

Kinnear is being assisted this season by Jake Leberl who accumulated plenty of experience playing for, amongst others, Dagenham & Redbridge, Margate and Dover. Former Ramsgate keeper Jack Smelt has taken the number 1 shirt for every match this season so far, whilst former Bromley man Mark Corneille has started the last 2 matches at right back whilst Dean Hill is likely to start at left back. Craig Cloke, Dean Pooley and Laurence Ball will contest the centre halve spots, although Ball began the season at right back. Richard Avery and Dan Stubbs have done the donkey work in midfield so far, Matt Bodkin provides width along with most likely either Liam Coleman or Curtis Robinson on the other flank. Up front Tom Bradbrook and Kwesi Appiah are sure to give the Hendon back four a stern test with the two men equally sharing 6 goals already this season between them.

For the Greens, Gary McCann has a choice to make in goal where Sean Thomas has now enjoyed a couple of weeks training but Berkeley Laurencin has impressed overall at the start of the season. Definitely missing are Jerome Federico and Aaron Morgan, who injured his foot in the challenge that saw him dismissed on Sunday. Definitely available though will be Byron Bubb who has rejoined the club in the week for his third spell at the club. I’ll be honest, I have mixed feelings about the signing. In his first spell, at times, he was absolutely unplayable. He had pace, skill, and one of the best right foots I’ve seen a Hendon player possess. If things didn’t go his way in the first 20 minutes or so of a game though, then the chances are you wouldn’t much notice him having any real impact on proceedings. That was the case in his brief 2^nd spell in 2005/6 more often than not sadly and since leaving Claremont Road first time around, he’s collected more clubs than the Flinstones. That said, there is no doubting his talent, and if that can be harnessed then there’s no reason why he won’t prove to be a useful asset over the coming weeks and months. He’s gained a lot of experience, not least when winning 10 caps for Grenada, and can add a bit of pace and quality in wide areas where I think we’ve struggled a little. Whatever happens, I wish him all the best for his stay at the club.

Byron Bubb in International Mode

So, what do I think is likely to happen? I’d be quite happy with a point to keep our unbeaten record going into our midweek game with East Thurrock. Margate won’t be an easy side to beat, they look decent on paper and are coming off the back of taking 4 points from 2 away matches in Sussex. I’m going to go for a 1-1 draw.

For anyone who might be interested, and can’t get to the game I would seriously urge you to tune into live commentary of the game streamed on the Margate website. I listened to it last season when we drew 1-1 and I have to say, the coverage was outstanding.

Other Predictions

AFC Hornchurch v Tooting & Mitcham

The Urchins will be looking to build on last week’s win at Met Police and get their first home points on the board against a Tooting side, which is already much changed from the start of the season and will be badly looking to find some consistency. I think the home side will be too strong though.

Verdict: 2-0 home win

Bury Town v Met Police

Two sides looking to bounce back from defeats, Bury suffering at the hands of Wealdstone whilst the Old Bill have lost their last two against Hornchurch and in midweek at Wingate & Finchley.

Verdict: 2-1 Fuzz suffer in Suffolk

Carshalton Athletic v Billericay Town

The Robins bounced back well from 3 straight defeats against Hastings last weekend and will be hoping to launch a bit of a run. They come up against a Billericay side bang in goalscoring form having notched up 10 in their last 2 matches against much fancied Bury and Kingstonian.

Verdict: 1-1 Stalemate

Concord Rangers v Hastings United

Both sides are currently struggling to make a real impact so far this season and will hope that victory will really kick start their respective seasons. Concord will be smarting after their 5 goal drubbing at Lowestoft last weekend whilst Hastings, who have also suffered a 5 goal beating in Suffolk already this season and have taken just 1 point from their last 3 matches. A tough one to call.

Verdict: 3-1 Concord lift off at last

East Thurrock United v Horsham

The Rocks warm up for their midweek visit to Vale Farm with the visit of Horsham who currently boast a 100% record on the road. After a first day win, East Thurrock have found life tough and taken just 1 point form their last 4 matches, failing to score in three of them. Another difficult one to call with both sides having lost their last 2.

Verdict: 2-0 to the Hornets.

Harrow Borough v Cray Wanderers

Harrow’s search for their first win of the season sees them taking on Cray Wanderers at Earlsmead. Dave Anderson is continuing to work hard to find the right mix to get their 3 points whilst Cray, boasting the division’s top scorer so far in 6 goal Leigh Bremner are on a terrific little run of 3 straight wins, it’s hard to see that changing tomorrow.

