6 MAY 2003 WELSH WIN
THE REPORTER CUP
Shorne 2 Welsh Tavern 2 [Welsh Tavern win 4-2 on pens]
Two stunning saves from goalkeeper Mark Nash ensured Welsh Tavern a penalty shoot-out
victory in the Reporter Cup final on Tuesday night. Nash saved penalties from Shorne
pair Sam Prett and Dan Beattie, scored one spot-kick himself and then watched on as his
team-mates maintained a 100 per cent record to win the cup.
It meant Welsh Tavern lifted the reporter cup for the first time since 1999 and Shorne
relinquished the crown they acquired last season.
The final was not without its talking points as referee Ian Fissenden showed two red cards
as he battled to maintain control of a feisty encounter. In truth, he had little choice
with the red cards which arrived two minutes before the end of normal time.
Whether Tavern's John McKey threw a punch or not was irrelevant as he barged a Shorne
player in front of his own dugout and Jon Mee's equally illdisciplined reaction meant both
sides were reduced to ten men. It appeared the Tavern were going to ease their way to the
cup in the opening stages. McKey hit the woodwork as early as the third minute and they
were quickly ahead when Duncan Finch's through ball saw Danny Bree beat the offside trap
and tuck the ball home. Shorne responed, however, and when Stuart O'Toole helped on a long
throw-in, it needed an instinctive save from Nash to deny Mee. Shorne ended the half in the
ascendancy and after a handball appeal was turned down, Prett was denied by Nash. They were
finally rewarded for their persistence two minutes before the break when Prett kept another
long throw-in alive and O'Toole was in the right place to force in the equaliser. Chances
became few and far between in the second period with neither side dominating possession wise
or territorially. O'Toole charged down Nash's clearance but just failed to pick out Prett
before Shorne edged ahead with what looked like being the decisive goal, A delightful through
ball picked out the run of Prett and he made no mistake to find the bottom corner of Mark Nash
net. But Tavern refused to lie down and equalised when a corner was headed down by Richard
Everitt for Paul Garrett to turn in. Understandably, the pace slowed down in extra-time with
neither side prepared to risk a mistake that would cost their side dear. Tavern substitute
Paul McCarthy dragged the only chance of the first period wide and even the introduction of
Gravesend and Northfleet assistant manager Phil Handford for Shorne failed to produce the
moment of magic that would have won the game. Paul Garrett nearly did win the final four minutes
from time but his header was cleared off the line by Dan Pritchard before Arterton was out bravely
to save at the feet of McCarthy. There was nothing to separate the teams after 120 minutes of
enthralling cup football and it was Tavern who kept their nerve to complete phase one of a
possible league and cup double.
25 APRIL 2003 GOLF DAY
IS WON BY GRAHAM HALL
On Friday the 25th April, the welsh tavern fc golf day was won by Graham Hall
and was play at Weald Park Golf Course in Essex.
20 APRIL 2003 FIRST TEAM WIN
AND THE RESERVES LOSE IN THE LEAGUE
Welsh Tavern 9 New Ash Green 1
New Ash Green Res 2 Welsh Tavern Res 0
On Sunday the reserves play there last home of the season which ended in a lost
from the reserves, the chances of the match fell to NAG when the ball was cross
into the penalty area and header down, but the overhead shot when just wide of
the point with the welsh goalkeeper well beaten, this come after just eight
minutes into the game, three minutes later the welsh had there first chance when
Paul Burns half chance was block my a defender with the keeper beaten. The next
chance come on fourthteen minutes when Steve Rose find some space in the penalty
area, but he shot was high and wide. The welsh next chance come after 20 minutes
when Paul Challis shot was block into the penalty area and the rebound was hit
over the bar by Paul Burns, the next chances fell to NAG on thirty-seven minutes
when the NAG forward beat the offside-trap, but this shot was well saved by Steve
Bates who pull the shot over the bar, so the half time score was 0-0, in the
second half was two minutes old when Lee Christie was find on the right edge of
the penalty box, but his shot was well saved by the NAG keeper. The best chance
for the welsh come on 71 minutes when a through ball by Lee Christie find Kevin
Smith who beat a defender, but could not beat the NAG goalkeeper. The first
goal of the game come on eighty-eight minutes when the NAG forward was bought
down in the penalty area and as it was Dean Tinsley second booking he was sent
off and the NAG forward score from the penalty spot. The welsh push forward
looking to score, but NAG broke away and score again so the welsh lost there
lost game of the season.
13 APRIL 2003 FIRST TEAM NO
GAME AND THE RESERVES WIN IN THE LEAGUE
No Game
Welsh Tavern Res 2 Top House 0
On Sunday the reserves play there last home game of the season at home which ended in a
win from the reserves so the welsh keep there unbeaten record at home. The reserves
were on top for the first ten minutes, but they have not make any chances, The first
chances come on fifthteen minutes when the ball ended up in the net, back the ref give a
foul instead for a foul on the goalkeeper. Then five minutes later Lee Christie head the
ball back in the penalty area, only for Steve Rose to shoot over the bar from 12 yards.
Then the next chance fell to Paul McCarthy, but the keeper did well to save low down at
his feet to keep the score goalless. The next two chances fell to Paul Mc Carthy again
but enough were just wide of the target, In look like the game would end goalless at
half time until injury time when Gary Rose took a quick free-kick in the centre circle
and play the ball wide to Paul MacCarthy you run past the defender into the penalty area
And who square the ball across the penalty area to find Richard Irving who beat the keeper
from eight yards, so at half time the welsh were winning 1-0. In the second half the first
ten minutes when by with no chances, then two minutes later Steve Rose had a good chance to
score but the keeper did well again as he push the ball away for a corner. The next main
chance was on 76 minutes when Steve Rose was through on goal, but again the keeper saved
well again, the welsh finally scored again after 83 minutes when Kevin Smith through ball
find sub Richie Everitt in the penalty box who shoot high into the top of the net, so the
game ended with a 2-0 win to the welsh.
6 APRIL 2003 FIRST TEAM REACH
THE FINAL AND THE RESERVES WIN IN THE LEAGUE
Welsh Tavern 5 Springvale 3
Welsh Tavern Res 9 Southbank United 0
On Sunday history repeat itself again when Paul Burns scored a hat-trick versus Southbank
in each time Paul Burns have play against Southbank he has a hat-trick at least, his first
goal and the first goal came after 18 minutes when he went pass two defenders and strike
the ball past the goalkeeper from the edge of the box, the second goal for the welsh come
from Paul Hulance who had a header which hit the bar just a few minutes early, but this
time has volley find the corner of the net, the third goal was a fine goal by Paul Lakin
when he chip the goalkeeper from the edge of the box and fourth goal was from Paul Burns
when over powerded the last defender and beat the goalie with easy, so the half time score
was 4-0 to the welsh. In the second half Paul Burns complete his hat-trick after 53 minutes
with a fine header into the top corner of the goal. Paul Lakin score again to make it 6-0,
then substiute Steve Rose scored twice in a couple of minutes and the final goal come in
the last minute when goalkeeper Steve Bates scored with a penalty so the game ended and
a fine 9-0 win to the welsh.
30 MARCH 2003 FIRST TEAM WIN
AND THE RESERVES HAVE NO GAME
Welsh Tavern 2 Old Comrades 1
The welsh find there self a goal down after just a minute when Avery scored for Old Comrades,
the welsh equaliser when John Paul McKey scored for the welsh so the half time scored was 1-1.
In the second half Old Comrades had a penalty, but John Kirwan penalty was high and wide, this
come after 81 minutes and just when we through the game was going to finish in a draw, the
welsh had a corner in the last minute of injury time and from the corner Substiute Stuart Richards
rose like a salmon to header the ball into the net, so the Welsh won 2-1.
No Game
On Sunday the reserves should had play at Swanscombe Sun, but Swanscombe Sun could only get
six players which is not enough to play so there was no game.
23 MARCH 2003 FIRST TEAM NO
GAME AND THE RESERVES WIN BOTH GAMES IN A DOUBLE
First No Game
Welsh Tavern Res 11 The Morning Star 1
On Sunday in the first match the score after just two minutes with a fine header by Steve Richards
and the welsh double there lead after eight minutes when Paul Challis, that was how the game stay
until the 20 minutes then the scored five more times before half time to take the score to 7-0 at
half time, In the second half the welsh scored three more times, before Morning Star scored there
goal with the welsh defence sleeping, the welsh scored again just before the end of the match, so
the welsh won the first match 11-1.
The Morning Star 0 Welsh Tavern Res 5
In the second match the welsh score four times in the first half with out replay, goals coming
from Steve Rose 2 and one each by Paul Challis and Micky Mancini, In the second half there was
only one goal and this was from Steve Rose to complete his hat-trick so the ended with a win
for the welsh 5-0.
16 MARCH 2003 FIRST TEAM WIN
IN THE CUP AND THE RESERVES WIN AND DRAW IN A DOUBLE
Old Comrades 0 Welsh Tavern 3
With Comrades bottling their league challenge last weekend, the Reporter Cup was a piece of
silverware they could have done with getting their hands on. Unfortunately for them, they
were up against the Welsh Tavern.
The match started with the Welsh going up the slope and looking into a blinding sun. To go
into the break 1 - 0 up was a great start. The goal came about when a deep cross was headed
back across the face of the goal by Everitt for Finch to meet on the half volley, his effort
was spilled by the keeper and Rhodes was at hand to stab the ball home from a couple of yards.
