U15s Kent Youth League side up to third following win at Faversham

Whistable Under 15s bounced back to victory in the Kent youth league with a result that saw them climb to third in the table. After last week's narrow defeat to Danson in the cup at the Belmont, Whitstable made sure they stuck away their chances this time coming away 4 nil winners at Faversham.

It was the first really cold game of the season with a whole swathe of the pitch covered in fallen leaves from the large trees surrounding the pitch. But the weather and conditions didn't stop Whitstable from flying out of the traps, creating chances and playing some free flowing football.

Whistable had already played Faversham at home back in October in a frustrating game that finished one a piece despite the under 15s dominating the game and creating a number of good chances.

This time though there was no such profligacy with goals at The Abbey school coming from Sonny Hemmings, captain Archie Rumball and a brace from Dylan Richards.

The back line of Alfie Mantle, Will Knoupe, Fin Turner and Olly Bunn were resolute throughout the game but they had to be on their toes to deal with Faversham's lively striker Charlie Hudson who did his best to create chances. Hudson managed to work his way into a good position in the first half on a couple of occasions but the defence did enough to put him off his stride.

Faversham had their keeper Reece Beazeleigh to thank for keeping them in the game as he made a number of superb saves including one when he had to come out and block Hemmings' shot when Whitstable's striker was set to score. Beazeleigh had been a thorn in Whitstable's side in the last game as his heroics kept Faversham in it and allowed them to snatch a draw at the death.

But he couldn't keep the Under 15s at bay for much longer in this game and Dylan Richards opened his league account with a goal in the 12th minute.

Wary of what had happened in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, Whitstable kept the pressure on and were rewarded in the 28th minute when Sonny Hemings, one of four new signings this season, added a second with a delightful lob over the keeper.

Town kept on creating and midfielders Will Derby, Archie Rumball and Alex Brownett gave assured performances winning tackles, tracking and chasing and playing balls through for the attacking players to chase. Jake Salisbury, who seems to have taken to his new and more direct role at the top of the pitch over the last couple of games, paired nicely with Richards, particularly in the first half causing Faversham's back line no end of trouble.

The second half saw the introduction of Leo Cornhill, Callum Groom and another recent addition to the team, Joshua Thomas-Wright. All players had a positive impact on the game with Joshua causing panic to the Faversham left back whenever he set off on a run.

Harrison Wade also came on to bolster the midfield continuing his strong comeback following a nasty injury that had him sidelined for many months.

The third goal was always coming as Whitstable continued to attack and Richards got his second goal with a fine finish ten minutes after the restart.

Goalkeeper Stanley Allom was a spectator for most of the game but was in fine voice encouraging and commanding in equal measure from the back. He was busier in the second half though and did well to put off Faversham when they did break through in a rare attack, ensuring he and the team kept their clean sheet.

It was a good natured game with referee Harry Earls not needing to resort to his cards. It made a nice change to the previous weeks' game when Whitstable played Danson who had a player sent off and Whitstable received a couple of yellow cards themselves.

Whitstable's fourth goal was added from one of ten corners in the second half and this time captain Archie Rumball rose highest to nod in his ninth league goal of the season in the 68th minute. He might have had another but the Faversham keeper made one more in a series of fine saves to deny him. That goal though still keeps Rumball as the under 15s top scorer so far this season.

Whitstable are now a point behind Herne Bay in the table and two points behind league leaders Folkestone although both Whitstable and Bay have a game in hand on them at this stage. But with both Deal and Margate looking strong, Whitstable can't afford to rest on their laurels in a league with a number of strong and competitive teams.

Next up for the under 15s is an away game at Kennington followed by games against Margate and Hastings before the end of the year.

Team:
Allom
Bunn
Brownett
Cornhill
Derby
Groom
Hemmings
Knoupe
Mantle
Richards
Rumball
Salisbury
Thomas-Wright
Turner
Wade

Coaches:
Adam Knoupe
Steve Rumball
Michael Groom