Farnborough fall to final day defeat

The last day of the season had a familiar feel about it as Farnborough became the latest victim of Bromley FC’s surge towards the top of the table.

With just one win in 2012, the Academy travelled to Hayes Lane looking to avenge their previous league and cup defeats to a Bromley side that had won their last six league matches.

However, Farnborough were unable to extract revenge and subsequently drew their league season to a close with another defeat.

A bright start from the visitors failed to bring an opening goal and from that moment onwards, the Academy struggled to live with their in form opponents. Two goals in either half ensured another three points for the hosts as they continue to hunt down the leaders.

Impressive last ditch defending from Billy Luetchford prevented the score line from being any worse, but Farnborough will be glad to see an end to a season that began with so much promise.

Overall league record: Pld: 16 W: 6 D: 2 L: 8 F: 31 A: 47 GD: -16 Pts:20                           

Month-by-month (League and Cup matches)

 

	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	Scored	Conceded
September	3	2	0	1	7	5
October	4	2	0	2	8	9
November	4	2	1	1	13	10
December	1	0	0	1	0	5
January	2	0	0	2	2	6
February	2	1	1	0	7	6
March	1	0	0	1	0	5
April	1	0	0	1	0	4

 

Top Scorers

	League	Cup	Total
Jack Neal	7	1	8
Jordan David	5	0	5
Martin Sargent	4	1	5
Billy Luetchford	3	0	3
Harry Rushworth	1	2	3
Sam Fitsgearald	2	0	2
Joe Head	2	0	2

Player Watch - Lewis Kupperblatt

With the end of the League season upon us, we caught up with Captain Lewis Kupperblatt to get his take on another successful year for the Academy.

It has been another promising year for Farnborough domestically, staying in the title race right up until the New Year, what is the overriding feeling amongst the players as the season draws to a close?

We’re all positive about what we have managed to achieve this campaign, obviously we would have loved the chance to win some silverware but our inconsistency at the start of this Year has been our main downfall.

How has the influx of several first year under 18’s benefited the team this season?

The new players bedded into the squad really well and you could see straight away that each player would make some sort of impact this season, whether it be through scoring goals or creating chances, we’ve had a really good balance to the side.

On a personal level, as Captain of the side how do you feel you have developed as a player this campaign?

To captain the side has been a great honour, I would have like to have scored a few more but I think playing with so many other good players has been a massive bonus. The Manager has helped me a lot in my progression working on specific aspects of my game, so in that respect I owe a lot to him.

The final match of the season is away to a Bromley side who have hit top form since the turn of the year, winning six league matches in a row. Is there an extra incentive to end the winning streak and gain revenge after the League Cup defeat earlier in the campaign?

I think so, we want to finish the season as strongly as we can and cement our fifth position. It’s going to be a tough match but we’ve played them twice already this term so we know what they’re about.

Finally, you have been here since the Academy was introduced two years ago, how would you regard its progression since then?

It’s definitely been a great introduction to the school and its approach to Sport. It has come on leaps and bounds since it began and as long as the management team remains the same, the Academy will only keep progressing in the future.  

Sevenoaks thrash beleaguered Farnborough

The Academy’s defensive vulnerabilities were evident once again as they suffered a damaging 5-0 defeat to Sevenoaks Town at Kemnal Technology College.

With several absentees, Farnborough were unable to build on last Sunday’s victory at Phoenix and consequently slipped back below Sevenoaks into fourth place in the Kent Youth Central division table. A distinct lack of composure in front of goal played a big part in what turned out to be one of the most disappointing performances of the season so far, as chances were not taken giving the visitors ample opportunity to reverse their defeat to Farnborough earlier in the campaign.

The inconsistent start to 2012 ended the Academy’s title chances and the inability to capitalise on the win at Phoenix is one of the main concerns for Farnborough boss Richard Percy. After a positive start from the home side, Sevenoaks took control scoring against the run of play. This proved to be the Academy’s downfall as they never really recovered from the early setback, but the 5-0 score line did seem a little harsh on reflection.

Elsewhere, a comprehensive 5-2 victory for leaders Bridon Ropes extended their lead at the top to four points and Bromley continued their surge up the league table claiming their fourth win in a row beating Tunbridge Wells 3-2.