Comrades showed they couldn't deal with the sun in the second half when Nash launched a drop
kick route one style. With the centre half heading thin air, JP was there to take the ball on
and drill into the bottom corner with an excellent finish. The best was saved until last when
Everitt broke through the centre of the park. Just before he reached the box he clipped the ball
with the outside of his right peg which lobbed the keeper and found the top corner. 3 - 0 Welsh Tavern.
Hartley Sports 0 Welsh Tavern Res 1
On Sunday in the first match there was not much action in the first match and the only goal come
seven minute into the second half when substitute Dicky Irving header when into the bottom corner
of the net. This turn out to be the only goal on the game.
Welsh Tavern Res 0 Hartley Sports 0
In the second match was worst then the first match and there was no goals and not much action in
the game, so the game ended goaless.
9 MARCH 2003 FIRST TEAM DRAW
BUT THE RESERVES WIN
Welsh Tavern 0 Vigo 0
Cobham Sunday 3 Welsh Tavern Res 5
The reserves started well on Sunday versus Cobham, the welsh first chance feel to Lee Christie,
but his shot was save my the keeper but from the corner Stuart Richards score with a header after
just two minutes, Paul Burns then had a chance to double the welsh lead, but his shot was saved
by the Cobham keeper, the next chance feel to Lee Christie who beat the keeper to a through ball,
but could only turn the ball over the crossbar, then Cobham equaliser after fifthteen minutes when
the welsh stand-in goalkeeper Shaun Papi lost the ball in the sun and the forward scored with easy.
Then the welsh retake the lead after twenty-five minutes when a free kick from 25 yards by Paul
Lakin which went under the keeper body and into the corner of the goal. The third for the welsh
after thirty-five minutes when Paul burns did some good work on the the right wing and he come
inside the defenders and shot into the corner of the goal to put the welsh 3-1 up, the final
chance in the first half for the welsh fell to Lee Christie but he could not scored from five
yards out, then Cobham hit the post just before half-time so the half time score was 3-1 to the
welsh, In the second half the was started slowly and Cobham pull a goal with a shoot which went
under the welsh goalie body, but the welsh went up the other end and scored again to make the
score 4-2, the welsh final goal come from Paul Burns when he came inside the defender and beat
the keeper at the near post with a fine finish. Cobham did score again, but the Welsh won the
match with a fine win, 5-3 was the final score.
2 MARCH 2003 BOTH
WELSH TEAMS WIN
Guru Nanak 2 Welsh Tavern 4
The Welsh went into this game on the back of two impressive victories away to Old Comrades and
Hollisters, so the pressure was once again on them to produce the goods. Going down the slope
in the first half, the deadlock was broken about a quarter of the way through when Gary Rose's
free kick from out wide on the right left the Guru's Goalkeeper (a very good lookalike for Papa
Smurf) in no mans land and found Tricey waiting at the far post to head home. 1 - 0 Welsh. This
was never going to be the end of the scoring as the Welsh threw in a few crosses which caused
havoc in the Guru's defence. The Welsh extended their lead straight after half time when a corner
from Nozza was whipped in with both pace and curl for Garrett to head in. 2 - 0 Welsh. Guru's did
pull one back when a cross from the right was only half cleared by Trevor Hand. The ball fell at
the feet of a Guru's player who pulled a goal back. 2 - 1 Welsh. The Welsh restored their two goal
advantage when a monster throw from Nozza found its way to Matty Dunston at the far post to stab
home. 3 - 1 Welsh. The scoreline was again reduced by the Guru's who capitalised on Nozza's short
header back to Nashy. 3 - 2 Welsh. The scoring was completed and the game put out of reach with
about five minutes to go when Rob Challis broke free through the middle. Bearing down on the Keeper
his composed finish ended the Guru's hopes and just proved that the Welsh's defeat to the Guru's
in the Senior Cup was just a freak result. 4 - 2 Welsh.
Welsh Tavern Res 3 Milton and Denton 1
The reserves started well on Sunday versus Milton and Denton, the welsh first chance feel to Paul Burns
after nine minutes but his shot was straight at the Milton keeper, the welsh score the first goal after
eleven minutes by Stuart Richards who headed past the Milton keeper, the cross for the goal had come
from Darren Curley. The welsh keep pushing forward at the next chance come on twenty-three when a good
through to Stuart Richards who shot was tip over the bar by the Milton keeper and the next chance came
two minutes when Darren Curley found herself in the box, but his shot was without power and the Milton
keeper save the shoot easy. Then on twenty-nine minutes Paul Burns was through on goal, but he turn back
inside in the box and lost the ball to a defender. Milton then score after fourty-two minutes which was
there first shoot on goal so the half-time score was 1-1. In second half the first chances feel to Paul
Burns but his shoot was straight at the keeper this was two minutes into the second half, then on fifty
minutes I was call to go home as my mother was not well, but the welsh scored two more goals which I miss
the first was a header by Mick Mancini and the second goal was scored by Kevin Smith so the game ended
with a fine 3-1 win to the welsh.
23 FEBRUARY 2003 WELSH
FIRST WIN, BUT RESERVES ONLY DRAW
Hollisters 1 Welsh Tavern 2
After last weeks emphatic win over Old Comrades, the Welsh have now set themselves a standard that
they need to live up to for the remainder of the season. This wasn't to be the case in the opening
half of this encounter though as they ended up going into the break a goal down. Hollisters broke
down the left wing and a cross drilled in hard and low was put into his own net by TREVOR HAND.
1 - 0 Hollisters. The second 45 minutes were completely dominated by the Welsh. A couple of minutes
into the second half saw the match turn when Paul Challis got the all important leveller. 1 - 1.
This match was only ever going to go one way now as class had completely taken over. FORM IS TEMPORARY,
CLASS IS PERMANENT I'M AFRAID HOLLISTERS. Close efforts from Matty Dunston and Tricey almost produced
the all important goal. However, this wasn't to arrive until about 10 minutes from the end when we
witnessed a true bit of magic from the Welsh captain, Smudger. After picking the ball up about 25
yards out, he hit one with his left foot which was in the top corner before the keeper had even moved
(Nozza & Finch have now welcomed Smudger into the Left Foot Club. Any wannabes out there, you've got to
have some ability to get into this club). 2 - 1 Welsh. Back to our rightful place. Top of the league.
Top House 0 Welsh Tavern Res 0
The reserves and Top House cancel each other out in a goalless draw on sunday, the welsh had
two great chances to beat the deadlock, the first was Paul Burns shot which beaten the goalkeeper
but the ball hit the crossbar and the second was Lee Christie who block away from the defence
but this shot when just wide of the goal.
9 FEBRUARY 2003 WELSH
FIRST OUT OF SENIOR CUP, BUT RESERVES WIN IN THE LEAGUE
Guru Nanak Sunday 1 Welsh Tavern 0
Not a lot to write about this one i'm afraid as the Welsh didn't really get going. Too reliant
on keeping a clean sheet proved costly as the Guru's grabbed the only goal of the game in the
85th minute. With Old Comrades the opponents this Sunday it is vital that they get back to
winning ways. With the Treble no longer possible, it will just have to be the double i'm afraid.
Welsh Tavern Res 6 The Elephant's Head 1
The reserves were not in any trouble of losing this game on sunday and were in front after just
three minutes when Steve Emery cross was headed home by Stuart Richards as The Elephant's Head
all stand still, the second come after seven minutes after a fine run by Paul Burns into the box
and he lay the ball off to Lee Christie who beat the keeper from 12 yards, the third was another
goal by Lee Christie after 17 minutes and the fourth after 25 minutes by Dean Tinsley, there was
no more goals in the first half so the welsh were 4-0 up at half time, in the second half Lee
Christie scored again to complete his hat-trick after 53 minutes and the final goal for the welsh
come after 75 minutes, when the welsh captain Alan Glazerbrook finish out a fine move by scoreing
at the near post, then The Elephant's head score there only game of the game after 77 minutes, so
the game ended in a 6-1 win to the welsh.
2 FEBRUARY 2003 WELSH
FIRST TEAM NO GAME, BUT RESERVES WIN IN THE LEAGUE
No Game First Team
Welsh Tavern Res 5 Kings Farm Sunday 3
The reserves won there first game of 2003 on sunday, the welsh had two good chances on sunday
before they score, the first was a Mark Trice which come off the crossbar and the second was
when Paul Burns was play through and had a one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but his shot went
well wide of the goal. The welsh broke the deadlock on 30 minutes when the welsh had a free
kick 25 yards out in front of the goal. Trevor Hand took the free-kick and scored after the
ball bound just in front of the goalie and went under his body, the welsh twice more before
half time a goal my Mark Trice and then a fine move was finish off my Paul Challis with a
good header to put the welsh 3-0 up. Kings Farm scored in the last minute of the first half
when the goalie and defence both stop and the Kings Farm forward nip in to scored so at half
time the score was 3-1 to the welsh. In the second half Kings Farm come more into the and
scored twice to being the game level, but the welsh scored twice in the last 10 minutes to
win the game, in the 80 minutes a good run by Trevor Hand to the near-post and he got his
head to the cross to head past the goalkeeper and in the last minute Trevor Hand was bought
down in the penalty area by the goalkeeper and Paul Burns make no mistake for the penalty
spot, so the welsh win 5-3.
