24/09/11 - Faversham 7 (SEVEN) Kings Alleyn 0 - After a great start to their league campaign last week, Faversham took all the points with a 7-0 victory over Kings Alleyn. With six goals coming in the first half, the home side were able to cruise to victory. Bev Warrener and Lisa Chapman both scored twice, whilst Clare Smithson and Rachel Griffiths both also opened their accounts for the season. Nikki Maple added another to her tally after scoring last week in the 1-1 draw away at Cliftonville.
The match also marked the appearance of no less than 3 mothers and daughters playing together - could this be a league first for the pairings of Bev Warrener & Chloe Prater, Karen & Olivia Page and Sara "Caribean Queen" Griffiths with daughter Rachel?
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19/03/11 - Faversham 2 Herne Bay 2 - Another meeting between these two local rivals promised much after last week's 8 goal thriller and it didn't disappoint as Faversham managed to come away with a share of the spoils in another exciting encounter.
With the visitors pushing for promotion they were desperate for victory, but again it was Faversham who struck first, when Nikki Maple bundled in at the far post after strong play in the circle from Lisa Chapman. Herne Bay fought back and blasted in from a short corner. Faversham went ahead again before half time when Rachel Griffiths hit a speculative shot from the edge of the circle, which crept in at the far corner for her first of the season.
The visitors came out all guns blazing for the second half and soon drew level to set up a blistering last half an hour. Faversham defended for their lives but still caused problems on the break. Herne Bay thought they had won it with the 'keeper beaten and an open goal, only to be thwarted on the line by Alison Sheather with a fine block and clearance to safety.
A great effort by the whole Faversham team and a deserved point to finish a creditable 6th in the league.
12/03/11 - Herne Bay 5 Faversham 3 - A real humdinger of a local derby eventually saw Herne Bay take the points, but Faversham gave them a real battle and almost caused an upset with a valiant performance. The visitors shocked the home side by taking an early lead when skipper Clare Smithson got a touch to Karen Page's long through ball. Herne Bay then equalised but Faversham led again when Page scored from a short corner. A purple patch from the home team saw them score two quick goals to take a 3-2 lead at half time.
The second half was equally as entertaining as Faversham drew level with Smithson netting her second following good work from Alison Sheather and Lisa Chapman. Both sides then had chances to take the lead and Faversham 'keeper Sue Isles made a fantastic diving save to keep Herne Bay out, but was then cruelly beaten by a speculative shot which looped high into the net. A final goal for the home side from the last corner of the game in added time sealed the win and made the scoreline unrepresentative of the tightness of the match overall.
05/03/11 - Cliftonville 1 Faversham 1 - An excellent second half performance saw Faversham come from a goal down to take a point in a hard fought encounter at the Jackie Baker ground. The home team started better without creating too many clear cut chances, but took the lead from a short corner. Faversham created a number of chances which they could not convert until Clare Smithson popped up on the end of Karen Page's short corner strike and forced the ball in for a well deserved draw.
26/02/11 - Faversham 2 Dartford 2nds 2 - After a few weeks without a game, Faversham were only able to field 10 players for this encounter with the league's 2nd placed team, but were delighted to welcome back 'keeper Lyn Kent for a special guest appearance. Despite being under pressure from the off, the home side managed to reach half time without conceding, defending doggedly as a team.
With forays into the opposition half a rare occurance, Faversham were delighted to take the lead early in the second half when they were awarded a short corner. Karen Page struck the ball goalwards and Clare Smithson managed to get a touch on the post to deflect it past the 'keeper. Dartford fought back and the scores were soon level again and, controversially, the visitors then took the lead when they were allowed to proceed with an incorrectly taken free hit. Unable to score a 3rd from their constant presurre, Dartford then conceded a short corner in the dying moments of the match. Page 'dummied' to strike and Lisa Chapman let rip with a fierce strike which hit an opposition defender and looped gloriously into the net to secure an excellent point for Faversham.
