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FLHC NEWS - All the news and comments hot off the press |
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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. |
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| 29/03/08 Faversham 0 Bexley Invicta 0 |
In an historic final game of the season - the last match ever to be played on grass - Faversham secured the point they needed to remain in Division 4, finishing in a creditable 7th place. They dominated possession from the start but were unable to find a way past the excellent Bexley 'keeper as well as seeing two other efforts go just the wrong side of the post. There were few chances at the other end with Susie Keeling again making a fine lungeing clearance to keep out a short corner and Sara Griffiths her usual dominant self ensuring the visitors could find no way through. Sue Stevenson filled in well at left half and Rachel Griffiths put in a feisty performance on the forward line. Faversham were also pleased to welcome back new Mum Liz Mears for her first game of the season, since baby Sophie arrived on the scene. Faversham will now take a deserved summer break and try to nurse a number of injuries back to full fitness. Skipper Clare Smithson will have a knee operation on Tuesday and the team must also secure a home venue for next season, thanks to the English Hockey Association's decision that all league matches must be played on astroturf from the start of next season. In the meantime the traditionally low key (!) end of season dinner and prize giving will take place on Saturday 26th April at the Ship in Ospringe. |
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| 15/03/08 Cobdown 1 Faversham 0 |
Faversham were unable to continue their winning run away at Cobdown, with the home team taking the victory by a single goal. The margin could well have been greater, but for a hat-trick of excellent goal line clearances from right back Susie Keeling. The visitors were unable to reproduce the form they showed in the previous two games and only really threatened from corners with Karen Page going close on a couple of occasions, only to find the home 'keeper equal to the task. Supersub Rachel Griffiths almost bagged her first goal for the club, but saw her effort go just the wrong side of the post. Faversham remain 7th in the league and will hope to cement their Division 4 status with a home victory against Bexley Invicta after the Easter break. |
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| 08/03/08 Maidstone 0 Faversham 1 |
A stunning display saw Faversham chalk up their first away win in over a year, as they overcame high flying Maidstone for the second time this season. Clare Smithson continued her rich vein of scoring form with an exquisite turn and shot to give Faversham a deserved lead midway through the first half. They were unlucky not to win more comfortably with an effort from Karen Page cleared off the line and Smithson firing narrowly wide after another excellent attacking move. The home side rarely threatened and any forays towards the Faversham goal were thwarted by the composed back line of Susie Keeling and Sara Griffiths, with 'keeper Lyn Kent a spectator for much of the game, except for one crunching clearance in the second half. This was undoubtably Faversham's best performance of the season with strong running from the midfield trio of Page, Sheather and Macklin, along with some neat interplay between Sheila Enfield, Bev Warrener and Sally Scott. Nicky Pearson had another good game on the right wing, putting in some trademark fierce crosses. Good work from substitute Sue Stevenson late on ensured Faversham hung on for a crucial win, which now lifts them to 7th in the league with valuable daylight between them and the teams below. Faversham now hope to continue their revival with a trip to Cobdown on Saturday. |
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| 01/03/08 Faversham 4 Ashford 1 |
A hat-trick from skipper Clare Smithson ensured Faversham bounced back to winning ways in style with a convincing win over Ashford. They were two up by half time after Nicky Pearson converted well when Alison Sheather put over an inviting ball from a long corner. Smithson then picked up her first of the game after good work from Sheila Enfield. With a solid defensive line and Bev Warrener playing a blinder deputising at right half, the home team continued to impress in the second half and were rewarded as Smithson added two more goals to her tally. The whole team worked really hard throughout, in an excellent team performance, with valuable contributions from all areas of the pitch. The visitors did manage to pull a goal back with an excellent strike from the edge of the circle. Faversham now take on Maidstone away on Saturday. |
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| 16/2/08 Faversham 0 Blackheath 2 |