26 JANUARY 2003 WELSH
FIRST TEAM WIN IN CUP, BUT RESERVES LOSE IN THE CUP
Welsh Tavern 1 Gravesend United 1 [Welsh win 7-6 on pens]
A very disappointing performance from the Welsh almost saw them knocked out of the Reporter Cup
to their Premier Division rivals. The first half saw them go in trailing 1 - 0 after Rob Challis
was caught two on one at the back. His attempted header back to Goalkeeper Nashy fell well short
and Gravesend's centre forward was left with a one on one which he duly slotted home. 1 - 0
Gravesend United. The second half was slightly better from the Welsh, but still well below the
standards that people have come to expect from them. Finch had a 30 yarder tipped round the post
and Danny Bree hit the post. The equaliser did eventually arrive though. JP picked up the ball out
wide on the left and floated a pin point cross onto the chest of Danny Bree whose half volley then
levelled the scores. 1 - 1. The tie went into extra time and a lack of chances saw the match go to
a penalty shootout. After both sides had taken their first five the score was 3 - 3. Nashy, Smudger
and Paul Challis converted for the Welsh, but JP's feeble effort was saved by the Keeper and Richy
Everitts pen almost hit the moon. Danny Bree was under extreme pressure to score after Gravesend
had scored their first sudden death penalty. He made no mistake. Gravesend then missed. Rob Challis
had the chance to be the match winner. Could he handle the pressure? The answer to that question was
NO as he rocketed his penalty over the bar (the ball that Rob used overtook Richy's and is currently
being monitored by NASA as an Unidentified Flying Object up in space). Nashy saved again. The tie was
now in the hands of Duncan "The Wand" Finch. A pressure situation which he handled with ease.
Get in there!!!
New Ash Green 4 Welsh Tavern Res 3
The reserves started well on Sunday and they score first after just four minutes when Nolan
Iles cross was drop by the NAG goalkeeper and Paul Burns pull the ball into the net to put
the welsh 1-0 up in the game. The next two chances fell to NAG, but they fell to hit the target
with both chances, the first was a good cross from the right but the forward miss his shot and the
ball run under this foot and the second chance was a good through ball but the forward balloon the
ball over the bar. The welsh twice in the last four minutes of the first half, the second goal for
the welsh come after the ball was only clean to the edge of the area and Kevin Smith rifle the ball
into the top of the goal to scored the second goal and the third follow just before half time as the
ball run lose in the box and Paul Burns beat the defender and goalkeeper to the ball and shoot the
ball past another defender on the line to score, so the welsh were 3-0 up at half time. In the second
half the welsh had the first chance when Kevin Smith cross come shot come off the crossbar, then in the
55 minutes NAG score with a defence mix-up after a long throw-in and then they a bit of a fight in the
goal and at the end of it Dave Penton was Sent Off. NAG score again after a long throw-in to make the
score 2-3 and they finally draw leave when a shoot from the edge of the box seem to me cover my the welsh
goalkeeper, but the ball hit his body and when under his body into the corner of the net, so the game
when into extra time. In extra time the best chance for the welsh was clean off the line by a defender
after the goalkeeper was beaten by a clever chip my Paul Burns after a good run by Gary Cheery, the final
goal come just two minutes for the end of extra time, when a bad mistime tackle by Nolan Iles resulted
in a penalty and the NAG player make no mistake from the spot, so the welsh were knock out of the cup.
19 JANUARY 2003 WELSH
FIRST TEAM WIN IN CUP, BUT RESERVES LOSE IN THE LEAGUE
Welsh Tavern 3 New Ash Green 1
After five or six weeks without a game it was essential for the Welsh to start the new year off
with a win. Shooting up the slope in the first half, the Welsh gained a crucial advantage with
the opening goal of the game. JP picked up the ball on the half way line, nutmegged his marker
and had the vision to spray a fifty yard crossfield pass to Finch on the left wing. Finch had a
touch and delivered an inch perfect ball to JP who had carried on his run to the far post. The
cross eluded the New Ash Green defence and JP's first touch with his chest set him up perfectly
to execute his finish. 1 - 0. The Welsh started the second half slowly and it was New Ash Green
who straightaway took the initiative. With about fifteen minutes of the second half gone, the
equaliser arrived when the Welsh were over run through the middle of the park and caught short
at the back. 1 - 1. The unthinkable almost happened immediately afterwards when the New Ash Green
centre forward found himself one on one with Nashy. Making himself big, the forward seemed to be
intimidated by Nash's sheer presence and pulled his shot wide. This was the kick up the backside
the Welsh needed and from a deep Gary Rose corner, Garrett headed into the top corner and restored
the Welsh's lead. 2 - 1. The match was won with about five minutes remaining when Nash's 'Wimbledon'
style ball cleared the New Ash Green back line and found its way into the path of Danny Bree. His
lob found the back of the net and effectively ended this tie. 3 - 1. Top of the Premier Division,
Quarter Final of the Senior Cup and a Third Round fixture in the Reporter Cup to come. The Treble is still on.
Milton and Denton 3 Welsh Tavern Res 0
The reserves started ok on Sunday and there was nothing between the two teams and the welsh come into
the game more and were on top, but then milton broke away in the 20th minutes with Kevin Gooda the milton
midfielder shoot from outside the box and the ball hit a defence to send the ball past the welsh goalkeeper
Steve Bates, there was two good chances for the welsh to equaliser in the first half, the first was for
Paul Burns but his back heeled shot went just pass the post and the second was for Dave Penton who shoot
was block on the goalline by a Milton defencer, the welsh were still behind at half time. In the second half
the welsh first chance fell to Paul Burns but his shoot was block my the milton goalkeeper, then in the 65
minutes milton blocked away, the ball through to the milton forward was offside and the welsh linesman [Seamus]
flaged for offside but the ref overrule him and milton scored from the crossshot. Milton add a third after
75 minutes with a 30 yarder shot by Newman which was enough to secure victory for Milton...
22 DECEMBER 2002 WELSH
RESERVES WIN ON SUNDAY
No Game for the First Team
AEI Sunday 1- Welsh Tavern Res 4
The reserves started ok on Sunday and had the more on the play, but the defence
of AEI hold out until the 26 minutes when Kevin Smith his second goal of the season
his first goal othe season come versus AEI Sunday in the first game of the season.
A couple of minutes later Matt Dunston was through on goal but he cannot get the
ball from under his feet and the ball was cover by the AEI Goalkeeper. Then AEI Sunday
scored with there first shoot on goal in the match, a shot from the edge of the area
when under the Welsh Goalkeeper [Steve Bates] to beat him at the near post, so the half
time scored was 1-1. In the second half the welsh had a corner after 58 minutes which was
taken by Paul Burns and corner when to the back post and were Dave Penton header was found
by Paul Lakin who shoot home from 12 yards. The welsh scored score again five minutes later
when Matt Dunston shot come cross was headed home my Paul Lakin. The final goal come after
70 minutes when a good through ball by Kevin Smith put Matt Dunston through on goal and he
scored with else, so it was a 4-1 win to the welsh.
15 DECEMBER 2002 WELSH
FIRST TEAM WIN ON SUNDAY
Shorne 1 - Welsh Tavern 4
No Game for the Reserves
8 DECEMBER 2002 BOTH
TEAMS WIN ON SUNDAY
Welsh Tavern 3 - Gravesend United 1
Southbank United 0 - Welsh Tavern Res 7
The reserves started well on Sunday versus Southbank United and had a couple of
chances to take the lead, but they miss the chamnce or the ball was save by the
goalkeeper. The reserves broken the dealock after 25 minutes when Matt Dunston
scored his first goal for the reserves. Then in the 40 minutes Matt Dunston was
again through on goal but he was bought down and the ref put the whistle to his
mouth but he did not blow, so the half-time score was 1-0 to the welsh, In the
second half the welsh added another six goal without reply, so the welsh won the
game easy by 7 goals to nil.
1 DECEMBER 2002 WELSH
RESERVES WIN IN THE REPORTER CUP
No game for the first team they game was called off.
Valley Rovers 0- Welsh Tavern Res 5
After a couple of week of not having a game, the reserves played today versus Valley
Rovers in the reporter cup, the first goal come after 15 minutes when a through ball by
Steve Emery look like it would be cut out by the Valley Rovers defender, but he miss the
ball and Dave Penton scored with easy, to put the welsh 1-0 up, the second goal for the
welsh come after a fine move by the welsh, the ball was put wide on right and a good cross
was meet by Steve Emery who let the ball run across himself and then he chip the ball over
the out coming goalkeeper to scored. The welsh third goal come from a header by Richard Esson
which was his first goal for the welsh and a fine goal by Richard it was, so at half time
the welsh were 3-0 to the good. In the second half the welsh captain Alan Glazerbrook
scored with a good header, this goal came via a corner my the welsh, so the welsh were now
4-0 to the good. The final goal for the welsh come after Dave Penton run on to a through
ball and chip the ball over the out coming goalkeeper, so the game ended was a 5-0 win
to the welsh reserves.
17 NOVEMBER 2002 WELSH
FIRST TEAM BACK TO WINNING WAYS
Welsh Tavern 5 - Hollisters 1
After last weeks defeat in the Kent Cup, it was essential for the Welsh to bounce back with
a victory which would keep them on course in the championship race. Not everything went to
plan as they came out of the blocks slowly and went in at half time 1 - 0 down. The downside
to the first half was the booking of Duncan Finch (his first ever for the Welsh Tavern). Being
encouraged from the sideline (Steve Rose), he seemed to lose his cool for a moment and
deservedly got booked for a mistimed tackle. The second half was back to business as usual where
the Welsh completely battered their opponents. Goals from Danny Bree (2), JP (2) and a Lee Rhodes
penalty got the Champions back on track. Hollisters were reduced to ten men midway through the
second half when a vicious tackle on Cliffy Carter rightly received a red card. Their cause was
not helped either by what can only be described as a dodgy keeper. THE TREBLE IS STILL ON.