22/01/11 - Faversham 5 Dartford 3rds 0 - A celebrity tweet and a Bev Warrener hat-trick inspired Faversham to their biggest win of the season so far and keeps them in 4th place in the league table. The morning started well when none other than Dame Kelly Holmes responded to a request for a good luck wish on Twitter with the following: "Good luck to all at the ladies at Faversham Hockey Club today ps your never to old!! :-)" Spurred on by the good wishes, Faversham proceeded to dominate the game from the start and continued their scoring spree with goals from Clare Smithson, Lisa Chapman and a blistering hat-trick from Bev Warrener. The score could have been higher with Nikki Maple rampant down the right wing and Karen Page desperate to add to her short corner tally, but thwarted by some last ditch defending and good goalkeeping. A special mention also to Sue Isles, in goal for Faversham, who kept her first clean sheet for the club.
15/01/11 - Faversham 4 Gravesend 1 - A brace each for Nikki Maple and Lisa Chapman saw Faversham to their first victory of 2011. The home side were a bit slow out of the blocks and went a goal down early in the first half. This seemed to stir them into action and Maple soon rifled in an equaliser for her first of the season. Gravesend were then denied the lead when Faversham 'keeper Vicky Sieben made a magnificient diving, twisting save to keep the score level at a crucial time. Spurred on by the save, Faversham really sprang into life with Chapman bagging two sharply taken goals and Maple sealing the win with her second near the end.
08/01/11 - Holcombe 0 Faversham 0 - A magnificent rearguard action saw Faversham come a way with a deserved point away at Holcombe. Only able to field 10 players and a rookie 'keeper meant Faversham were on the back foot for the majority of the match, but battled resolutely to deny the home side the victory they would have hoped for. Nikki 'Nutmeg' Maple bravely donned the goalkeeping kit and put in an impressive performance, saving confidently when called upon. The rest of the outfield players defended as one from front to back and were delighted to come away with a moral victory and some confidence for the remainder of the season.
20/11/10 - Faversham 1 Cliftonville 5 - Faversham continued their poor run with another defeat, this time at home to Cliftonville. Unable to field a full 11, the home side fought well in an evenly matched first half and were unlucky to go in to the break 2-0 down, having enjoyed some good possession and goal scoring opportunities. The visitors started the second half strongly and were able to extend their lead before Karen Page rifled in another perfectly executed short corner to give Faversham a glimmer of hope. Tiredness ultimately led to a couple of late Cliftonville goals to make the scoreline more flattering.
13/11/10 - Dartford 3 Faversham 1 - Faversham travelled to Dartford on Saturday hoping to re-discover their winning form after last week’s defeat. They started well and took the lead with another well executed short corner, resulting in Karen Page angling a fine shot into the corner. Controversy was to follow as Dartford were awarded an equaliser when the Faversham back line was convinced no contact had been made with the ball inside the circle. The second half saw some prolonged pressure from the home side rewarded with a second goal, but Faversham continued to fight hard and enjoyed some good possession without really troubling the Dartford ‘keeper. The game was wrapped up as the home side netted a third and Faversham were unable to find a response.
06/11/10 - Faversham 0 Kings Alleyns 1 - A depleted Kings Alleyns put in a magnificent performance to maintain their position at the top of the league. After taking an early lead they battled hard and defended stoutly to deny a spirited Faversham who were just unable to take their chances on this occasion. Some good saves from Sue Isles in goal kept Faversham within striking distance but the visitors kept them at bay in an entertaining match. Chloe Prater also performed well on her Faversham debut, taking the Faversham mother/daughter count to three!
30/10/10 - Faversham 3 Holcombe 0 - Faversham had to wait a long time to play their second game of the season, but it was worth it as they ran out comfortable winners against Holcombe. First half goals from Bev Warrener and Karen Page gave the home side a great start and another in the second half from Clare Smithson was enough to secure the points. A promising debut from Olivia Page will give Faversham an extra boost going in to a top of the table clash with Kings Alleyns next weekend.
25/09/10 - Gravesend 0 Faversham 4 - Faversham began their season as they finished the last one with a comfortable victory over Gravesend, but the more amazing statistic is that they achieved it with only 9 players! Three first half goals from globetrotters Bev Warrener and skipper Clare Smithson (2), also making her return after knee surgery, put Faversham in an unbelievable position by half time. The margin of victory could have been greater but for a fine performance from the home 'keeper.
The Faversham defence was less troubled, resisting all Gravesend attacks in defiant style. With further gaps appearing in the Gravesend back line, Lisa Chapman scored the fourth goal a minute from time to seal a great victory.