Verdict: 0-2 Boro search goes on

Kingstonian v Wealdstone

Wealdstone, buzzing after the first win of the season travel to Kingsmeadow where the K’s will be smarting after their crushing defeat at Billericay last week and keen to make amends in front of their own fans. To date, Alan Dowson has announced just the one new signing, Neil Jenkins coming in on loan from Sutton United. I wouldn’t be surprised if there were 2 or 3 other new faces in the side come tomorrow though. Stones enjoy a good record against the K’s, think they’ll have to settle for a point tomorrow.

Verdict 2-2 honours even

Leatherhead v Lowestoft Town

It’s difficult to see this as being anything other than an away banker unfortunately. Lowestoft are bang in form having scored 11 goals in their last 3 matches, with Michael Frew and Lubo Guentchev both averaging more than a goal every start at the moment. Leatherhead will definitely take heart from their point at Aveley last week, I don’t think this is the time they’ll be wanting to face the trawlerboys though.

Verdict: 0-3 A stroll again for Lowestoft

Lewes v Aveley

The Rooks will be looking to extend their 4 match unbeaten run against Aveley who will be urgently looking to convert draws into wins to propel them up the table. I think Lewes will prove too strong for the Millers though, particularly if Michael Malcolm shows the form he showed on Sunday at Vale Farm.

Verdict: 3-0 home win

Wingate & Finchley v Canvey Island

A tough one to call at the top of the table as Wingate, who drew level on points at the top of the table with Hendon on Tuesday evening look to stretch their unbeaten run against in form Canvey Island. With Leon Jones adding a couple more goals to his tally in midweek, I think he could prove the difference between the two sides, particularly if they don’t give Rob King the chance to score from the spot. Canvey have added impressively to their ranks with the signing of former Football Idol 2 star Anthony Cook on loan from Chelmsford.

Verdict: 1-0 Wingate nick it

New Canvey man Anthony Cook scoring for Chelmsford

Weekend Preview - Week 2

Carshalton Athletic v Hendon – Ryman League Premier Division

War Memorial Ground, Colston Avenue

Admission: £10 Adults, £6 Seniors, £3 Juniors

Weather Forecast: I got it wrong last week so I’m not bothering this week

Leaving off-field wrangles to one side for a minute, the Greens take their 100% record and very clean sheet to Carshalton Athletic tomorrow afternoon looking to extend both against what is an extremely strong and talented looking Robins outfit who are themselves, looking to extend their own unbeaten start to the new season.

Carshalton kicked off a week ago against Canvey Island and came from behind to win 2-1 thanks to a Dean McDonald penalty and Paul Vines winner in the 2^nd half. Both are likely to start again tomorrow and will provide the Hendon back four with their toughest test yet this season. Dean Lodge, who created both goals last weekend and came closest to scoring against Wealdstone in midweek will need to be watched carefully as well, particularly in and around the penalty area. Defensively, Nick Hamann has returned between the posts after spending last season back in Germany whilst David Ray and last season’s player of the year Justyn Roberts provide plenty of steel at the heart of the Robins defence. Former Hendon loanee Kieran Murphy may well be in line for his first appearance of the season having been competing in China for the British Universities team that lost to Japan in the final.

Robins Dangerman Dean Lodge

For the Greens, I expect Gary McCann will be aiming to name as close to an unchanged side as he can for the third match running. Saturday’s Man of the Match Elliott Brathwaite picked up a knock during the game and missed Tuesday’s win at Bury, it remains to be seen whether or not he will be back in contention tomorrow. The gaffer will be hoping the improved showing going forward in the 2^nd half on Tuesday night will be taken forward into tomorrow’s game, with the resolve and defensive solidity remaining. James Archer will be pushing to retain his place following his impressive first start for the club in midweek and Carl McCluskey will be looking to make further strides to an already impressive start to his Hendon career.

After a run of good results away at Carshalton, the Greens are without a win now in 3 attempts. If I’m honest, I would take a point from the game tomorrow in a heartbeat but suspect we may just be edged out. Hopefully that’s just my inner pessimist talking though. Before the season began, I’d have taken anything over 3 points from these 3 matches as an excellent start. Even though we’re already sat on 6 points, that opinion stands.

Prediction: A narrow 2-1 reverse.