New Ash Green provide the opposition in the Senior Cup this week, this fixture ealier on in the
season brought about one of the goals of the season, hopefully the same will happen again.
No game for the reserves they game was called off.
10 NOVEMBER 2002 BOTH
TEAMS ARE OUT OF THE KENT CUPS
Goldsmith United 3 - Welsh Tavern 1
New Ash Green Res 5- Welsh Tavern Res 1
The reserves started well today and had a chance in the first minute with Lee Christie who
had a one on one with the keeper but his shot was straight at the keeper. The welsh had
another chance after nine minutes when Lee Christie find space on the right wing and he cross
into box was behind fellow striker Alan Glazerbrook who still make the ball, with a overhead
shot which just clean the crossbar. The welsh contitue to run the game and then had two more
chances before the first goal come in the 38 minutes when full back Mick Mancini turn up on the
right hand side of the box and when pass the defender and shot pass the on coming goalkeeper
to put the welsh in front, this was the only goal in the first half, so the welsh were winning
1-0 at half time. In the second half the welsh had another chance, but again the shot was again
straight at the keeper. Then New Ash Green broke away and scored after 51 minutes this follow a
mistake at the back by the defence and just 40 seconds later another mistake and the back and
New Ash Green scored again. The defence were again sleeping when New Ash Green scored again via
a corner which left the New Ash Green forward with a free header to scored. New Ash Green scored
two more goals more the ended, to finish the scoreing. The only chance the had in the rest of the
game was a fine shot from the edge of the box by Steve Emery which was well saved my the New Ash
Green goalkeeper so the game ended with a 5-1 lost to the welsh.
3 NOVEMBER 2002 WELSH
TAVERN FIRST GAME ABANDONED, THE RESERVES BEAT THE MORNING STAR
Old Comrades 0 - Welsh Tavern 0 [Match Abandoned after 20 Minutes]
The welsh first team game was abandoned after 20 minutes when the referee Kevin Luff was
injured and had to leave the field and no substitute was avaible to finish the game, so
the match was abandoned.
The Morning Star 1- Welsh Tavern Res 6
The welsh found they self a goal behind after just three minutes which a shoot from the
edge of the area was defience by a welsh defender in to the path of a Morning Star striker
who make no mistake and score easily. The equaliser after nine minutes from a corner when
David Penton header loop up into the air and hit the far post and went into the goal. The
welsh then contuite to run the game and scored three more times before half time so the
half time score was 4-1 to the welsh. In the second half the welsh scored two more goals
the last goal come 20 minutes before the end of the game, the welsh had a couple of more
chances to scored but The Morning Star goalkeeper kept the ball out with some great saves,
so the game ended with the welsh winning 6-1.
20 OCTOBER 2002 WELSH
TAVERN FIRST DRAW WITH VIGO, THE RESERVES BEAT NEW ASH GREEN RES
Vigo 1 - Welsh Tavern 1
The Welsh started this game in confident mood after beating the Guru's last week. The first
half performance suggested that the points would be coming home with the Champions, but a
sloppy second period proved costly. The Welsh took the lead about ten minutes before the
interval when Duncan Finch's left wing cross was flicked on by Jason Martin. Gary Rose had
drifted unmarked to the far post and converted with a classy header which looped over the
keeper and into the far corner. The Welsh did have a couple of other chances to extend their
lead but went in at half time 1 - 0 up. The half time interval proved to come at a bad time
for the Welsh as Vigo seemed to take the initiative and press for the equaliser. This eventually
came with a quarter of an hour left when a 20 yard shot took a wicked bounce in front of keeper
Steve Northwood and found the corner of the net. This did seem to spark the Welsh into life and
a few missed chances late on proved costly. Two points dropped this week i'm afraid.
Welsh Tavern Res 4 - New Ash Green Res 2
The Resevers started well on sunday with Danny Bree scored the first goal after just five minutes
with a fine goal, the welsh then went further ahead with goal by Paul Challis. New Ash Green
then had a couple of chances, but the welsh tavern goalkeeper Steve Bates maked a couple of good
saves, the welsh scored again after a fine move which was finish well by Stuart Richards to put the
Welsh 3-0 up. New Ash Green were then reduced to ten men just before half time so at half time the
welsh were still 3-0 up. In the second half New Ash Green came more into the game and in was no
surprise when New Ash Green scored, New Ash Green contiute to push forward looking for another
goal, but the welsh broken away and the ball when through to Kevin Smith who chip the ball over
the New Ash Green goalkeeper to score for the welsh. New Ash Green scored again with ten minutes
to go which turn out to be the last goal of the game, so the game ended 4-2 to the welsh.
13 OCTOBER 2002 WELSH
TAVERN FIRST BEAT GURU NANAK, THE RESERVES DRAW WITH ELEPHANT'S HEAD
Welsh Tavern 2 - Guru Nanak 0
The Welsh defeated the Guru's by a very convincing 2 - 0 scoreline in this top of the table
league clash. The Welsh dominated the game from the start and it was surprising that the
opening goal only arrived ten minutes before the break. The Guru's goalkeeper produced a poor
goal kick which fell straight to the feet of Steve Morley, his excellent quick thinking and
vision created the opening for top scorer Paul Burns. Burns's superb long range effort gave
the Guru's keeper no chance. 1 - 0 UP THE WELSH!!! The Welsh were fully in control and with
about twenty minutes to go got the clincher through Lee Rhodes. Gary Rose's carefully weighted
through ball set Lee Rhodes clear who slotted home under the keeper's body. 2 - 0 GET IN THERE!!!
With both teams unbeaten before the start of play, the Welsh were expecting a much tougher game
and were slightly disappointed with the quality of the opposition. Class always shines through
in the end. M.O.M goes to Cliffy Carter who produced a phenominal display in the centre of the park.
Elephant's Head 2 - Welsh Tavern Res 2
The Resevers game versus The Elephant's Head was a even game for the first ten minutes of the
game, then the first goal come after thirteen minutes of the first half, when the ball was not
clean my the welsh defence and the elephant's forward scored for the edge of the area. In the
twenty-third minute of the first half the welsh went further behind, when following a corner the
ball was only clean again to the edge of the area for the elephant's no8 to score with a great
shoot which went into the top corner which give the welsh keeper Steve Bates with no chance, it
was a fine goal by the elephant's head forward, who are now winning 2-0. The welsh then have a chance which
fell to the welsh captain Alan Glazerbrook, but his header when just wide of the goal. The next
chance fell to the Elephant's Head no 9 but his shoot was save by the welsh keeper Steve Bates
a fine save by the keeper it was. The welsh score two minutes before half-time when Dean Tinsley
cross was flick-on by Stuart Richards towards the goal, but the last touch was by the elephant's
defender so it was an own goal. So half-time the welsh trail 1-2. In the second half the welsh
had more of the play and Paul Lakin had a good chance to equaliser but his shot only hit the post.
The welsh contiute to pull forward and following a good move a chance fell to Kevin Smith, but this
header only cannon back of the crossbar. Paul Lakin had a good free-kick which again hit the post.
The welsh finally score with just five minutes to go when the welsh captain Alan Glazerbrook scored
after a fine move by the welsh, so the game ended a 2-2 draw.
6 OCTOBER 2002 WELSH
TAVERN FIRST STILL UNBEATEN BUT THE RESERVES LOSE FIRST GAME
Not a lot to say about this one apart from three points gained, a new top scorer for the first
team and a goal difference that looks pretty impressive. This one wasn't vintage Welsh as it
was very hard to play at there usual standards against a team who will no doubt finish bottom
of the Premier Division. A job still needed to be done though and goals from Mark Trice,
Paul Challis, Steve Morley (although this one was probably Mark Trice's), Danny Bree and NEW
TOP SCORER PAUL BURNS (5) saw off the visitors. A tougher test will come the Welsh's way this
coming Sunday when they take on the Guru's who will no doubt be looking for revenge after being
beaten 2 - 0 at the end of last season. AS THE HISTORY BOOKS SHOW, THE WELSH WENT ON TO TAKE THE
TITLE FOR THE FOURTH TIME IN A ROW. UP THE WELSH !!!!!, The pratt of the day award goes to Duncan
Finch. I'm sure everyone knows by now why he wins this award.
The Resevers game versus Guru Nanak Sunday in the senior cup was a tight match in the first
half and no clean chance until just before half-time when Paul Lakin was through on goal and
with only the goalkeeper to beat, he shoot past the goalkeeper, but the shoot also when just
past the post, so the half time score was 0-0, it the second half the welsh were the first
team to score, the welsh had a corner which went to Michael Tibby who header was stop on the
line by a arm, so the referee said handball and a penalty, But the referee did not send off
the defender which was a woeful, disgraceful refereeing mistake. The penalty was taken by
Paul Lakin who scored the penalty for his first goal of the season. In look as if this would
be the only goal of the game, but the gurus score with only two minutes left in the game, so
the game when to extra time. In extra time a header from Alan Glazerbrook nearly put the welsh
back into the lead, but a defender head the ball off out the line so at half time the game was
still level, in the second half after seven minutes the gurus score again after a goalmouth
scramble and the gurus score again in the last minute when the welsh goalkeeper miss the ball
and the gurus forward just run on to shoot into the empty goal, so the game ended 3-1 to the
gurus.