Faversham will begin their new league campaign in Division 6 on Saturday 25th September at Gravesend.
27/03/10 - Gravesend 0 Faversham 4 - Faversham finished their season on a high with a comfortable victory over bottom club Gravesend. Although they began the match a little sluggishly they led at half time by a Lisa Chapman goal. Bev Warrener also struck a post. The second half saw more desire from the visitors and the goals duly followed with Clare Smithson nudging Chapman's shot over the line and Karen Page blasting in another trademark short corner. Smithson had what looked like a legitimate goal ruled out but managed to squeeze in another before the end. It is likely that Faversham will now be relegated along with Gravesend to Division 6.
The team would also like to extend their best wishes to skipper Clare Smithson who is now off to have knee surgery and also to loyal servants Linda Macklin and Susie Keeling who have officially retired from the game. Linda is Faversham's longest serving player, having played for the club for over 35 (yes, THIRTY-FIVE) years!
20/03/10 - Faversham 1 New Beccs 3 - Faversham will consider themselves very unlucky not to take anything from this game after a promising first half saw them leading at half time. They were very unfortunate not to have a 2 goal advantage at the break after Lisa Chapmans rasping shot from a short corner was deemed to be too high as it hit an opposition stick and deflected in. However, Faversham stuck to their task well and were rewarded with a goal when Clare Smithson smuggled in her 10th of the season. The home team looked good for their lead and with Sara Griffiths in fine form at the back, the visitors were finding it hard to break through. Early in the second half, right back Susie Keeling suffered a nasty blow to the chin, delaying the game for several minutes and from the resulting short corner, New Beccs managed to force the ball home and get themselves back in the match. This seemed to give them more purpose and confidence and another goal duly followed. Faversham still created chances to draw level with Nikki Pearson just unable to get a touch on Lisa Chapman's through ball. As tiredness and injuries gradually took their toll, the visitors sealed their win.
27/02/10 - Faversham 2 Remnants 4 - Faversham continued their improved form, giving league leaders Remnants a few scares before losing an entertaining match. The home team probably afforded Remnants a little too much respect in the early stages conceding a couple of goals before the break and not being able to convert their own opportunities. At 3-0 down just after the break, Lisa Chapman pulled one back and Faversham were getting more possession and passing the ball more fluently. The visitors then managed to slot in a fourth but Faversham hit back with a sublime short corner strike from Karen Page. The gap was unfortunately always just to big to bridge but a fine performance nonetheless.
20/02/10 - Anchorians 1 Faversham 3 - With last weeks home game postponed because of snow, Faversham again went on their travels hoping for their first away points of the season and indeed first points of 2010! An excellent all round performance saw their wishes granted as they ran out 3-1 winners over high flying Anchorians. The visitors started well and were rewarded when Clare Smithson's persistence paid off setting up Rachel Griffiths for her first ever Faversham goal. The home team hit back with a deflected shot from a short corner, but Faversham then won a corner themselves and Karen Page made no mistake with a fierce strike to give Faversham a half time advantage. The visitors knew that Anchorians would come at them in the second half but defended doggedly allowing few clear cut chances and then playing well on the break. Good work from Linda Macklin and Sheila Enfield then set up Lisa Chapman for her 10th of the season and some breathing space for Faversham as they fought hard to see out the remainder of the match and take all three points in a confidence boosting victory.
06/02/10 - Edenbridge 3 Faversham 1 - Faversham travelled to the league leaders hoping to pick up their first away points of the season and played well to restrict the home side to only a one goal advantage at half time. They were dealt a blow right at the start of the second half when the Edenbridge stole in to score a second. Faversham showed great spirit and determination and pulled one back through Lisa Chapman, who latched onto a pass from Clare Smithson and tucked it away well. This shook up the match with both teams eager to grab the next goal and despite some dogged defence and great goalkeeping from Sue Isles, the hoem side managed a third goal to seal victory.
30/01/10 - Blackheath 2 Faversham 1 - Another improved performance saw Faversham unlucky to go down at Blackheath. Having two well struck corners cleared off the goal line, the visitors then went two goals down but fought to the end with Lisa Chapman netting a late consolation after good set up play from Alison Sheather and Clare Smithson.
