Player Watch – Jack Neal

After a fantastic goal-scoring start to the season, I caught up with Farnborough’s top marksman to discuss his successes in Football so far and unravel his passion for the beautiful game.

Which achievement in Football are you most proud of?

I would have to say scoring a hat trick in the Kent Cup Semi Final, three years ago. I remember we were under pressure for the majority of the match and found ourselves two goals down going into the second half. I was delighted to have had such an impact on an important game.

Which Premier league Footballer would you compare yourself too?

I think it would probably be Robin Van Persie, I feel that whatever I lack in pace I can make up for with my sharpness in and around the box.

You mentioned your sharpness in front of goal, what would you say was your best asset?

It would definitely be my ability to finish in front of goal. I often find that when I’m confident and relaxed, I tend to relax in front of goal which definitely helps.

Do you have any ambitions to further a career in Football once you have left school?

I just want to enjoy playing as much as possible, I hope to continue playing for a university side and then progressing onto a semi-professional club in the future.

Farnborough suffer heavy defeat

Farnborough slipped to their second consecutive defeat on Sunday as Bridon Ropes completed the double over the Academy with a convincing 5-0 win. It was a disappointing result for Farnborough considering their recent good performances in the league but, in truth, the score line could have been even more embarrassing by the final whistle.

After reacquainting themselves with a Bridon side that ended their unbeaten run last Sunday, Farnborough failed to spark into life on a morning to forget for Richard Percy’s side. Without the services of Goalkeeper George Bradley, top scorer Jack Neal was forced to play in goal as the visitors struggled to cause any real attacking threat without their top marksman.

Despite the heavy loss, the result brought an end to a satisfying year for the Academy. With Farnborough just four points off of top spot, a push for the league title will certainly act as a motivational tool heading into the New Year.   

Academy fall to home defeat

After five consecutive unbeaten league games, Farnborough slipped to their third defeat of the season at home to Bridon Ropes on Sunday. The 3-1 score line flatters the visitor’s as the host’s arguably deserved at least a share of the spoils on a difficult surface.

With both sides enduring decent starts to their respective league campaigns, a victory for either side would see them close the gap on leaders Tonbridge Angels. After a slow start, the Academy fell behind with less than 20 minutes gone. Jack Neal’s excellent strike brought Farnborough level and in the process the prolific forward took his tally to eight for the season.

With the momentum firmly with the host’s an untimely collision involving Goalkeeper George Bradley effectively ruined any chance of Farnborough taking a first half lead. After violently colliding with the opposing striker, Bradley suffered a horrific-looking injury which would rule him out for a few months at least.

The ill-timed injury took the wind out of Farnborough’s sails as

Bridon began to stamp their authority on proceedings. Two further goals killed off any chance of the Academy mounting a comeback condemning them to their first defeat in over a month.

Farnborough involved in eight goal thriller

Tonbridge was the place to be on Sunday morning as eight goals were shared between the top two sides in the Kent central division. With the leaders Tonbridge Angels boasting an impressive six wins from their first nine games, Farnborough fought gamely and deserved a share of the spoils to continue their excellent result league form.

As the fog hovered attentively over the pitch, conditions were hardly ideal ahead of kick off. Despite the potentially problematic surroundings two goals from Jack Neal, a second in two games for Jordan Davids and an own goal added to an enthralling match as the visitors escaped with a satisfying point. Neal's double also took his goal tally to an impressive seven in all competitions outlining his obvious predatory instincts.

The Academy's next fixture is a home meeting with Bridon Ropes who currently sit fourth in the table, but are just two points behind Farnborough. With the unbeaten run now standing at five games, the Academy will be full of confidence as they continue their push towards the top of the table.

Academy continue excellent recent form

Farnborough recorded their third win in four league games to continue their march up the Kent youth central table. Two goals from Jordan Davids along with a first league goal for Martin Sargent, were enough to see off a resourceful Tunbridge Wells side.

After suffering a heavy defeat at the hands of Tunbridge earlier in the season, revenge was certainly sought after for the Farnborough players and they were thoroughly deserving of the three points. The victory lifts the Academy up to third in the table, with an impressive five wins from eight games. With table-topping Tonbridge Angels next up for Farnborough another victory will see them level on points at the top of the table.