29 SEPTEMBER 2002 WELSH
TAVERN DRAW VERSUS SUN
Both teams started slowly on sunday and both defence were cancelled the attack of both
sides out and most of the play was in midfield. The Sun had more of the play in the first
half and they scored the first goal of the match, with a cross to the back post and
Wells the Sun Forward was brave to head the ball into the net, because he was challenage
for the ball my the welsh defence Duncan Finch, both players were injury and had to leave
the field of play, wells did not return and had to be replace, but Duncan Finch return to
finish the game. So at half-time the welsh were still a goal down 0-1.
In the second half the welsh started the half the better side and just after ten minutes
a ball from midfield by Cliff Carter which look like would be cut out my the centre half
of Sun, but the ball when under the defence foot and run to Mark Trice who finish well to
scored his first goal of the season. The Sun again had more of the play and the Welsh had
to thank they goalkeeper Mark Nash to keep the game level. The welsh did have a chance to
win the game in the dying minutes a cross from the right was turn on to post my Gary Rose,
but it was not to be so the game ended a 1-1 draw.
The Resevers had no game today as the referee called the game off as the pitch was unfit,
the game will be play at a later date..
22 SEPTEMBER 2002 WELSH
TAVERN BOTH CLUBS ARE STILL UNBEATEN
The Welsh were strong favourites to win this match after starting the season with two straight
victories against Gravesend United and Shorne in comparison to both the defeats New Ash Green
had suffered. The first half was completely dominated by the Welsh but clear cut chances were
not falling our way. With half time approaching it took a brilliant save from the New Ash Green
keeper to deny a Rob Challis half volley from just inside the penalty area. HALF TIME: 0 - 0.
The second half was again dominated by the Welsh, however, a shock was suddenly on the cards
when Paul Garrett gave away a penalty which the New ash Green player comfortably converted.
1 - 0 New Ash Green. The Welsh never panicked and although their opponents seemed to have an 8
man defensive line, they couldn't defend a low drilled cross from Rob Challis, which Richie
Everitt coolly slotted home. 1 -1. With the game seemingly dying out and looking as though it was
going to be 2 points dropped for the Welsh, it was turned on its head with only 15 minutes remaining
by a sublime goal that i'm sure even Andy Gray would have loved to have analysed.
(This next bit deserves a paragraph of its own)
Paul Eldridge rolled the ball into the path of the on coming Duncan Finch, whose first touch set
him up perfectly to let fly with a left foot rocket which nestled just below the keepers top left hand
corner. Before the ball had even hit the back of the net, Finch was celebrating. 'The Wand' had struck
its magic'. 2 - 1 to the Welsh. New Ash Green's heads were now down and with only a couple of minutes
left on the clock Paul Challis completed the scoring with a left foot drive which again left the keeper
with no chance. 3 - 1 to the Welsh. Maximum points so far. Is anyone going to derail this glory train.
Both clubs had a slow start in the reserves match today at home to Cobham Sunday, the first
chance for the welsh come from Lee Christie who came in from the left wing to shoot a good
shot which was save well by the Cobham goalkeeper, the welsh first goal was a good header
by wing back Paul Hulance who run into the box and head the ball past the Cobham goalkeeper
into the far corner of the goal, the welsh were on top for the rest of the first half, but
the defence when to sleep and the Cobham forward nip in to scored, then with just two
minutes to go in the first half, Paul Hulance when down the right wing and cross into the box
and the cross was headed home, but in was not a welsh player it was a Cobham defence so it was a own
goal so at half time it was 2-1 to the welsh. In the second half Paul Burns opened the scoreing to make
the scored 3-1 to the welsh and the fourth goal was scored by Lee Christie who come inside the defencer
and then beat the Cobham goalkeeper to finish off a fine move my the welsh, Cobham then scored to make
the game 4-2, which is how the match ended, Cobham did have the ball in the net, back the Ref said the
goal would not stand as the Cobham forward had score straight from the free kick, which was a indirect
free kick, so the Welsh reserves have won there first game of the season.
15 SEPTEMBER 2002 WELSH
TAVERN BOTH CLUBS ARE STILL UNBEATEN
Even though each club has only played one league game so far this season, it would be a huge
surprise to everyone if these two sides weren't up there battling for the title come May.
The Welsh came out of the blocks very quickly and for the first ten minutes were putting the
Shorne back line under a great amount of pressure. They managed to hold out and gradually worked
themselves back into the game. Chances were reduced to a minimum for the remainder of the half and
as the interval arrived the scores were level at 0 - 0. With about twenty five minutes of the match
left, the Welsh were given a great opportunity to open the scoring when J.P. was brought down in the
penalty area and the referee awarded a penalty. J.P. pulled himself to his feet and converted the
spot kick with great confidence. Soon after, Eldo (Victor Meldrew) made it 2 - 0 with a strike that
any keeper would have struggled to save. In an interview after the game Eldo said, "I'd have liked
Andy Gray to have got that one on his Speedometer as I reckon that was hitting the 70mph mark". Shorne
did manage to give the Welsh a bit of a scare when they pulled one back with about ten minutes left.
The Welsh's response was superb. They went straight up the other end and forced a corner. JP's pin point
cross was then met with a great header from Rocky who put the game beyond their opponents reach. Game over
i'm afraid Shorne. Next please!!!!!
The reserves were away at Kings Farm Sunday and the welsh started the game very badly, they were two goals
down after just nine minutes, the first after just five minutes when Paul Gosbee poor tackle was to bring down
the Kings Farm forward in the penalty area and the Kings Farm forward make no mistake for the penalty spot,
then on nine minutes the defence back off the Kings Farm forward and he shot home from 12 yards. The rest of
the half was not much better for the welsh and the only near thing the welsh had was a volley which just when
wide by Paul Davis, so at half time the welsh were still two goals down. In the second half the welsh started
the better side in the game, but there could not beat the Kings Farm goalkeeper, the welsh contiute to have
more of the play in the second half but Kings Farm did have a breakaway with 15 minutes to go, but the Kings
Farm forward shoot straight at the welsh goalkeeper [Tony Day]. With just five minutes to go the welsh had a
corner and with a near post flick-on by Stuart Richards the ball ended up in the net and with just two minutes
to go Paul Burns when past two defence to shoot home into the top corner so the Welsh had complete a good
come back so the match ended Kings Farm 2 Welsh Tavern 2.
8 SEPTEMBER 2002 WELSH
TAVERN WIN BUT THE RES ONLY DRAW
The Welsh started their title defence with a tricky away tie at Gravesend Utd. After coming
out of the blocks very slowly we soon found ourselves 1 - 0 down. Soon after this we decided
to wake up and started to control the game. With about 15 minutes of the first half remaining
Lee Rhodes slotted home. We went in at half time all square but were now the better side.
Gravesend would have taken the lead in the second half if it wasn't for perhaps the worst
penalty anyone on the pitch had ever seen when the Gravesend player sent the ball about 20ft
high and wide. We went straight down the other end and Lee Rhodes scored his second of the
game. 2 - 1 Up the Welsh!!! The game was killed off with about 10 minutes left when a pin point
cross from Paul Challis was met by a neat little header from JP. 3 - 1 and business as usual
for the 4 in a row CHAMPIONS.
The Reserves started well on Sunday and scored after a fine move and a fine run down the
right wing by Lee Christie who put the ball past the AEI Goalkeeper to cross the ball for
Kevin Smith to shoot home from six yards to score after just six minutes of play, the next
chance of the match fell to Lee Christie who was put through on nineteen minutes but his
shoot cannon of the AEI Goalkeeper legs to go for a corner, then AEI Sunday equaliser when
the AEI Winger had a good run down left wing and he cross the ball into the ball for Harvey
to scored with a tap in and this was after 23 minutes of play, the welsh had all the play
from the rest of the half, but cannot beat the AEI Goalkeeper who keep his side in the game,
Paul Burns did beat the goalkeeper just before half time but his shoot just when wide past
the far post, so half time score was 1-1, the welsh started well in the second half and
nearly score from the kick off with the ball being layback to Steve Emery on the edge of
the box, but his shoot when just wide, the welsh had more of the play again in the second
half, but the AEI Goalkeeper pull out a couple more fine saves to keep the game, AEI who
nearly win the game in injury time with a breakaway but the forward shoot was well saved
by Steve Bates in the welsh goal.
3 SEPTEMBER 2002 DARTS
CLASH OUT OF THE FA CUP
Dartford suffered a horrendous setback in their season when they fell 1-0 to Carterton
Town in the FA Cup. A game of two halves was definitely the case in tonights match, as
Dartford were decidedly poor in the first half. Alan Tutton was substituted after 10
minutes after receiving a knock early on, and Paul Bates replaced him before the Darts
gave the only goal of the game away. Kevin Lewis was the Carterton hero when his goal
on 21 minutes beat the Dartford defence. The second half was a great improvement for the
Darts as Carterton weathered wave after wave of attacks. Richard Usherwood was unlucky not
to receive a penalty on 52 minutes when he was hauled down on the very edge of the area.
Phil Eagle flicked the free-kick to Paul Bates whose low shot was drilled wide. However,
Bates was sent-off 4 minutes later when he was booked for a second time after a seemingly
innocuous challenge. Dartford responded to this set-back in great form by attacking the
Carterton goal relentlessly, and seemingly everyone from Richard Usherwood to Danny Evans
had shots on target, but try as they might, the Darts could not break down a resolute defence.
