Whitstable's U15 KYL team march on with another victory

Whitstable made it five wins from their last five league games as they moved back to top spot in the table leapfrogging Folkestone following their win earlier in the day. It was another strong performance across the pitch from Whitstable which saw the team win 3-0 with goals from Alfie Hill (his first for the team after joining in January), captain Archie Rumball from the spot and substitute Alfie Mantle in the dying seconds of the game. In gusty conditions and in a sometimes ill-tempered but competitive game, the U15s once again showed their steely resistance at the back meaning they have only conceded 8 goals in the league so far this season.

Town made a strong start to the first half creating a number of openings courtesy of some great crosses, passes and corners but they couldn’t quite get the vital final touch to justify their endeavours. Jake Salisbury led the line up front very well again holding up play, winning free kicks and some great interplay with Dylan Richards who was making good runs up the wing. Sonny Hemmings also made his presence felt with great foot work, effort and skills in the opposition’s half.

Whistable had a number of corners in the first half and one was met by the head of Alfie Hill but his effort crashed against the cross bar and was then cleared. Sittingbourne competed well in the game throughout and have a number of skillful players who can pass the ball well. In fact, Whistable’s keeper Stan Allom was forced into a smart save at his near post during the first half from one attack by the visitors although he was largely unoccupied apart from that. Will Knoupe playing at left back was also kept busy and made some vital interceptions and passes down the flanks. Equally impressive was Leo Cornhill at right back who defended well and turned defence into attack on a number of occasions to keep Whitstable on the front foot.

The game got a bit tetchy midway through the first half as a Sittingbourne player was booked and then sin-binned with another couple of players also having to be spoken to by the referee as things threatened to get out of hand. This took some of the momentum out of the game and both teams took a little while to refocus and get back into the game.

However, Whitstable pressed on and got their reward when, from yet another corner, Hill rose highest again and this time put his header firmly into the back of the net in the 36th minute. With only a few minutes of the first half remaining Whitstable stood firm and went in 1-0 up at the break.

The second half started with Sittingbourne on the front foot and they quickly created some very good chances. Goalkeeper Allom was a match for them however and he made a number of solid saves. Alfie Hill was also called into action - but this time in defence as he cleared just as Sittingbourne’s strikers were bearing down on goal in the opening few minutes of the half. The midfield had to be alert and resolute too and Harrison Wade continued his good form with another strong performance in the middle of the park.

Callum Groom and Alex Brownett were introduced for the second half and then, later in that period, Mantle and Joshua Thomas-Wright came into the fray as much needed reinforcements.

The changes started to make a positive difference as the second half wore on and as Thomas-Wright tore down the right wing in the 64th minute he was sandwiched by two Sittingbourne players and then bundled to the floor in the box leading to a penalty kick. Captain Archie Rumball stepped up and made it 2-0 from the spot marking his 15th goal of the season. Minutes later, Thomas-Wright made an almost replica run and ended up again on the turf inside the box after a Sittingbourne challenge but this time no penalty was awarded.

Sittingbourne kept up their competitive spirit despite being two goals down and Town’s backline - particularly centre backs Oliver Bunn and Will Derby who were ever present throughout the game - had to deal with a number of long balls, crosses and runs from Sittingbourne’s pacey strikers in order to keep their clean sheet intact. It was a very solid defensive performance all round from the team with substitute Groom also needing to intervene on a number of occasions to make clearances and tackles at the back.

As the game entered its final minutes Brownett broke down the left channel taking it past a couple of Sittingbourne players and then drilling in a low cross just in front of the goal for Mantle to finish. It was virtually the last kick of the game and meant another victory and excellent performance from the under 15s as it ended 3-0.

Team:
Allom
Bunn
Cornhill
Derby
Hemmings
Hill
Knoupe
Richards
Rumball (c)
Salisbury
Wade
Subs:
Brownett
Groom
Mantle
Thomas-Wright

Coaches:
Adam Knoupe
Steve Rumball
Michael Groom