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.