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.