Elsewhere, there are some other tough matches to call. AFC Hornchurch will be wanting to respond to their midweek reverse with a positive result against what is sure to be a buoyant Horsham side. Sussex rivals Hastings make the very long journey up to Suffolk to take on Bury Town who themselves will be looking to get back on track. Tooting recorded an impressive away win in midweek and will want to achieve a similar result at Concord who themselves will be after their first win of the season. Wealdstone travel to East Thurrock simultaneously winless and undefeated whilst their Harrovian neighbours Harrow Borough will be hoping for success over Aveley – both sides currently locked together on a single point apiece. Kingstonian face a tricky looking home match against Canvey Island and down the A3 Leatherhead will be hoping to get off the mark against Cray in an early bottom 4 clash. Lewes face another play off hopeful in Billericay at the Dripping Pan and Margate take on Lowestoft in what looks like a potential belter at Hartsdown Park. Wingate against Met Police has been postponed due to policing requirements at Notting Hill this weekend. I will keep the lid on that particular can of worms for the time being.

Predictions

AFC Hornchurch 3-2 Horsham

Bury Town 2-1 Hastings United

Concord Rangers 1-1 Tooting & Mitcham United

East Thurrock United 1-3 Wealdstone

Harrow Borough 2-1 Aveley

Kingstonian 2-2 Canvey Island

Leatherhead 1-1 Cray Wanderers

Lewes 2-0 Billericay Town

Margate 1-1 Lowestoft Town

If anyone is at all interested in how I’m faring so far with these here predictions this season, then fix up, look sharp hither.

Matches Predicted – 22

Correct Scorelines – 2

Correct Results – 10

Utter Nonsense – 10

Make of that what you will stats fans.

Weekend Ryman Review / Midweek Predictions

It was an intruiging weekend of Ryman Premier Division football where the scarcity of goals (Hornchurch's match excepted) was more than made up for with some very interesting results. A match by match review can be found below.

Aveley 0-0 Kingstonian (Prediction 1-3)

A good point for Aveley, and time may prove this to be a good point for Kingstonian as well having had to play with 10 men for more than an hour following the dismissal of Tom Bird for what was deemed to be a reckless and dangerous challenge on Donovan Wilson 20 minutes into the match. Rob Tolfrey, Gary MacDonald and Tom Hutchison were by all accounts excellent as they kept a lively Aveley side at bay, whilst Bobby Traynor and Allan Tait both forced good saves from Dave McCartney in the Aveley goal before half time. The hosts best chances fell to Ellis Remy in the first period but he was unable to stretch Tolfrey unduly. The K’s custodian did make good saves from Reed and Bonnet-Johnson in the 2^nd period to keep them on terms whilst Sam Clayton could have snatched the 3 points for the visitors late on but his header was off target. The K’s will be hoping to kick start their season tonight against Horsham whilst next up for Aveley is a tough looking trip to Margate

Aveley Next Match: Tomorrow A v Margate

Kingstonian Next Match: Today H v Horsham

Billericay Town 2-1 Leatherhead (Prediction 2-0)

The Tanners were the only of the promoted sides not to record a win on Saturday as Billericay came from behind to take the points at New Lodge. The visitors, playing their first Premier Division match since 1983 began well and took a 12^th minute lead through new signing Danny Gainsford, heading home Mark Simmons’ cross at the far post. Greg Andrews went close to extending that advantage but was denied by Nick Morgan before ‘Ricay worked their way into the game. Jay May twice went close before Chico Ramos was caught in possession outside his penalty area and Benson Kpaka lifted the ball into the vacant net for the equaliser. After the break the Blues came out much the stronger and got the reward their endeavours merited when Junior Luke was allowed time and space in the penalty area 18 minutes from time to beat Ramos and seal the three points for the Essex side. Billericay travel to Harrow tomorrow looking to make it 2 wins from 2, whilst Leatherhead will be looking to bounce back at home to Tooting and Mitcham.

Billericay Next Match: Tomorrow A v Harrow Borough

Leatherhead Next Match: Tomorrow H v Tooting & Mitcham

Canvey Island 1-2 Carshalton Athletic (Prediction 1-1)

The new look and much fancied Robins got off to the perfect start at Park Lane with a 2-1 win over a strong looking Canvey Island outfit. Kevin Dobinson got Canvey off to a decent start with the opener after 18 minutes before Ryman fans everywhere fainted in shock as the news that Dean Lodge had been brought down inside the penalty area 7 minutes later. Dean McDonald duly applied the finish from the spot. Paul Vines grabbed the winner from a Lodge right wing cross with 18 minutes remaining and although Canvey hit the bar late on through substitute Ellis Skidmore, Carshalton held on to record an impressive away win. A good review of the day is available here by Stuart Fuller, a Robins fan. Carshalton meet Wealdstone at Colston Avenue tomorrow evening whilst Canvey travel to AFC Hornchurch looking to get their first points on the board.

