Our KYL sides enjoyed an unbeaten weekend with special mentions to the Under-13’s, who overturned last weekend’s defeat to Snodland Town to progress in the County Cup and to the Under-15’s who showed great resilience with two games in 24 hours.

On Saturday, the U15’s hosted Lambeth Tigers, the holders of the London County Cup and, perhaps, even surprised themselves as they ran out 5-0 winners and then, 24 hours later, they travelled to likewise undefeated Faversham Town with only 11 players but returned home with a admirable 2-2 draw. James Ward reflects on a busy weekend: “What a weekend for the U15s squad!

“We kicked things off on Saturday with a dominant 5-0 win over last season’s champions, Lambeth Tigers, in the London County Cup. A superb all-round team performance where we controlled the game from start to finish, showing confidence, composure, and quality in all areas of the pitch.

“Just 24 hours later, we were back in action, this time travelling to Faversham for a tough league fixture. We knew it would be a challenge, made even greater by taking just 11 players; the same 11 who had played the full match the day before.

"Despite their fatigue, the boys showed real character. We took the lead twice through two well-worked team goals, scored by Jurgen Pali and Alfie Murray, only to be pegged back each time by set-piece goals from Faversham. On reflection, both were preventable, but this is all part of the learning process and the players development.

“With the score at 2-2 going into half-time and no substitutes available to rotate or change shape, we knew we had to push for a goal early in the second half or dig deep to see the game out. Credit to the boys, they gave everything, and the match ended in a hard-earned draw.

“Our search continues for a few more players to strengthen the squad. We want to ensure that injuries or Academy trial commitments don’t impact our momentum this season. Getting that balance right and bringing in the right players will be key as we move forward. Massive credit to the lads for their effort, resilience and togetherness this weekend.

Everyone involved with our Kent Youth League set-up were delighted for the Under-13’s as they beat Snodland 3-0 with goals from Olgun Sehkar, Lenny Craske and Zac Lippet, at the Yeoman’s Community Stadium. The youngest group’s results have not reflected their performances and they have been generally considered to have been unlucky in the opening weeks of the season not to have picked up more wins. 

Olly Pantrey reports: “The U13’s produced a confident and disciplined display in their Kent County Cup tie against Snodland, showing real progress and growth in what was a repeat fixture from last Sunday. Facing a direct and physical opponent, we had worked this week on retention, avoiding central transitions and faster defensive reaction. Early phases were managed with patience, with better use of the ball and involvement of the midfield players. This structured approach allowed the team to dictate tempo and create excellent early chances. Out of possession, there was a marked improvement in defensive distances and collective reactions to regain shape. The team’s compactness limited counterattacks and communication throughout the back line was much improved. In wide areas, well-timed support runs and clever movement helped establish overloads that created multiple attacking openings. While a few transitions could have been quicker, and some decisions in the final third rushed, the overall team identity remained clear. The balance between patience and aggression is continuing to mature, and players are beginning to recognise when to sustain pressure and when to penetrate with purpose. A fantastic display and the group can now look forward to building on this in the next round.”

The Under-14’s maintained their 100% record with a tight, 2-1 win at Dulwich Village with the goals coming from Carter Deacon and Dudley Whittington as Oliver Stell reports: “The U14’s travelled to an undefeated Dulwich Village in what would prove to be a close encounter, despite the dominance in possession for the Angels. 

“Tonbridge started on the front foot, pushing Dulwich early in the game. Tonbridge were guilty of not taking our chances, hitting the bar and misfiring in front of goal. Dulwich had a strong, technical midfield, and when the ball broke down they managed to catch us on the break and finished off a nice move against the run of play to take the lead. 

“This kicked Angels in to gear, and within five minutes (and the last kick before half time) Jack Barratt drove into the box and was taken down by a Dulwich defender, a fortunate penalty was awarded to the Angels. Up stepped Deacon to smash the ball into the top corner from 12 yards. 

“A reminder of ‘how we play’ style team talk at half time allowed the boys to settle and maintain control of the game. This allowed us to unleash a flurry of attacks, hitting the bar three times and coming close on a number of occasions. 

“In the 60th minute, Barratt reacted quickest to a drop ball scenario, floating a ball into the box for Whittington to guide a perfectly timed volley into the bottom corner and send Angels home with all three points. Credit must go to Dulwich, who we thought were a very worthy opponent and will be near the top of the table come the end of the season.”

Supporters’ Player of the Match went to our Captain, Javier Donohoe, for an incredible display at centre back. Man of the Match went to Jimi Chadwick for a completely dominant display in central midfield, driving the team forward at every opportunity.

The Under-16’s, who seem on a never-ending tour of Kent, also remain 100% after a winning performance and a clean sheet at Chislehurst Glebe, with goals coming from Aidan Aly and Aidan Heaton, as Adam Barden reports: “The U16s’ travelled away again this weekend to play a well drilled, physical and confident Chislehurst Glebe, with a load of injuries and players playing with knocks. We started slightly slower than usual, however, we kept the ball brilliantly and eased our way into the game. 

“With a few knocks and illness we decided to keep rotation high and with our first three changes of the game it was clear to see the depth in the squad as Aly came onto the pitch to score a fantastic goal from outside the box into the top right corner four minutes before half time. 

“Going into the second half our goal was to keep the ball, force the press and this we did perfectly with Glebe sitting back in a tight formation the boys kept a hold of the ball, waited for a press and when it was made we got the ball into our midfielders and wing backs who delivered crosses which eventually led to Heaton being able to fire home making the score 2-0 in the 42nd minute. 

“We continued to have the majority of the ball while also showing some brilliant pieces of defending to ensure we were able to keep our clean sheet and keep our winning streak up.” 

Thanks to all our coaches for their input.