A goal in each half for the visitors was enough to condemn Faversham to another home defeat, leaving them in a perilous league position and in danger of dropping out of Division 4. With numerous players carrying injuries and a reshuffled defensive line-up, Faversham were unable to find any sort of rhythm to their play and created very few goalscoring opportunities. They were then undone at the other end, firstly by a mis-hit cross from the by-line, which flew in past surprised 'keeper Lyn Kent. Faversham reshuffled again at half time with Linda Macklin moving into her more familiar role in midfield, which helped to push the home side further forward, along with the tireless running of Bev Warrener. The killer blow came midway through the second half, when Blackheath forced the ball in after a goalmouth scramble. Faversham now have another week without a game, followed by a crucial home fixture against local friends and rivals Ashford. |
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| 2/2/08 Faversham 1 New Beccs 3 |
Despite a brave performance, Faversham were unable to contain league high fliers New Beccs, succumbing eventually to a 3-1 defeat. Both teams started well, with the visitors having the best of the early exchanges, but it was Faversham who took the lead when Sally Scott set up Lisa Chapman, who blasted an unstoppable effort past the visiting 'keeper. This only stirred New Beccs into applying more pressure on the home goal, which paid off when they profited from their numerical advantage at a short corner, forcing the ball home despite the the last ditch efforts of Susie Keeling and goalie Lyn Kent. The second half was a good battle with the visitors creating the more clear cut opportunities, ultimately leading to their second goal. Kent kept Faversham's hopes alive with an outstanding diving save and was unlucky to concede the third, when following another good stop, the ball dropped right in front of a New Beccs forward only inches from the line. Faversham now have a break until 16th February when they play host to Blackheath. |
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| 26/01/08 Holcombe 1 Faversham 1 |
Faversham continued their good start to 2008 with another well earned point away at Holcombe. Skipper Clare Smithson put the visitors ahead midway through the first half after good work from Bev Warrener. By half time the scores were level as the home team forced an equaliser. In a game of few clear cut chances both teams defended solidly and played some good hockey, but neither team could make the breakthrough to secure all three points and a draw was a fair result. Faversham now return home to host New Beccs next Saturday. |
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| 19/01/08 Wellcome 1 Faversham 1 |
Having not played for 6 weeks, Faversham were expecting a tough test away at Wellcome, especially as all their league points have so far come from home fixtures. In an entertaining and competitive match, the visitors did well to keep Wellcome at bay in the first half with some solid defence. The second half saw Faversham riding their luck at times, as the home team's finishing proved a little wayward. They did eventually force the ball in midway through the half, but Faversham struck back with Bev Warrener christening her brand new stick for her second of the season. The result could still have gone either way with chances at either end. A draw proved to be an excellent result for Faversham, who now take on Holcombe next weekend. |
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| 08/12/07 Faversham 1 Cobdown 0 |
Faversham continued their league revival with a battling victory over fellow grass team Cobdown. In increasingly difficult conditions, the home team started well winning a number of short corners. They eventually made one count when Karen Page's strike rebounded to Sue Stevenson, who managed to square it across the face of the goal for Nicky Pearson to bundle the ball in for her first of the season. The second half saw a spirited fight from Cobdown putting immense pressure on the Faversham defence on a deteriorating pitch, but they held firm with Page and Sara Griffiths making some key interceptions to safeguard another valuable three points, taking them to 5th in the league table. |
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| 01/12/07 Faversham 3 Maidstone 1 Click HERE for pictures |
Starting the match propping up the rest in Kent League Division 4, Faversham showed that there are no easy league games running out 3-1 victors against league leaders Maidstone. Guile on the grass was key in this fixture as Faversham took their chances well. They attacked from the first whistle hoping to secure an early advantage before the visitors had time to settle. Skipper Clare Smithson gave them an early lead after good interplay between Sheila Enfield and the returning Lisa Chapman. There were further chances before the break but the home team were unable to capitalise and could count themselves a little fortunate to reach half time with their lead in tact, with Maidstone having a goal disallowed and another effort spectacularly saved by Faversham 'keeper Lyn Kent, diving to her left. Maidstone attacked relentlessly in the second half but found the home defence in determined mood, with full backs Sara Griffiths and Susie Keeling making some key interceptions. The wings were also well protected by Jo Parsons and the excellent Linda Macklin. Faversham knew more goals would be needed and Sally Scott duly obliged with a perfectly executed reverse sweep, beating the 'keeper at her far post. Maidstone managed to pull a goal back but Faversham sealed the points when Smithson fired her second from the acutest of angles. |