23/01/10 - Faversham 0 BromBeccs 3 - Faversham succumbed to their second defeat of 2010 but can be pleased with a much improved performance and a final scoreline which belied the closeness of the game. Only one goal separated the two teams for much of the match with the home team having much more possession than in their first meeting. Unfortunately for Faversham the visitors were clinical in their finishing and claimed all three points when it looked like a draw may be the fairest result.
05/12/09 - Faversham 9 Gravesend 0 - After a run of heavy defeats and struggling to field a full team each week, Faversham were thrilled to be able to host Gravesend with 13 players available and what a difference it made! As the goals started to flow, so did the team's confidence with everyone contributing to a fantastic win. The prolific pairing of Clare Smithson and Lisa Chapman both netted hat tricks, Karen Page scored from a perfectly directed short corner strike and Jenny Howe struck her first for the club. Faversham were also delighted to welcome back Nicky Pearson to the fold after a lengthy absence. The goal tally could have reached double figures with Sheila Enfield striking a post and Bev Warrener firing narrowly wide, as well as some good saves from the visiting 'keeper.
Faversham will now hope to take their renewed confidence into their match at Tunbridge Wells on Saturday before congregating for some Christmas cheer in the evening!
10/10/09 - Faversham 1 Blackheath 4 - With only 10 players available, Faversham were always destined to struggle against a strong Blackheath side who had the luxury of several substitutes. However, the home team battled bravely in an entertaining and well fought match, but were undone by some clever short corners and overall dominance of the visitors. They did manage a well worked goal, finished in style by Lisa Chapman. With no game next week, Faversham will hope to be able to be at full strength for their next fixture at home on the 24th.
03/10/09 - BromBecc 4 Faversham 1 - A second half onslaught broke Faversham's resistance as they conceded 3 goals to suffer defeat at the hands of a strong BromBecc forward line. The visitors went behind in the first half but fought back when Clare Smithson equalised after good work from Rachel Griffiths. But for a strong display by the home 'keeper, Faversham could have gone into the break in the lead, but were thwarted by some fine saves after good spell of pressure.
26/09/09 - Faversham 6 Meopham 0- Following relegation at the end of last season to Division 5, Faversham were keen to start their new league campaign with a win and did not disappoint the capacity crowd watching from the sidelines with their biggest win for almost 3 years. In weather more suited to sunbathing than hockey, Faversham took advantage of a Meopham team only able to field 10 players and were 3-0 up by half time. With skipper Clare Smithson bouncing back to scoring form, the tireless running of Bev Warrener and Rachel Griffiths and the intelligent movement of Sheila Enfield, the home side ran riot for most of the game and could well have hit double figures, but for a superb goalkeeping display from the visiting 'keeper. Smithson ended with four goals with Lisa Chapman and Karen Page chipping in the other two from well struck efforts from short corners. Faversham were also pleased to welcome back Liz Mears and debutante Jenny Howe - both also going very close to adding to the Faversham tally.
21/02/09 - Gravesend 1 Faversham 4 - After another 3 week gap between fixtures, Faversham pulled another sterling performance out of the bag to beat struggling Gravesend with only 10 players. All the goals came in a pulsating first half as the visitors started in determined fashion taking an early lead through Lisa Chapman after good link up play with Clare Smithson. Faversham were pegged back when an unfortunate deflection allowed the home team to steal an unlikely equaliser. Undeterred, Faversham pushed forward at every opportunity with Rachel Griffiths working tirelessly to pick up the loose balls and it was her deft pass that set Smithson on her way again to feed Chapman for her second. The third goal was a superb solo effort from Bev Warrener, picking the ball up close to the half way line, she drove all the way into the circle and fired a real humdinger into the corner. Faversham then added a fourth as Alison Sheather, pushing forward from midfield at every opportunity, ran strongly into the D and shot for goal only to see it parried by the 'keeper, luckily for Faversham, Chapman was on hand to pounce on the rebound for her hat-trick. Faversham thought they had scored a fifth before the break as Sheather slipped the ball to Smithson to fire in, but the whistle had already gone for a defensive infringement and Faversham had to make do with a short corner.