31 AUGUST 2002 DRAW IN THE
FA CUP FOR DARTS
Dartford lived to fight another day after a nervy performance against Hellenic League
Carterton Town. The Darts went behind after just 75 seconds when Kevin Lewis' left foot
strike bounced in front of Craig Tucker and eluded him to find its way into the bottom
corner of the net. However, the Darts battled back extremely well, and on 8 minutes the
superb Alan Tutton sent a great ball to Graham Robertson, but Robertson's 25 yard drive
was wide. The Darts carried on battling, and on 14 minutes, they got their just equaliser
when Phil Eagle's left sided corner was nodded home at the near post by Alan Tutton.
Dartford created a good few chances, but were unlucky not to be ahead when on 30 minutes,
Richard Usherwood's curling right foot shot from 18 yards curled just wide. On 52 minutes,
Danny Whelan's low right cross found Robertson, whose right footed half-volley flew just
over the bar. Carterton regained the lead on 67 minutes when Mark Threlfall was through
on goal, and Tucker's hesitance cost the Darts as Threlfall slotted the ball home.
Dartford, however, continued to fight back, and on 77 minutes were given a lifeline when
James Mortimer-Jones was adjudged to have handled the ball in the penalty area. Phil Eagle
converted the spot-kick to level the Darts. At this time, Dartford started to take control
of the game and on 80 minutes, Paul McCarthy's header from a Phil Eagle corner cannonned
back off of the crossbar. McCarthy was again at the centre of the creative play for Dartford,
and on 85 minutes, his ball to the returning Steve Marriner was saved brilliantly by Heritage
in the Carterton goal.
26 AUGUST 2002 DEFEAT
AT HOME FOR DARTS
Dartford lost their way at home to Tonbridge Angels on Bank Holiday Monday, when they were
defeated by a lone Tonbridge goal. Tonbridge set out their stall early on when they shot
over after only 10 seconds. And, the only goal of the match followed on 3 minutes when Nic
Barnes' 20 yard freekick looped into the top corner, assisted slightly by the wind.
Tonbridge attacked in waves, and on 11 minutes, Craig Roser's shot from the edge of the
area was drilled over. Dartford looked defensively naive at patches, and on 17 minutes,
Steve Portway opened up the Dartford defence, but Danny Tingley's shot was drilled wide
from 12 yards. A minute later, Paul McCarthy was caught ball-watching in his own half, and
Peter Overton found Steve Portway at the back post but his shot cannonned back off the
cross-bar. Dartford made a subsitution on 41 minutes as Tommy Martin was replaced by Phil
Eagle. Eagle's part in the game almost helped the Darts get back on level terms on 54 minutes
when his floated cross hit the post, and Terry Ratchford flicked the ball across for Graham
Robertson to drive, but his shot cannoned back off the bar, and it was cleared by Tonbridge.
Eagle's interaction with Robertson sent Shaun Loft through on 67 minues, but the keeper was
off his line very quickly and made a good save. A minute later, Tom Adlington's ball to Shaun
Loft was flicked down, and Robertson slid the ball through to the continuing Loft, who rounded
Danny Harwood, but the goalkeeper managed to recover and make the save. Tonbridge could well
have finished the match up with 2 goals when on 83 minutes, Danny Kedwell blasted his shot
towards the goal, and Craig Tucker pulled a good save off.
25 AUGUST 2002 BOTH
WELSH TEAMS ARE BEATEN
The Welsh first team were beaten at Meridan Sports Ground on Sunday by Cray FC the score was
1-8, the half time scored was 1-2, the welsh goal was scored by Adam Harber, the played the
last 30 minutes with just 10 men, after Mark Trice was injured and the welsh had no subs.
The reserves were beaten by Grove Athletic Res 2-3 on Sunday, the welsh
started the match slowly and were a goal down after ten minutes when the welsh goalkeeper
fell to hold on a crossball and the Grove forward scored, the welsh equaliser on fifthteen
minutes are a fine through ball by Glenn Palmer find Paul Lakin free and he beat the goal
keeper on the Grove easily to level the match and there was no more goals in the first half,
in the second half the grove scored two more goals, before Paul Burns scored with a header
from a corner by Mick Mancini, but the could not find another goal, Paul Lakin did better
the keeper with a shot which come back off the post with ten minutes and in the last five
minutes Tony Day was through but his shot was straight at the keeper, so the game ended
Welsh Tavern 2 Grove Athletic 3... 24 AUGUST 2002 DRAW
AT CORBY FOR DARTS
Dartford came from behind at the Rockingham Triangle Stadium to draw with undefeated Corby
Town, on Saturday. The Darts were restricted in their team selection, as Paul Bates, Terry
Ratchford and Richard Usherwood were all absent, but took the game to Corby Town for the
first half. As early as two minutes into the game, Alan Tutton's 30 yard shot was just over
the cross-bar, and on 10 minutes, Graham Robertson and Shaun Loft combined well to cause the
Corby defence some problems. However, the Darts failed to create any goalscoring chances,
despite all the possesion and pressure they had, and on 42 minutes, Joe Kevin made a defensive
mistake to let Lee Vallance through. His initial shot was saved well by Craig Tucker, but the
rebound was slotted home, to give the home side a somewhat undeserved lead. But, the Darts
made sure their toils didn't go unrecognised, and another accomplished second half performance
provided the Darts with a great equaliser on 70 minutes. Paul McCarthy's wayward shot from 25
yards was expertly flicked home by Graham Robertson to give the Darts some hope of all three
points. And, on 83 minutes, substitute Rob Browning's excellent play in field saw him beat
two defenders before hitting a shot agonisingly over.
20 AUGUST 2002 DEFEAT
FOR DARTS AS CRAIG IS SENT OFF
Dartford were made to pay for a silly mistake by veteran goalkeeper Craig Tucker, as they
crashed 4-0 to Eastbourne Borough. The Darts started off the game extremely brightly, and
in the first 30 minutes alone, won 8 corners. After 15 minutes, Danny Whelan's left sided
corner found Paul McCarthy at the back post and his looping volley was cleared off the
line by Daren Pearce. Eastbourne Borough scored their first goal after 38 minutes,
slightly against the run of play, when John Price won the ball on the touchline and sent
the ball to Matt Crabb who spectacularly fired a long range effort past Tucker. Yet, the
Darts could have gone in at half-time all level but for the woodwork. Terry Ratchford's
brilliantly delivered ball to Graham Robertson was directed into the path of Paul McCarthy,
who advanced quickly into the penalty area but his shot cannoned back off of the post.
They say that every match has a turning point, and this match's turning point was the
dismissal of Craig Tucker. As a Matt Allen shot at goal was deflected away, former Brighton
striker Scott Ramsay clashed with Tucker off the ball, and Tucker retaliated, leaving the
referee with no option but to send the keeper off. With no substitute keeper on the pitch,
Danny Whelan stepped in, and his first duty as goalkeeper was to pick the ball out of the
net after Daren Pearce slotted the penalty home, on 60 minutes. Dartford had a mountain to
climb at this time, and to their credit, continued working hard until the very end, but
could not cope with the Borough strikeforce. On 72 minutes, Matt Allen converted a Westcott
cross past Whelan. And, finally on 80 minutes, Dave Adams finished a Mark Goodwin cross for
Borough to seal the points, and to leave Dartford with an empty-handed journey home.
18 AUGUST 2002 DEFEAT
FOR BOTH WELSH TEAMS
The Welsh came out of the blocks very slowly and it wasn't long before we found ourselves
2 - 0 down (very unusual). However, as the match progressed we gradually gained control
and could have, probably should have, been on level terms at the break if it wasn't for
some good chances being squandered. Trailing 2 - 0 at half time we had to push on in the
second half in order to try and get something out of the match. This left us exposed at
the back and even a great save from Adam Harber in about the 65th minute couldn't prevent
the rebound dropping to the quickest reacting player, which unfortunately was one of their
forwards. 3 - 0. We did almost manage to salvage something out of the game with two late
goals (consolations in the end). The first started with a forty yard through ball from
Gary Rose which Steve Morley latched onto. He then delivered a pin point cross for Kierian Rocke
to tap home from the edge of the six yard box. The second came courtesy of some great
individual brilliance from 'Man of the Match' Duncan Finch. Some mesmerising work out wide,
left three of the Goldsmith players not knowing what planet they were on. This was followed
by a precise through ball that left Danny Bree with only the keeper to beat, which he did so
comfortably. Too little, too late.
The reserves started well and score just after four minutes with another
beckham style penalty by Paul Davis and then Greenways scored to level the match, the welsh
scored again after a fine move and pass by Paul Burns to find Lee Christie who finish well,
this was after 15 minutes of play, on 20 minutes Greenways scored again despice the enough
of Nolan Iles who try to clear the ball, but the ball still cross the line to make the score
2-2. Greenways score four more goals in the first half to make the half time score 2-6, two
more goals in the second half to finish the scoreing and to complete a miserable day for
both welsh's teams. 17 AUGUST 2002 FIRST
LEAGUE WIN FOR MACCA
Dartford kicked off their season in fantastic form with a 3-0 victory over pre-season
favourites Kings Lynn. Dartford started off extremely brightly when Tommy Martin's
excellent ball through found Richard Usherwood in space, but a linesman's flag stopped
the Dartford attack. On 20 minutes, captain Paul McCarthy's through ball found Usherwood
on-side this time, but the young striker's shot was well saved by Steve Corry, the Kings
Lynn goalkeeper.However, the Darts took their deserved lead after 30 minutes when Graham
Robertson's ball to Usherwood, found the youngster at the right wing area. Usherwood's
low cross in was flicked back by Graham Robertson and Shaun Loft buried his shot from
close range. Dartford doubled their lead on 40 minutes when Usherwood, the Darts main
outlet, used some magical footwork to beat 2 Kings Lynn defenders. Usherwood then passed
to Martin, whos shot was half-saved but Loft was on hand to finish the rebound. Kings Lynn
attacked more in the second half, and on 67 minutes, Craig Tucker was forced to make a good
save from Paul Raynor after a left-wing corner. Kings Lynn's misery was compounded on 85
minutes when Chris Freestone was booked for diving, and immiediately afterwards, McCarthy's
run found him beating 3 defenders, and his low cross was bundled home by Robertson to cap
off a great victory.