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| 24/11/07 Ashford 3 Faversham0 |
Facing local rivals (and friends) Ashford for the first time in the league, Faversham were unable to get a foothold in the game, conceding early to a fierce strike from a short corner. The home side then converted a penalty flick to go 2-0 up at the break. Faversham battled valiantly, but spent long periods of the game under pressure from a strong Ashford line-up. 'Keeper Lyn Kent was in good form, making some key saves, but Ashford wrapped it up with another goal midway through the second half. Faversham now return to home turf for a run of three important games, needing to get some more league points on the board, starting with the visit of Maidstone on Saturday. |
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| 10/11/07 Blackheath3 Faversham 1 |
Bev Warrener scored a fine goal to give battling Faversham a glimmer of hope as they returned to league action, but the home team held off the challenge, eventually running out 3-1 winners. | |
| 03/11/07 Holcombe 1 Faversham 1 |
Having won their league encounter 3 weeks ago, Faversham welcomed the chance to take on Holcombe on their own turf in a friendly. In a well balanced match, the visitors trailed until Karen Page's sweetly struck shot cannoned in off skipper Clare Smithson's stick, earning a well earned draw. | |
| 27/10/07 New Beccs 6 Faversham 1 |
The astro blues struck again for Faversham as they suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of New Beccs. They started well enough with Lisa Chapman netting her third of the season after good work from the returning Sheila 'Foxy' Enfield. At that stage things were looking good as the home team seemed to be struggling for confidence. However a dubious umpiring decision enabled their equalising goal to stand and then they started playing their usual brand of pacy, powerful hockey. With the score up to 4-1 at half time, Faversham came out in the second half and managed some good passages of play, but were still unable to stop the home side netting twice more and securing a valuable victory. | |
| 13/10/07 Faversham 2 Holcombe 0 |
Home advantage was key again for Faversham as they ran out comfortable winners against Holcombe. Despite missing several 'regulars', the home side started well and dominated possession. The breakthrough came with a well executed passage of play which saw Karen Page finding Alison Sheather in space in the midfield, she then managed to arrow the ball through to Lisa Chapman who spectacularly lashed home her first time shot, giving the visiting 'keeper no chance. Faversham were unable to extend their lead until well into the second half, when a deceptively curling cross-cum-shot from Clare Smithson sneaked its way into the far corner. The visitors tried to find a way back into the match but found the unfamiliar surface and dogged home defence too big an obstacle. |
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| 06/10/07 Faversham 1 Wellcome 0 |
Back on the home turf for the first time this season, Faversham put in an excellent team performance to run out narrow victors over Wellcome. The home team soaked up a lot of pressure in the first half but also played good counter attacking hockey when the opportunity arose. but it needed Susie Keeling to pull off a stunning goal line clearance to keep the scores level at half time. The second half was end to end stuff with Wellcome attacking in numbers and defending high up the pitch. This was to prove decisive, when stand in skipper Karen Page delivered a raking pass from her own half, picking out Lisa Chapman clear of the last defender. Chapman raced onto the ball, took it into the circle and held her nerve to slot home beyond the onrushing Wellcome 'keeper. Faversham almost managed a second, but Jo Parson's shot from distance went just the wrong side of the post. The visitors threw everything at Faversham in the closing stages and were unlucky when they first hit the post and then saw home 'keeper Lyn Kent make an outstanding save. Despite having to defend three successive short corners after the final whistle, Faversham hung on for a crucial victory and their first points of the season. |
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| 29/09/07 Burnt Ash 8 Faversham 1 |