The second half was less of a spectacle as both teams tired and a couple of Faversham players were carrying injuries. The home team almost got back to 4-2 but were denied by a brilliant stop from Lyn Kent. The makeshift Faversham defense held out well against a more determined Gravesend. Sheila Enfiled filled in impressively at right back and Sue Stevenson covered very well at left half. With Linda Macklin solid as ever on the right of midfield and Sara Griffiths defending bravely, despite struggling with a calf injury for much of the half, Gravesend looked unlikely to add to their tally, despite a string of short corners.
All in all an excellent team performance from Faversham who now face Sevenoaks at home on Saturday.
31/01/09 - Maidstone 2 Faversham 4 - In only their second full game since the victory against Blackheath back in December, Faversham added another 3 points to their league tally with an impressive win at Maidstone. Despite a 9-0 drubbing in their previous fixture against Gore Court, the visitors showed confidence from the start and dominated possession. They were duly rewarded when a well worked short corner allowed Clare Smithson to grab her first of the season. They held the lead to the break and began the second half searching for more goals to cement a much needed victory. The goals came thick and fast with Smithson finishing well at every opportunity and benefitting from excellent support from the other forwards - Bev Warrener, Sue Stevenson and Lisa Chapman all chipping in with assists.
Faversham defended well and were unlucky to concede a couple of dubious late goals, thoroughly deserving the win.
06/12/08 - Faversham 1 Blackheath 0 - Having been forced to concede last weeks game due to a lack of available players, Faversham turned up to meet the league leaders with only 10. Fortune this time was on their side and the visitors were only able to field 9. This made for an open and very entertaining match with action at both ends of the pitch. The extra space in which to play suited Faversham the best and they were able to play successful counter attacking hockey. They took the lead before the break when Rachel Griffiths squared the ball to Karen Page who thundered her shot goalwards. Bev Warrener was lurking on the goal line and claimed a touch to ensure the goal - one for the dubious goals committee to sort out!
The second half produced chances for both teams but neither were able to convert and despite some nervous final moments defending a succession of short corners, Faversham ran out worthy winners to secure their second win of the season. A fine performance from the whole team who put every ounce of energy into this impressive win over high flying opponents.
22/11/08 - Ashford 3 Faversham 0 - In a hard fought local derby, Faversham were unable to take anything from the game, despite an improved performance, especially in the first half. Ashford sneaked an early goal which put the visitors on the back foot, but they fought back and almost equalised when Alison Sheather's long ball in rebounded off the post and the Ashford defence managed to smuggle the rebound away to safety. The post again proved decisive in the match when at the other end a fierce ball from outside the area flicked off the stick of defender Karen Page onto the post, with the rebound this time falling kindly to the Ashford attack, who were delighted to score their second. They rounded it off with a fine strike from the edge of the D to take the points and leave Faversham struggling near the bottom of the league.
15/11/08 - Sevenoaks 7 Faversham 0 - Faversham suffered their heaviest defeat away at Sevenoaks. Unfortunately they had no answer to the crisp passing and fast pace of the Sevenoaks attack, who bagged 3 goals in the first half and another 4 in the second. The visitors were however pleased to welcome back Liz Mears from maternity leave who stepped bravely into the breach to ensure Faversham could start the game with the requisite number of players!
8/11/08 - Update on the 2008/9 season so far......Faversham were unable to field a team for their first fixture against Blackheath and were forced to concede. Their first game of the season was therefore against Gore Court. They started brightly, taking the lead with a fierce shot from Lisa Chapman which broke the ball!!! They were unfortunate to lose Jo Parsons with a back injury and had to play out the match with only 10 players. The heat and lack of match fitness was telling and the visitors fought back for a 2-1 win.
Next up for Faversham was a visit from Maidstone and in a close fought encounter, the home side notched their first win on their new home ground with a 2-1 victory. Goals from Lisa Chapman and Bev Warrener put Faversham ahead and they held on despite a late effort from the visitors.
Holcombe were next to visit and a depleted Faversham went down 4-0 in spite of some heroic defence and goalkeeping from Lyn Kent.
In their most recent fixture, Faversham were once again at home to Gravesend. Neither side could break the deadlock and an entertaining game ended in a 0-0 stalemate.
Faversham now go on their travels for the first time this season when they meet Sevenoaks on Saturday.