Canvey Island Next Match: Tomorrow A v AFC Hornchurch

Carshalton Next Match: Tomorrow H v Wealdstone

Hastings United 0-1 Wingate & Finchley (Prediction 0-1 – BONG!)

Klaxons blare at the wonder of a correct scoreline. Wingate got life in the Premier Division off to the perfect start by the Sussex coast coming away with an impressive 1-0 win thanks to a strike by Leon Smith in the 31^st minute after being allowed time and space to pick his spot and fire past Lloyd Anderson in the United goal. The home side forced just one save of note from Wingate keeper Bobby Smith – an acrobatic save from a deflected Fred Foreman free kick late on as the home side in the words of their own match report, were ‘left to face up to the fact that they simply failed to adequately test a far from watertight looking Wingate defence enough to have merited anything more than they got from the contest.’ All of which left the headline writers delighted at the prospects of writing up another ‘Norman’ conquest at Hastings. Hastings face another successful newly promoted side tomorrow in East Thurrock United whilst Wingate host Lowestoft Town.

Hastings Next Match: Tomorrow A v East Thurrock United

Wingate Next Match: Tomorrow H v Lowestoft Town

Horsham 1-3 Bury Town (Prediction 0-3)

An early 2-0 lead gave the away side an early cushion to protect and gave Justin Luchford’s new look Horsham side a mountain to climb to get anything from the game as the points headed back to Suffolk. A bright opening from the Hornets was ruined in the space of two minutes as first Russell Short fired home from the edge of the penalty area and then Lee Smith was allowed the freedom of West Sussex to slide home a second goal after good work from his namesake Stephen. Bury had further chances to extend their lead before the home side grabbed a lifeline 5 minutes before the break. Daniel Morris, who had been prolific in pre-season converting Callum Dunne’s pull back in emphatic fashion. The home side continued to press for an equaliser after the break with Tony Nwakachu particularly dangerous but the game was sealed for Bury 10 minutes from time when ‘Teletext Cup Hero’ Roy Essandoh ran onto a long clearance, held off the attentions of a defender and fired home to effectively kill off the spirited home side. Bury meet Hendon tomorrow evening at home whilst Horsham will be looking to take the positives from Saturday into tonight’s game at Kingsmeadow.

Horsham Next Match: Tonight A v Kingstonian

Bury Next Match: Tomorrow H v Hendon

Lowestoft Town 3-1 Lewes (Prediction 1-1)

An excellent start for my title tips Lowestoft Town as they came from a goal down and a man down to beat fellow fancied side Lewes in convincing fashion at Crown Meadow. You may remember back in the days of the old 1^st Division, Lee Dixon sending a measured chip over the head of David Seaman at Highbury in a game against Coventry City. Greg Crane managed a similar feat in just the 6^th minute to give the away side the perfect start, although it was more of a calm lob than measured chip. Dominic Sterling and Ian Draycott went close to extending that lead before Andrew Cave-Brown volleyed home the equaliser. Crane then compounded his own personal misery by being dismissed for foul and abusive language before the break leaving his side a man short for the 2^nd period. The Trawlerboys made light of their numerical advantage however as Lubo Guentchev continued his hot streak of goalscoring since moving from Hendon as he netted from close range straight from the restart after good work from Matt Nolan and then Chris Henderson, the former Bury Town man made it 3-1 on the break sliding home a low Guentchev cross at the far post to seal Lewes’ fate. Lowestoft will be looking to carry on where they left off at Wingate tomorrow while Lewes host Met Police on Wednesday night looking to get their season underway.

Lowestoft Next Match: Tomorrow A v Wingate & Finchley

Lewes Next Match: Tomorrow H v Met. Police

Met Police 1-0 Harrow Borough (Prediction 2-1)

The Met enjoyed their first ever match in the Isthmian Premier Division as a late Ty Smith penalty spoiled Dave Anderson’s start as manager of Harrow Borough. A strong looking Met side, including goalkeeper Jamie Butler late of Tooting and who I thought had signed for Lincoln created a number of chances against Anderson’s new look Borough side but all were spurned before the 78^th minute spot kick awarded after Stafforde Palmer was fouled in the area. Midfielder Smith stepped up and confidently beat Nick Pope to give the home side the perfect start to life in the Premier Division. They travel to Lewes on Wednesday evening whilst Harrow will be looking to get off the mark at home to Billericay tomorrow.