Faversham suffered their worst defeat since March 2006 at the hands of a rampant Burnt Ash. In a physical encounter, the home team showed their superiority with some slick passing and movement. More serious news for Faversham will be the loss of skipper Clare Smithson to a knee ligament injury, which could keep her out for several weeks. However, there was one glimmer of a highlight for Faversham as Sally Scott made a successful return from a long injury layoff and scored Faversham's only goal of the game with a neat reverse stick effort in the first half. Faversham will now look to put in a better performance on the home turf of QE school on Saturday, as they welcome Wellcome!! |
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| 22/09/07 Bexley Invicta 4 Faversham 1 |
With last week's friendly fixture cancelled, Faversham found themselves going into their first league game of the new season having had no opportunity to practice and a shortage of available players. The 11 which eventually took to the field battled hard and started very well, taking an early lead with a well struck drive from Sheila "Foxy" Enfield. They had a couple of chances to extend the lead, but were then caught out by a swift break from the opposition to level the score. Another before half time left Faversham trailing and starting to literally 'feel the heat' on a punishing pitch. The visitors managed to hold the home team for a good portion of the second half and tried desperately to conjure an equaliser, but Bexley managed to strike home a third and eventually a fourth goal to secure the points. |
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| 11/09/07 & 13/09/07 | CONGRATULATIONS: Two of the Faversham Ladies have given birth within a couple of days of eachother. First into the world came Archie Lucas, son of Jackie and Steve, closely followed by Sophie Mears to proud parents Liz and Stuart. Warmest wishes to both new families - expect a lot of noise on the sidelines sometime soon!! | |
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ALL THE NEWS FROM THE 2006/7 SEASON |
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| 20/04/07 | The traditionally quiet (!) end of season dinner was hosted by our good friends at The Ship in Ospringe. Webmaster Alison Sheather beat off the challenges of Lisa Chapman and Susie Keeling to take the coveted Players Player of the Year award for the second time. | |
| 31/03/07 Faversham 1 Ashford 2 |
Faversham conceded in the final minute to suffer defeat at the hands of local friends and rivals Ashford. The home side took the lead in the first half when Sheila "Foxy" Enfield's deflected shot looped over the Ashford 'keeper. This was to be the only effort to get past the outstanding (first team) 'keeper, who stepped in for Ashford at short notice, as she made a string of outstanding saves. Faversham were even awarded two penalty flicks, but still couldn't extend their lead. Ashford attacked with more purpose in the second half and managed to draw level. They too had the chance to convert a penalty flick, but found Faversham 'keeper Lyn Kent in equally good form. When it looked like the match would finish with the honours even, Ashford snatched a scrambled late winner. Faversham now concentrate their efforts on the end of season dinner, which takes place at the Ship in Ospringe on April 20th. |
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| 17/03/07 Faversham 4 Burnt Ash 0 |
Skipper Clare Smithson celebrated her return to the side in style with a hat-trick to secure an excellent 4-0 victory over high-flying Burnt Ash. Earlier in the season, Faversham had lost by the same scoreline to this opposition, but the home turf once again paid dividends. Faversham had a dream start and were ahead after only 1 minute and 18 seconds and two up a few minutes later with goals from Smithson and Lisa Chapman. It was three by half time as Smithson netted her second. The visitors came out strongly at the start of the second half, attacking mercilessly down Faversham's right hand side, but found the defensive duo of Linda Macklin and Susie Keeling in outstanding form. Smithson duly completed her second hat-trick of the season to enable Faversham to surpass last season's points total with one league game left. |
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| 03/03/07 Faversham 2 Holcombe 0 |
Two vital second half goals enabled Faversham to take all three points in their must-win game against Holcombe. With both teams looking to move clear of the relegation zone, a tough contest was on the cards. Although the home side were able to field a full team this week, they were without their two leading goalscorers and when the third, Bev Warrener, was forced to leave the field with a nasty head injury after 25 minutes the capacity crowd was left wondering whether Faversham would be able to convert their sustained pressure into goals. They pressured the Holcombe goal for much of the half, but could not find that killer touch and when the ball did find the target, the visiting 'keeper saved well. At half time, Faversham went for broke, forcing Lisa Chapman off her sick bed (and away from her flask of hot chocolate!) onto the field of play in place of Jo Parsons, who was struggling