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.