Farnborough will be looking to bounce back from their heavy defeat and finish the season in a positive manner when they make the trip to in form Bromley for their final league fixture of the year. However, the Academy will have to wait until early April as they enter a month’s layoff from league action before making the trip to Hayes Lane.

Academy claim first win of the New Year

Following three winless games to start 2012, Farnborough picked up a hard fought three points at bottom side Phoenix Sports on Sunday and subsequently climbed up into the top three of the Kent Central division table.

Despite being at the foot of the table, the hosts proved to be stubborn opponents and will be left wondering how they didn’t take at least a point. But overall, Manager Richard Percy was said to be delighted at the Academy’s first victory of the New Year. Martin Sargent grabbed his third goal in three matches to give Farnborough the breakthrough and Sam Fitsgearald’s decisive second sealed a much needed win for the visitors.

The victory lifts the Academy into third above Sevenoaks Town, who fell to a 3-1 defeat to an in form Bromley side at Hayes Lane. Farnborough meet Sevenoaks next week, before entering an untimely month’s layoff from league action.

The Academy’s final match of the season is away to Bromley. Farnborough will be looking to avenge the two previous league and cup defeats they have suffered at the hands of Bromley, leaving them with plenty to play for before the end of the season.     

Goals galore as Farnborough draw with West Wickham

The action packed, goal fests just keep on coming as for the second time this season Farnborough score four or more goals but have to settle for a point, this time against a resilient West Wickham side.

Both teams went into match without a win in 2012 but produced, arguably the game of season in the Kent Youth League. However Academy boss Richard Percy will be left wondering how his side didn’t claim all three points and close the gap on the teams above them. Defender Joe Head opened the scoring for the visitors after a promising start, before West Wickham hit back midway through the first half. Martin Sargent scored his 4^th goal of the season and Tom Rush claimed his first to add to an incident packed half.

The Academy came under siege during the second half and were powerless to resist the hosts’ relentless pressure. Despite the onslaught, Farnborough created some good chances of their own and were rewarded when Harry Rushworth finished off a slick passing move. Jack Burkett completed the scoring for the visitors, but the final 5-5 score line leaves a bitter aftertaste as once again defensive vulnerabilities were the main contribution to the Academy’s downfall.

The draw leaves the Academy fourth in the table and without a win in their last six league matches. The turn of the year hasn’t quite panned out the way Farnborough would have wanted it to, as the title is now beyond them. With three league games to go attention will turn to how the calendar year will end not how it has started.

Cold snap freezes out league fixtures

The sub-zero degree temperatures are threatening to cause havoc on the remainder of the Kent youth league season.

This weekend’s three fixtures in the Kent Central Division are all expected to be postponed which could ultimately extend the season beyond the original final round of fixtures on the 15^th of April. Farnborough have four games remaining, but may avoid the wintry conditions as their next fixture is not until the weekend after next when they travel to seventh placed West Wickham.

The Academy finish the month with a trip to bottom of the table Phoenix Sports, before home and away games to Sevenoaks Town and Bromley FC respectively. However, with the likes of Bromley and Cray Valley still having nine matches to play each, the season looks more than likely to extend well into late April, early May.

Despite the expected delays, there are still many issues to be resolved as up to five teams still have a realistic chance of clinching the league title. Leaders Bridon Ropes travel to Cray Valley looking to open up a four point gap at the top; Tonbridge Angels, fresh off their excellent 5-1 win at Sevenoaks, travel to neighbours Tunbridge Wells, who despite being fifth can still catch the leaders.

Back-to-back defeats end title hopes

Following last Sunday’s defeat to Cray Valley, Farnborough went into their rearranged fixture with Bromley FC knowing that only a win would keep alive any serious title chances. Unfortunately, the Academy were unable to put behind them last Weekend’s loss and, subsequently, fell to their sixth defeat of a fading league campaign.

After a positive start the Academy couldn’t make a telling breakthrough and would later rue missed opportunities, as their capitalizing visitors pounced to snatch all three points to complete a league and cup double over their hosts. Jordan David’s fifth league goal of the season and Martin Sargent’s well executed finish were not enough as Bromley scored four to earn themselves a second league victory.

Despite the result, Farnborough remain fourth but are now nine points behind leaders Bridon Ropes, who beat Tunbridge Wells to retain their one point advantage. Tonbridge Angels’ surprising 5-1 victory over third placed Sevenoaks Town keeps them firmly on the heels of the leaders with four matches remaining.