Met Police Next Match: Wednesday A v Lewes

Harrow Borough Next Match: Tomorrow H v Billiericay Town

Tooting & Mitcham 0-1 East Thurrock United (Prediction 1-1)

The Rocks became the third of the promoted sides to enjoy an opening day 1-0 win coming away from Imperial Fields with a single goal victory thanks to a late strike from former Hendon loanee Kayan Kalipha. The away side had the better chances of the first half with Simon Lekhyj twice called into action whilst in the second period, Reece Hall and Karl Beckford both came close to opening the scoring for the home side. The winner came late on when a hopeful cross into the danger area by Kalipha dropped over Lekhyj and inside the far post to give John Coventry’s side the points. A frustrating afternoon then for Mark Beard’s side who will hope that the return on loan from Millwall of last season’s talisman Kiernan Mason-Hughes will provide a boost ahead of tomorrow’s visit to Leatherhead whilst East Thurrock will be looking to continue their good start at home to Hastings United, albeit without the services of assistant boss John Lawrence who has had to stand down due to personal reasons.

Tooting Next Match: Tomorrow A v Leatherhead

East Thurrock Next Match: Tomorrow H v Hastings United

Wealdstone 1-1 Margate (Prediction 2-2)

You suspect had Sven Goran-Eriksson been in charge of Wealdstone he would have summed the performance up this. ‘First half bad, second half not so bad’. Gate took an early lead when Tom Bradbrook’s cross was bundled home in the 6^th minute by Kwesi Appiah and then comfortably dealt with any threat offered by the Stones whilst Appiah was denied a second goal after rounding the Jonathan North only by a last ditch clearance by the Stones defence. They continued to press before the break but were unable to add to their lead. Stones boss Gordon Bartlett rearranged his side at the break bringing on Jake Parsons for the disappointing Danny Spendlove and Tom O’Regan for Darren Locke. The two new faces transformed the game in the home side’s favour giving them added impetous down either flank. Indeed, it was O’Regan who netted the equaliser in spectacular style from 20 years out. Peter Dean and Wes Parker had been narrowly off target with headers before this and they continued to search for the winner late on. Wayne Wilson nearly snatched the points for the Gate late on as his long range drive narrowly evaded the post, but in the end both sides were left reasonably happy with a point after the archetypal ‘game of two halves’.

Wealdstone Next Match: Tomorrow A v Carshalton

Margate Next Match: Tomorrow H v Aveley

Cray Wanderers 2-5 AFC Hornchurch (Prediction 1-2)

The Urchins stole to the top of the table yesterday afternoon in emphatic fashion with a five goal salvo that stunned Cray at Hayes Lane. Leigh Bremner gave the home side an early lead with a deft header from a free kick before the floodgates opened five minutes before half time. Michael Spencer took a free kick wide on the right hand side that sailed over Andy Walker, who looked as if he may have been impeded by Frankie Curley and into the net. There was no doubting the second goal on the stroke of half time as Martin Tuohy swiveled and volleyed home a dropping cross from Dave McSweeney in fine style (see video below). Four minutes after the break Tuohy added his second of the afternoon after Cray failed to clear a corner before Tommy Black made it 4-1 breaking from his own half, rounding Walker and coolly beating the two men on the line. Bremner added his own 2^nd late on to give the scoreline a tinge of respectability before substitute Jo Flack added the gloss to Hornchurch’s afternoon in time added on seizing on an awful error by Walker to slide home his side’s fifth. The Urchins meet Canvey Island tomorrow whilst Cray travel to Canvey to play Concord Rangers hoping for a better performance defensively.

Cray Next Match: Tomorrow A v Concord Rangers

Hornchurch Next Match: Tomorrow H v Canvey Island

Midweek Predictions 

As the midweek programme kicks off this evening at Kingsmeadow, I've decided to post my predictions below. I'll be previewing Hendon's game at Bury Town in more detail tomorrow but after a fair effort prediction wise this weekend, it's time to put my neck on the line once more.