with a leg injury. The plan worked as Faversham attacked with more purpose and were duly rewarded. Left half, Alison Sheather found herself in space down the left wing and managed to deliver the ball into the danger area, finding Nicky Pearson who managed to nick the ball past the 'keeper for her first goal since her 12 year absence. The visitors tried to press forward for an equaliser but were thwarted by some secure defending from Susie Keeling, Karen Page and the excellent Sara Griffiths. Faversham kept on searching for the second goal to make the game safe, with Sheather and Linda Macklin pushing forward from midfield to support the tireless running of the forwards. The second goal came as Sheather cut in from the left once again and her searching pass found Chapman who netted her eighth of the season. New signing Sue Stevenson filled in well at left wing and with Rachel Griffiths and the ageless Sheila Enfield hustling and harrying the opposition right to the final whistle, Faversham hung on for a deserved victory. |
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| 24/02/07 Faversham 0 New Beccs 2 |
Faversham's long unbeaten home run came to an abrupt end as they went down 2-0 to New Beccs. The home side were forced to play with 10 for the entire match as injury and absence again took their toll. To their credit, the visitors adapted quickly to the grass pitch and made their early pressure count with two well taken goals. Faversham battled hard in the second half and almost got back into the match a few minutes in, when Lisa Chapman lashed the ball just wide from a short corner. There were a few sticky moments in the opposition goal mouth as Faversham tried to get back in the match, but the New Beccs 'keeper was equal to the task. At the other end the home defence performed well to prevent New Beccs from extending their lead. Faversham can take heart from the performance despite the result and hope to be able to field a fit and stong side against Holcombe on Saturday. |
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| 17/02/07 UKC 2 Faversham 3 |
Faversham secured their first points of 2007 with a thrilling 3-2 victory in another local derby, this time at the University of Kent. With a long injury and absence list, the visitors feared the worst when they went behind midway through the first half. However, as the half progressed Faversham began to show the kind of form that saw them play so well last week at Canterbury. They leveled before half time when Sheila "Foxy" Enfield's pot shot from the edge of the circle deflected up and over the home 'keeper. The second half was end to end action with Faversham taking the lead when good work from Lisa Chapman set up Clare Smithson for a thumping finish. They were unable to extend their lead and the University fought their way back into the match for 2-2. Faversham weren't finished though and piled on the pressure forcing a succession of short corners, finally capitalising when the ball broke to Bev Warrener who made no mistake with a strong finish from a tight angle. There was more drama still to come as the home side thought they had equalised with only 4 minutes left, as the ball was fired in from outside the circle and deflected in off a Faversham defender. The umpire initially gave a goal but correctly changed his decision to a long corner, after vociferous Faversham protests! Another bonus to add to the 3 points was a fine debut from young 'keeper Lucy Stevenson, who stepped in at the last minute and put in an assured performance. Faversham return to home turf on Saturday as they take on New Beccs. |
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| 10/2/07 Canterbury 1 Faversham 0 |
Faversham travelled the short distance to local rivals and league leaders Canterbury, hoping for an improved performance and their first points of the new year. They didn't quite manage to secure any points, but put in one of their best displays of the season in a narrow defeat. The home team took the lead midway through the first half after Faversham had defended well against an early onslaught. The second half saw Faversham grow in confidence as they passed the ball well and almost drew level. Karen Page went close from a corner and then Clare Smithson netted, only for the goal to be disallowed for the ball being out of play, prior to being crossed. Canterbury tried hard to make the game safe but found 'keeper Lyn Kent in inspired form, making several good saves, including a superb one handed tip round the post. The whole team battled hard throughout the 70 minutes and felt they deserved something from the game, but can still be extremely pleased with an excellent team performance ahead of Saturday's must win game against the University of Kent. |
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| 3/2/07 Wellcome 5 Faversham 0 |
