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.

Academy prepare for tough New Year start

A successful 2011 drew to a close with a slightly dissapointing end to Farnborough's five match unbeaten run. Two defeats at the hands of title contenders Bridon Ropes, halted the Academy's progress towards the top of the table, however the New Year still presents the eye-opening chance of claiming a first league title, as they remain fully engrossed in a title battle which could go down to the wire.

Despite the below-par end to 2011, the Academy begin 2012 with renewed optimism and with plenty to play for domestically. Farnborough begin the New Year with a tough trip to 7th placed Bromley FC, the Academy were unfortunate to be knocked out of One5nine challenge cup to the same opposition on their last visit to Hayes Lane, but will be fully aware that if they can cut out the mistakes they will have every chance of claiming the points.

The two consecutive cup finals were the highlight of last years successes, the New Year promises much and with a string of positive results this year could turn out to be an even better one.