15 AUGUST 2002 HANDBOOK
MEETING AT BEAUWATER
The handbook meeting was today at Beauwater Leisure Centre to receive league handbook
for the 2002/2003 season, also the first fixtures circular of season was out and in
the first sunday which the 8th September 2002, the welsh first team are away to
Gravesend United and the reserves are at home to A.E.I. Sunday.
12 AUGUST 2002 DARTS
DRAW AT CROKENHILL
Dartford ended their pre-season campaign with a 2-2 draw against Kent County Leaguer's
Crockenhill. The first half was lead by the Darts, who should really have taken more
chances than their 2 goals. Adam Morrish came close on 12 minutes when he smashed a left
wing cross wide. Darts took the lead on 21 minutes when Graham Robertson's 20 yard shot
was parried by the Crock's goalkeeper but Tommy Martin followed up with a header, and
Shaun Loft put the finishing touch on the move by smashing home on the line. Robertson
added the Darts second on 36 minutes with a scorching 30 yard drive into the top corner.
Crockenhill pulled one back on 40 minutes when a defensive error by Joe Kevin let the
striker in to score from close range, and on 64 minutes, Danny Whelan misjudged a ball back,
and let Crockenhill in to equalise.
11 AUGUST 2002 DUNCAN
FINCH SCORES THE FIRST GOAL TODAY
The welsh were away to Valley Rovers today and won 4-1, after a goalless first half with
few chances, the deadlock was broken after 75 minutes when Duncan Finch scored the first
goal, then four minutes later Lee Christie was foul in the penalty area, and the penalty
was finish in beckham style by Paul Davis, then the welsh scored the goal of the game,
with Paul Burns who was find wide on the wing and he when pass the defencer and cross the
ball to the far post for Ricky Everitt to head home to finish a fine move with a fine goal,
the last goal for the welsh come from a header my Ricky Everitt, the final goal of the match
came when the Valley Rovers forward run on to a through ball to shoot past the welsh
goalkeeper Adam Harber.
10 AUGUST 2002 TOMMY
MARTIN FIRST GOAL FOR THE DARTS
Tommy Martin scored his first goal for the darts in a draw match at Horsham today,
The Darts started off in perfect fashion, when Tommy Martin's cross-come-shot ricocheted
off the crossbar and over the line before bouncing out. The linesman immiediately signalled
the goal, which gave the Darts the lead. The first half became a lot more awkward for
both sides when the skies turned black, and a storm broke. On 34 minutes, the Horsham forward
capitalized on a mistake by Dartford, and pushed towards goal, but his great low shot was
marvellously saved by stand-in goalkeeper/Under 16's manager Matt Longhurst. On 75 minutes
though, Horsham equalised when a left wing cross was headed home at the back post by Horsham.
Dartford could well have equalised on 75 minutes, when Graham Robertson's great run from 30 yards
culminated in a great shot which was only marginally over the 'bar.
7 AUGUST 2002 MACCA
NAMED NEW SKIPPER
Dartford manager Tommy Sampson has appointed midfielder Paul McCarthy the new first
team captain and make his first appearance as captain versus Dover tonight, Dartford
completed their only home pre-season friendly tonight, and narrowly lost to Premier
Division Dover Athletic. The Darts played well enough throughout the game, and tested
Dover as early as the 20th minute when Adam Morrish's long ball was controlled well by
Richard Usherwood, but his finish was blazed over from 15 yards. Dover had two decent
chances within three minutes late in the first half, when first Carruthers' shot from
the edge of the area was saved brilliantly by Craig Tucker, and then Day's low shot was
tipped round the post. Dartford hit the woodwork on 43 minutes when captain Paul McCarthy's
freekick from 30 yards out, was headed against the bar by Morrish. Dartford continued to
battle and in the second half, should probably have scored when Graham Robertson took a
little too much time in the penalty area before being dispossessed. However, it was Dover
who scored the only goal of the game, when a long ball through the pitch found former Dart
Mo Takalobighashi in a precariously looking offside position, but the forward slotted the
ball past Tucker very well.
4 AUGUST 2002 OVER 30'S VS UNDER 30'S
The first friendly match of the season was played today at Glaxo Wellcome
Ground, in which the Under 30's won 3-1, Ricky Everett scored the first
goal direct from a free kick to put the Under 30's 1-0 up and then Paul
Burns level the match to scored for the over 30's so at half in was 1-1.
In the second half the Under 30's scored again through Rob Challis to
put the Under 30's 2-1 in the lead and fourthteen minutes from the end
of the match the Under 30's scored again to finish the scoreing, so the
match end 3-1 to the Under 30's and then Micky Hand presented the trophy
to the winning captain of the Under 30's who was Steve Smith... 3 AUGUST 2002 TWO WELSH
PLAYERS PLAY FOR THE DARTS
Two welsh players Paul Mc Carthy and Tommy Martin play At Chippenham Town today
in the Darts were defeated by newly promoted Dr. Martens Eastern Division
Chippenham Town by 3-1, this Saturday. Dartford held out for much of the first half,
and despite a nervy start by both sides, the Darts came close to scoring on 13 minutes
when a rebounded clearance found Shaun Loft. Loft could only hit his 30-yard shot over
the crossbar. A very tight first half ended, and within 3 minutes of the second half
beginning, the Darts found themselves 2-0 down after a few pieces of sloppy defending,
coupled with a huge sloping pitch. Chippenham made it 3-0 on 58 minutes when they broke
away after a Darts attack, and the striker slotted the ball home from a tight angle
into the bottom right hand corner. Dartford fought back, and on 65 minutes scored
what turned out to be a consolation goal, as Richard Usherwood won the ball, and
passed it to Loft, who drove the ball home from 19 yards, into the corner. Despite
the result, the Darts definitely gave their higher-league opposition a great game.
prospective signing, Scott Guyett, apparently heading back to Australia,
it looks like a new name is about to enter the frame. One thing is certain
though, with City amassing such a large squad, some players will be moving
on before the season starts in just over two weeks time.. 1 AUGUST 2002 PAUL
AT SLADE GREEN
Welsh player Paul Eldridge play in the Slade Green team which beat Dartford Res
6-1 tonight at Slade Green in a friendly match today.. Paul who has also play at
Kent League Side VCD, last season played for Welsh first team in 20 games started
and three subs appearances, and scored a total of nine goals to make him the
second leading goalscorers, which was three behind Danny Bree who was the welsh
leading goalscorers with twelve goals. Paul was injury in the game with a ankle
injury so he miss the Sunday friendly game.. 27 JULY 2002 AWARDS
NIGHT AT THE WELSH TAVERN
There was a awards night for the player's who could not make the Welsh's
Dinner Dance presention night on Saturday 9th June, Steve Morley was there
to pick up the player's player award also there was players awards to
Danny Bree, Trevor Hand, Steve Northwood, Jason Martin and Paul McCarthy.
The welsh first friendly match will be the Under 30's versus Over 30's on
Saturday 4th August at Glaxo Wellcome from the Ian Shepherd Trophy.
The first proper friendly will be the following sunday at Horse and Groom
when the welsh will be playing against Valley Rovers. THANKS
THANKS TO DFC WEB
The Dartford Football Club match reports and pictures come from DFC Web
and the Welsh Tavern wish to thanks Gary Clark for his help.
Shorne 2 Welsh Tavern 2 [Welsh Tavern win 4-2 on pens]
Welsh Tavern 9 New Ash Green 1
No Game
Welsh Tavern 5 Springvale 3
First No Game
Welsh Tavern 0 Vigo 0
Hollisters 1 Welsh Tavern 2
No Game for the First Team
No game for the first team they game was called off.
Even though each club has only played one league game so far this season, it would be a huge
surprise to everyone if these two sides weren't up there battling for the title come May.
The Welsh started their title defence with a tricky away tie at Gravesend Utd. After coming
out of the blocks very slowly we soon found ourselves 1 - 0 down. Soon after this we decided
to wake up and started to control the game. With about 15 minutes of the first half remaining
Lee Rhodes slotted home. We went in at half time all square but were now the better side.
Gravesend would have taken the lead in the second half if it wasn't for perhaps the worst
penalty anyone on the pitch had ever seen when the Gravesend player sent the ball about 20ft
high and wide. We went straight down the other end and Lee Rhodes scored his second of the
game. 2 - 1 Up the Welsh!!! The game was killed off with about 10 minutes left when a pin point
cross from Paul Challis was met by a neat little header from JP. 3 - 1 and business as usual
for the 4 in a row CHAMPIONS.