Having had an extended Christmas break due to several matches being either conceded or postponed, Faversham found it tough going when they eventually faced Wellcome in their first league fixture for over two months. They found themselves behind early on from a well struck shot from just inside the D and were two down by half time. They rallied at the start of the second half and came close to reducing the deficit, with skipper Clare Smithson, playing her first match as a 40 year old, just unable to connect with a good cross from Lisa Chapman. Faversham welcomed back Nicky Pearson to the fold after an absence of 12 years and she put in an increasingly confident performance on the right wing. Unfortunately for Faversham, they were unable to break through and the home team scored a third with about 15 minutes remaining. In their efforts to get something from the game, Faversham found themselves short at the back and conceded two more at the end, to make the final scoreline a little flattering to the opposition. |
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| 9/12/06 Ashford 0 Faversham 2 |
In the traditional pre-Christmas fixture, the splendidly attired Santas of Ashford once again hosted the slightly shoddy Elves of Faversham. In an entertaining game, the elves came out on top, scoring both goals in the first half. The first was scored by Karen Page, who also desperately tried to claim the second as her shot deflected in off Clare Smithson. However, the independent adjudicator (Tina Crane) judged that the goal should be awarded to Smithson. Thanks to the hosts for the festive fare enjoyed in the bar afterwards and we promise to try harder with the costumes next year! |
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| 02/12/06 Faversham 10 Blackheath 0 |
After Blackheath scored a controversial last gasp winner in the first league fixture of the season, Faversham were hoping to get their revenge as they welcomed their opponents to the green grass of home. (Incidentally, Blackheath were also the last team to defeat Faversham on home turf, back in October 2005.) The home team did not disappoint as they took apart the visitors, scoring seven goals in the first half. The first blow was struck by Karen Page, lashing the ball in from a short corner. Clare Smithson scored a first half hat-trick to add to goals from Lisa Chapman and a brace for Bev Warrener. Faversham rampaged forward at every opportunity with the right side trio of Sheila Enfield, Alison Sheather and a voracious Liz Mears combining well to provide some quality balls into the circle. The visitors kept Faversham at bay for longer periods in the second half, but were unable to mount any serious attacks of their own being thwarted by Jackie Lucas on the left and Page in the centre. The home team got to 9-0 with a fourth from Smithson and a well deserved goal for Mears, squeezed into the corner from just INSIDE the circle! They strived hard to reach double figures with Rachel "Squirty" Griffiths denied her first ever goals, first by the 'keeper and then a defender on the goal-line. With 30 seconds left on the clock and still hoping to reach the magical ten, Sheather launched a quick free hit upfield to Mears, she turned and ran towards goal and passed to Chapman, who made no mistake for her second of the match. The webmaster would like to dedicate the victory to mascot Rafa the Rabbit who sadly passed away the previous day. Faversham now take a break from league action, visiting Ashford on Saturday for their traditional Christmas friendly. |
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| 25/11/06 Faversham 3 Kings College 0 |
The green grass of home witnessed arguably Faversham's best performance of the season as they comprehensively beat high flying Kings College Old Girls. Heavy overnight rain made for an interesting surface, but the home side played some fluent hockey creating numerous scoring opportunities. They took the lead when a long pass from centre half Karen Page found Clare Smithson with only the goalie for company and she finished well at the second attempt, following the 'keeper's initial parry. A second goal followed as Lisa Chapman improvised well giving her reverse stick shot just enough power to make it over the line. (A fine way to celebrate her 38th birthday tomorrow!!!) The visitors tried to get back into the match but found left back Sara Griffiths in particularly dominant form at left back and Linda Macklin (also with a birthday tomorrow) putting in an excellent performance deputising at right back. The biggest plus for Faversham was the wholehearted team performance, with everyone giving their all and showing some silky play in the process. A third goal looked inevitable and was duly provided by Smithson, following determined play by the tireless Bev Warrener. Faversham will hope to pick up more points next week as they host Blackheath. |
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| 18/11/06 Burnt Ash 4 Faversham 0 |