Kingstonian 2-0 Horsham

AFC Hornchurch 2-0 Canvey Island

Carshalton Athletic 1-1 Wealdstone

Concord Rangers 2-0 Cray Wanderers

East Thurrock United 2-0 Hastings United

Harrow Borough 1-1 Billiericay Town

Leatherhead 1-2 Toonting & Mitcham United

Margate 3-1 Aveley

Wingate & Finchely 0-2 Lowestoft Town

Lewes 3-0 Met. Police

Weekend Preview - Week 1

Hendon v Concord Rangers – Ryman League Premier Division

Vale Farm

Admission: £9 Adults, £5 Concessions, £1 Under 16s

Weather Forecast: Dry, some cloud – 23 degrees

I love the first day of the season above any other. You’re still living the optimists dream, nothing has happened to puncture your lofty expectations, reality is a whole 90 minutes away. The sun is generally out, the pitch looks in great nick and the kits look more colourful than then seemed to last season.

For the second season running, Hendon’s first match at Vale Farm is against Concord Rangers. To say that both sides will be going out to get an early confidence boosting win under their belts is much akin to saying that Stephen Fry uses more long words than I tend to do. It’s stating the bloody obvious.

As I said in my season preview earlier in the week, Concord had a great debut season first time out in the Ryman Premier and gave better sides than Hendon a torrid time. Belal Aite-ouakrim was the scorer of all six Hendon goals against the Beachboys and it would probably be fair to assume that Dale Brightly in particular will be shedding few tears at the striker’s departure to Staines Town. The bulk of the Concord squad that did so well last season is still at the club and the joint managers Danny Cowley and Danny Scopes have made a very good addition in Sam Collins, who will be familiar to Greens fans. Top scorer from last season Tony Stokes is facing a race against time to be fit for Saturday, but even if he misses out then Harry Elmes, Steve King and James Elmes provide plenty of goal threat.

Sam Collins in action for Maidenhead

In terms of Hendon, Gary has a number of decisions to make regarding selection, not least between the two goalkeepers who have appeared in pre-season. With Sean Thomas not available until the end of the month, the choice is between Noel Imber and Berkeley Laurencin. If the experienced Imber was signed merely as short term cover whilst Thomas was away then I would expect Berkeley to get the nod, if however he was brought in to add further competition for the number 1 jersey then I wouldn’t be surprised if he started. The other big dilemma for me is how much to include Parks whilst he’s available and on school holidays. Is he that much of an asset that he’s worth including as and when he’s able to play or would that prove disruptive through having to chop and change the side. Personally, I would play him at right back when possible and let James Fisher play as the midfield enforcer, but it’s far easier making these decisions from the safety of the terraces than the firing line of the dugout. 

James Fisher (right). Expected to make Hendon debut tomorrow

Whoever he chooses, I think we can expect to see a number of new faces in the squad tomorrow. Things needed freshening and shaking up in the summer, and Gary looks to have done that well. If we come out of the blocks well and defend properly then I can see no reason why we can’t record a narrow victory. The first goal will be key though. If we nick it, then I’ll be feeling a heck of a lot more confident about our prospects than I will be if we fall behind. Whatever happens, another 5 goals shared relatively equally between the two sides would be the perfect start to the season entertainment wise.

Prediction: 2-1 Hendon win (neck well and truly on the line here)

Other Matches

The fixture computer (assuming it is machine and not man who works out the Ryman League calendar) has thrown up a couple of very interesting opening matches. None more so than at Crown Meadow where two of the fancied sides come up against each other in the shape of Lowestoft Town and Lewes. Both sides will be keen to put down an early marker of intent, but it’s hard to look past a point apiece. Many eyes will be cast towards Park Lane as well where Canvey Island host Carshalton Athletic, for whom Tom Davis has today signed from local rivals and last season’s champions Sutton United.

Elsewhere, Kingstonian will be looking to start strongly at Aveley, whilst Met Police are the only of the promoted sides to play at home, hosting Dave Anderson’s first competitive game in charge of Harrow Borough. Leatherhead face a tricky test at Billericay, Wingate have a trip down to Hastings and will be hopeful of leaving with something as will East Thurrock from their trip to Tooting. Bury Town face a long journey south as they visit Horsham and Wealdstone host Margate in what looks a fascinating match at Grovesnor Vale between two potential dark horses for promotion. Finally, AFC Hornchurch travel to Cray on Sunday in their season opener.

Predictions

Aveley 1-3 Kingstonian

Billericay Town 2-0 Leatherhead

Canvey Island 1-1 Carshalton Athletic

Hastings United 0-1 Wingate & Finchley

Horsham 0-3 Bury Town

Lowestoft Town 1-1 Lewes

Met Police 2-1 Harrow Borough

Tooting & Mitcham 1-1 East Thurrock United

Wealdstone 2-2 Margate

Cray Wanderers 1-2 AFC Hornchurch