Dartford suffered a horrendous setback in their season when they fell 1-0 to Carterton
Town in the FA Cup. A game of two halves was definitely the case in tonights match, as
Dartford were decidedly poor in the first half. Alan Tutton was substituted after 10
minutes after receiving a knock early on, and Paul Bates replaced him before the Darts
gave the only goal of the game away. Kevin Lewis was the Carterton hero when his goal
on 21 minutes beat the Dartford defence. The second half was a great improvement for the
Darts as Carterton weathered wave after wave of attacks. Richard Usherwood was unlucky not
to receive a penalty on 52 minutes when he was hauled down on the very edge of the area.
Phil Eagle flicked the free-kick to Paul Bates whose low shot was drilled wide. However,
Bates was sent-off 4 minutes later when he was booked for a second time after a seemingly
innocuous challenge. Dartford responded to this set-back in great form by attacking the
Carterton goal relentlessly, and seemingly everyone from Richard Usherwood to Danny Evans
had shots on target, but try as they might, the Darts could not break down a resolute defence.
Dartford lost their way at home to Tonbridge Angels on Bank Holiday Monday, when they were
defeated by a lone Tonbridge goal. Tonbridge set out their stall early on when they shot
over after only 10 seconds. And, the only goal of the match followed on 3 minutes when Nic
Barnes' 20 yard freekick looped into the top corner, assisted slightly by the wind.
Tonbridge attacked in waves, and on 11 minutes, Craig Roser's shot from the edge of the
area was drilled over. Dartford looked defensively naive at patches, and on 17 minutes,
Steve Portway opened up the Dartford defence, but Danny Tingley's shot was drilled wide
from 12 yards. A minute later, Paul McCarthy was caught ball-watching in his own half, and
Peter Overton found Steve Portway at the back post but his shot cannonned back off the
cross-bar. Dartford made a subsitution on 41 minutes as Tommy Martin was replaced by Phil
Eagle. Eagle's part in the game almost helped the Darts get back on level terms on 54 minutes
when his floated cross hit the post, and Terry Ratchford flicked the ball across for Graham
Robertson to drive, but his shot cannoned back off the bar, and it was cleared by Tonbridge.
Eagle's interaction with Robertson sent Shaun Loft through on 67 minues, but the keeper was
off his line very quickly and made a good save. A minute later, Tom Adlington's ball to Shaun
Loft was flicked down, and Robertson slid the ball through to the continuing Loft, who rounded
Danny Harwood, but the goalkeeper managed to recover and make the save. Tonbridge could well
have finished the match up with 2 goals when on 83 minutes, Danny Kedwell blasted his shot
towards the goal, and Craig Tucker pulled a good save off.
Dartford came from behind at the Rockingham Triangle Stadium to draw with undefeated Corby
Town, on Saturday. The Darts were restricted in their team selection, as Paul Bates, Terry
Ratchford and Richard Usherwood were all absent, but took the game to Corby Town for the
first half. As early as two minutes into the game, Alan Tutton's 30 yard shot was just over
the cross-bar, and on 10 minutes, Graham Robertson and Shaun Loft combined well to cause the
Corby defence some problems. However, the Darts failed to create any goalscoring chances,
despite all the possesion and pressure they had, and on 42 minutes, Joe Kevin made a defensive
mistake to let Lee Vallance through. His initial shot was saved well by Craig Tucker, but the
rebound was slotted home, to give the home side a somewhat undeserved lead. But, the Darts
made sure their toils didn't go unrecognised, and another accomplished second half performance
provided the Darts with a great equaliser on 70 minutes. Paul McCarthy's wayward shot from 25
yards was expertly flicked home by Graham Robertson to give the Darts some hope of all three
points. And, on 83 minutes, substitute Rob Browning's excellent play in field saw him beat
two defenders before hitting a shot agonisingly over.
Dartford were made to pay for a silly mistake by veteran goalkeeper Craig Tucker, as they
crashed 4-0 to Eastbourne Borough. The Darts started off the game extremely brightly, and
in the first 30 minutes alone, won 8 corners. After 15 minutes, Danny Whelan's left sided
corner found Paul McCarthy at the back post and his looping volley was cleared off the
line by Daren Pearce. Eastbourne Borough scored their first goal after 38 minutes,
slightly against the run of play, when John Price won the ball on the touchline and sent
the ball to Matt Crabb who spectacularly fired a long range effort past Tucker. Yet, the
Darts could have gone in at half-time all level but for the woodwork. Terry Ratchford's
brilliantly delivered ball to Graham Robertson was directed into the path of Paul McCarthy,
who advanced quickly into the penalty area but his shot cannoned back off of the post.
They say that every match has a turning point, and this match's turning point was the
dismissal of Craig Tucker. As a Matt Allen shot at goal was deflected away, former Brighton
striker Scott Ramsay clashed with Tucker off the ball, and Tucker retaliated, leaving the
referee with no option but to send the keeper off. With no substitute keeper on the pitch,
Danny Whelan stepped in, and his first duty as goalkeeper was to pick the ball out of the
net after Daren Pearce slotted the penalty home, on 60 minutes. Dartford had a mountain to
climb at this time, and to their credit, continued working hard until the very end, but
could not cope with the Borough strikeforce. On 72 minutes, Matt Allen converted a Westcott
cross past Whelan. And, finally on 80 minutes, Dave Adams finished a Mark Goodwin cross for
Borough to seal the points, and to leave Dartford with an empty-handed journey home.
The Welsh came out of the blocks very slowly and it wasn't long before we found ourselves
2 - 0 down (very unusual). However, as the match progressed we gradually gained control
and could have, probably should have, been on level terms at the break if it wasn't for
some good chances being squandered. Trailing 2 - 0 at half time we had to push on in the
second half in order to try and get something out of the match. This left us exposed at
the back and even a great save from Adam Harber in about the 65th minute couldn't prevent
the rebound dropping to the quickest reacting player, which unfortunately was one of their
forwards. 3 - 0. We did almost manage to salvage something out of the game with two late
goals (consolations in the end). The first started with a forty yard through ball from
Gary Rose which Steve Morley latched onto. He then delivered a pin point cross for Kierian Rocke
to tap home from the edge of the six yard box. The second came courtesy of some great
individual brilliance from 'Man of the Match' Duncan Finch. Some mesmerising work out wide,
left three of the Goldsmith players not knowing what planet they were on. This was followed
by a precise through ball that left Danny Bree with only the keeper to beat, which he did so
comfortably. Too little, too late.
Dartford kicked off their season in fantastic form with a 3-0 victory over pre-season
favourites Kings Lynn. Dartford started off extremely brightly when Tommy Martin's
excellent ball through found Richard Usherwood in space, but a linesman's flag stopped
the Dartford attack. On 20 minutes, captain Paul McCarthy's through ball found Usherwood
on-side this time, but the young striker's shot was well saved by Steve Corry, the Kings
Lynn goalkeeper.However, the Darts took their deserved lead after 30 minutes when Graham
Robertson's ball to Usherwood, found the youngster at the right wing area. Usherwood's
low cross in was flicked back by Graham Robertson and Shaun Loft buried his shot from
close range. Dartford doubled their lead on 40 minutes when Usherwood, the Darts main
outlet, used some magical footwork to beat 2 Kings Lynn defenders. Usherwood then passed
to Martin, whos shot was half-saved but Loft was on hand to finish the rebound. Kings Lynn
attacked more in the second half, and on 67 minutes, Craig Tucker was forced to make a good
save from Paul Raynor after a left-wing corner. Kings Lynn's misery was compounded on 85
minutes when Chris Freestone was booked for diving, and immiediately afterwards, McCarthy's
run found him beating 3 defenders, and his low cross was bundled home by Robertson to cap
off a great victory.
Dartford ended their pre-season campaign with a 2-2 draw against Kent County Leaguer's
Crockenhill. The first half was lead by the Darts, who should really have taken more
chances than their 2 goals. Adam Morrish came close on 12 minutes when he smashed a left
wing cross wide. Darts took the lead on 21 minutes when Graham Robertson's 20 yard shot
was parried by the Crock's goalkeeper but Tommy Martin followed up with a header, and
Shaun Loft put the finishing touch on the move by smashing home on the line. Robertson
added the Darts second on 36 minutes with a scorching 30 yard drive into the top corner.
Crockenhill pulled one back on 40 minutes when a defensive error by Joe Kevin let the
striker in to score from close range, and on 64 minutes, Danny Whelan misjudged a ball back,
and let Crockenhill in to equalise.
Tommy Martin scored his first goal for the darts in a draw match at Horsham today,
The Darts started off in perfect fashion, when Tommy Martin's cross-come-shot ricocheted
off the crossbar and over the line before bouncing out. The linesman immiediately signalled
the goal, which gave the Darts the lead. The first half became a lot more awkward for
both sides when the skies turned black, and a storm broke. On 34 minutes, the Horsham forward
capitalized on a mistake by Dartford, and pushed towards goal, but his great low shot was
marvellously saved by stand-in goalkeeper/Under 16's manager Matt Longhurst. On 75 minutes
though, Horsham equalised when a left wing cross was headed home at the back post by Horsham.
Dartford could well have equalised on 75 minutes, when Graham Robertson's great run from 30 yards
culminated in a great shot which was only marginally over the 'bar.
There was a awards night for the player's who could not make the Welsh's
Dinner Dance presention night on Saturday 9th June, Steve Morley was there
to pick up the player's player award also there was players awards to
Danny Bree, Trevor Hand, Steve Northwood, Jason Martin and Paul McCarthy.
The welsh first friendly match will be the Under 30's versus Over 30's on
Saturday 4th August at Glaxo Wellcome from the Ian Shepherd Trophy.
The first proper friendly will be the following sunday at Horse and Groom
when the welsh will be playing against Valley Rovers.