Faversham took to the road again looking for their first league point away from home, but found their opponents in blistering goalscoring form. Missing 'keeper Lyn Kent and influential centre half Karen Page, they put in a plucky performance against some fine attacking hockey from the home side. Jo Parsons bravely put on the kickers and grew in confidence as the game progressed, making a string of excellent second half saves. The Faversham defence did their best to quell the waves of attack, with full backs Sara Griffiths and Susie Keeling making some important clearances. Bev Warrener showed her versatility filling in at left half and also putting in a fine performance. Unfortunately for Faversham, Burnt Ash were able to bring on their most influential player midway through the first half and she struck a couple of unstoppable thunderbolts, one from the most acute of angles, to put the game out of Faversham's reach. |
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| 11/11/06 Holcombe 3 Faversham 2 |
Lisa Chapman netted twice, but it was not enough to save Faversham from their third defeat on the road this season. The webmaster is unable to provide a full report, after missing the game due to urgent warm weather training! | |
| 04/11/06 Faversham 3 UKC 0 |
Home turf paid dividends again for Faversham as they came away with their first win of the season, in an emphatic 3-0 victory over local rivals the University of Kent. Skipper Clare Smithson opened the scoring and then turned provider, when later in the game both Liz Mears and Sheila Enfield opened their accounts for the season. The dubious goals committee adjudicated that Mears' initial shot was on target before it took a wicked deflection past the opposition 'keeper! Enfield had no such controversy, with a deft chip over the prostrate 'keeper. Faversham could have had more goals, Lisa Chapman managing to fire one shot over the 'keeper and over the crossbar! |
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14/10/06 |
Faversham came away with their first 'real' point of the season in an entertaining encounter back on home turf. They took the lead when skipper Clare Smithson found some space down the right hand side and managed to feed the ball to Lisa 'Montoya' Chapman, who finished well from a tight angle. The visitors leveled soon after. There were chances aplenty for the home side and they eventually went ahead again before half time with Smithson netting from a long ball by Karen Page. The second half was end to end action and Faversham took a 3-1 lead, Smithson striking again, this time from a long through pass from Alison Sheather. The visitors were not finished though and struck back with two goals midway through the half. In a frantic last 15 minutes, there were chances for both team to take all three points and a 3-3 draw was ultimately a fair result in what was an exciting and enjoyable game. Faversham have a break this weekend and resume against local rivals Canterbury on 28th. |
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07/10/06 |
Having benefited last week from a concession by Bexley Invicta, Faversham found themselves struggling for players for this league fixture at New Beccs. With 'keeper Lyn Kent dragged off her sick bed they decided to travel with only 10 players to avoid losing a valuable point. The match was keenly contested with the home team understandably dominant and Faversham found themselves two down in the first five minutes. Some dogged defence and tireless running from the whole team meant New Beccs could not add to their tally until well into the second half. Faversham did fashion one or two chances of their own, but succumbed to the inevitable pressure conceding twice more and then again in the closing moments. All in all this was a brave performance which should stand them in good stead for their first home fixture on Saturday. |
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23/09/06 |
A controversial goal in the dying seconds of the game denied Faversham a point in their league opener at Blackheath. An amazing first half saw Faversham take an early 2-0 lead and then the teams were level at 3-3 by half time, with goals from Clare Smithson, Lisa Chapman and the rejuvenated Bev Warrener. With a deserved draw seemingly in the bag, Blackheath scored with literally the last 'kick' of the game to take all three points and leaving Faversham absolutely "gutted". |
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16/09/06 |
Faversham began the new season with a friendly at Ashford. In an entertaining game in very warm September weather, Faversham secured a deserved draw when Clare Smithson cunningly deflected (!) a long ball from Liz Mears into the opposition net. | |
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All the news from the 2005/2006 Season |
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Player of the Year |
Faversham goalkeeper Lyn Kent won the coveted Player of the Year shield at the end of season dinner, held at The Ship in Ospringe. |
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Faversham 4 |
