A rather short Academy update this week as two of the three scheduled matches were postponed. The Elite squad’s game at Phoenix Sports fell foul of the weather and a waterlogged pitch whilst the Development 2 side’s game at Victory Academy (Chatham) was called off as the hosts were unable to field a side through illness.

This meant that the Development 1 Team was strengthened with a few of the senior team but also had three members of Dev2, Luke Ogunbanura, Ryan Neil and Charlie Bowles, being drafted in and doing very well. Goals from Brynley Ruck, Saul Masungeyi and Sam Babayale sealed the points against Ravensbourne, who at one level or another we seem to be playing every week presently.

This week has also seen Snodland Town, of the Southern Counties East Football League, take three of our Academy players, Masungeyi, Ned Lewis and Ben Twist on dual registration. This is a great opportunity for all three lads to gain valuable experience in a senior men’s league that can be quite unforgiving at times. But we are confident that they will apply themselves well and offer Snodland the qualities that each one possess. We are hopeful that further players will go out on dual registration in the coming weeks to gain similar experience.

The Open Trials for next season creep ever closer and a reminder that application forms can be found at form jotformeu.com/92911723517357 to attend the trials on 19/20th February at Hugh Christie.

Hopefully next week’s weather will be kinder with the Elite squad due to play Phoenix Sports at Kings Hill; Development 1 have a long trip down to Broadstairs to face St George’s whilst Development 2 face Wrotham School at Hugh Christie.