Farnborough now embark on a three week layoff before travelling to seventh placed West Wickham looking to get back on track and finish the season strongly.     

Defeat leaves title hopes hanging by a thread

The Academy’s hopes of claiming a first league title were dealt a major blow on Sunday as they fell to a 2-0 home defeat to Cray Valley.

In an uncharacteristically, lacklustre display two goals in either half were enough for the visitors to restore some pride after suffering a 5-1 defeat to Farnborough earlier in the campaign. The defeat leaves the Academy six points adrift of leaders Bridon Ropes and with just five league games to go, any serious title hopes are slowly diminishing.

To cap off a frustrating day, influential midfielder Lewis Kupperblatt is likely to miss the rest of the season after picking up a serious leg injury after falling awkwardly. He is expected to miss the Academy’s push for Bromley Cup success and is unlikely to be involved in the clubs pursuit of retaining the under 19s Kent Cup.

Sevenoaks Town’s victory over bottom of the table Phoenix has moved them to within three points of the leaders and with Tonbridge Angels losing to neighbours Tonbridge Wells, it looks to be a three horse race for the title with Bridon a point clear.

Farnborough remain fourth, three points behind third placed Sevenoaks and face another tough test next week as they entertain Bromley FC, two weeks after the initial postponement. Despite the slender hopes of a league championship, there is still plenty to play for and with cup places up for grabs every member of the squad will need to perform.

Pitch side perspective - Manager Richard Percy on the Year ahead

After an impressive 2011, I caught up with Manager Richard Percy to discuss his hopes and expectations for the year ahead.

Are there any specific targets or objectives for the Year ahead?

There are a few targets that I have set the lads for the remainder of the season; the first is to achieve 14 points from our remaining six league games. I will be very impressed with that result no matter where we finish in the table.

Away from the Kent league, my second target is to reach the final of the under 19s Kent cup, we won the Kent Cup last season and to reach the final again would be an excellent achievement.

Another competition we would like to achieve something in is the Bromley cup. I feel, with the squad that we have, we should be looking to win the competition.

With our links to the Farnborough first team, I would love to see maybe six players represent the first team by the end of the season.

Looking towards next year, I would like to continue to build for next year’s academy hoping to have eight players from the current Year 11 sign, along with 5-8 externals come on board.

How do you feel the team has developed over the last year or so?

There has been some great improvement in individuals over the last sixth months some faster than others but I am delighted at how the boys are playing for each other at the moment and, if it continues, who knows we could be league and cup champions if they stay strong and believe.

As you well know belief is a key part of success in Football, but has there been any specific high and low points of 2011?

Lowest points were the defeat away to Valance in the 2010/2011 season and also both Bridon defeats at the end of last year.

The highest points would be the win over Tunbridge Wells this season and an outstanding display of football away to Tonbridge Angels in the 4-4 draw. Also winning the Kent cup last season has to rank highly in our successes of last year.

Since the Academy’s launch in 2010 how successful do you feel it has been on the school and on the progression of the players?

I am very proud of all my players and I am happy with many players progression. I must give Billy, Joe and George individual mentions as they have represented Kent both schools and Sundays and George has turned into a terrific keeper in such a short space of time.

I have learnt a lot over the last season and a half and I feel the Academy will go from strength to strength becoming a big part in the School and the Football Club in years to come. Yes we want silverware but it’s very important to me that the boys leave with a greater knowledge of the game also leaving the school with academic rewards.

Delayed start to new year for the Academy

The Academy had to wait to play their first fixture of 2012 as the freezing cold conditions caused their match with Bromley FC to be postponed.

With temperatures barely reaching above freezing, the groundstaff at Bromley’s home ground of Hayes Lane were given no choice but to postpone the match.

After a promising 2011, Farnborough had been looking to hit the ground running straight away and close the gap on leaders Bridon Ropes, but the postponement means that the Academy will have to wait until next Sunday when they face Cray Valley at Kemnal Technology College.

The visitors are currently seventh in the table and will be looking to extract revenge following the Academy’s 5-1 demolition of them back in November. Despite their lowly league position, Cray Valley have only played six games so far this season and have four games in hand over Farnborough.