In their final game of the season, Faversham turned on the style to beat friendly opponents Ashford on the QE grass. As is customary in this fixture, Faversham were once again delighted to field Paul Crane as a guest player! Although not managing to get on the scoresheet himself, he set up a couple for skipper Clare Smithson, who bagged a hat trick to take her season's tally to 23. Lisa 'Montoya' Chapman scored the other goal, completing a fine first season in Faversham colours. Faversham cemented their place in Division 4 this season, finishing an extremely creditable 6th and look forward to resuming their hockey in September - might even manage a bit of training - who knows? |
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25/03/06 |
Faversham completed their league campaign with a hard earned draw against high flying Greenwich Polygons. The favoured home turf once again allowed Faversham to compete against a team for whom a victory would mean promotion to Division 3. Only beaten once at home this season, Faversham have achieved their best ever league season, amassing 20 points in Division 4, beating the 16 attained last year. They will end their season with a friendly jaunt against Ashford on April 8th, followed by the legendary end of season dinner and Player of the Year award. Watch this space for the results of that one! |
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19/03/06 |
Faversham put their fitness to the test, by making their debut in the Kent Vets Tournament at Holcombe. Unfortunately they were only able to field 10 'fit' players, making it an uphill struggle from the start. A heavy defeat by last years champions, Sevenoaks, in the first of the 20 minute matches was not an ideal start! Faversham considered themselves very unlucky to lose their second game against Bromley and Beckenham, when after a good solid performance, they were denied their first point by a disputed goal in the last 2 minutes. The final game produced a 2-0 loss to Burnt Ash, but all things considered, it was an enjoyable day and very pleasing to welcome back birthday girl Bev Warrener to the Faversham fold. |
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18/03/06 |
Injuries took their toll on Faversham, playing most of the match with 10 and half the first period with only 9. Making their debut on the water based 'show' pitch at Canterbury, they were in trouble early on when Liz Mears suffered a cut lip as the ball reared up off her stick. Soon after Mears left the field for treatment, ex Canterbury forward, Lisa Chapman fell awkwardly under a challenge and was forced to retire from the game with a back injury. The visitors found themselves two down at the break after some skillful attacking play by the home team, but the scoreline would have been worse for Faversham, were it not for a couple of last ditch goal-line clearances from Susie Keeling. Mears re-appeared for the second half, sporting a rather fetching plaster! Faversham conceded a third right at the start of the half, but battled on valiantly to keep it at three with a much more assured performance. |
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4/3/06 |
Faversham always knew this was going to be tough, being the only team to have beaten Sutton Valence all season. The home team have now won 14 out of 16 league games and on Saturdays display fully deserve the league title and promotion to Division 3. They were on top of their game from the first whistle and had put 3 past Faversham within the first 15 minutes, utilising strong individual skill and neat interplay. The visitors stuck to their task though and managed to get to the break with only one more conceded. The second half saw Faversham create a few chances of their own and managed a consolation goal when Jackie Lucas' effort was smothered by the keeper and Faversham were awarded a penalty flick, calmly converted by Karen Page. Sutton Valence continued to dominate and managed a further four goals, the last coming with the final shot of the game. Faversham can be proud of their fighting spirit, keeping their sense of humour throughout and saving far more than they conceded! Their next league game will be a visit to local adversaries Canterbury who will have something to prove themselves, following Faversham's own 8-0 annihilation back in November. |
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18/02/06 |
A late fightback ensured Faversham extended their unbeaten run to 4 games, earning a well deserved point in a pulsating 2-2 draw with New Beccs. The first half was goalless, neither team able to convert their chances in an evenly balanced game. The visitors started strongest in the second half and were 2-0 up with only 15 minutes left, after a fierce strike from a short corner which was heading for the top corner, only to be superbly saved by Lyn Kent, unluckily for Faversham it rebounded to an opposition forward a yard from goal. The home side showed a great fighting spirit and pulled a goal back as skipper Clare Smithson rifled in from Lisa Chapman's cross field pass. With the chance of a point now in sight, they applied sustained pressure on the New Beccs goal and won a succession of short corners. Eventually with just 4 minutes left, Carole "Johnny" Morris gleefully netted her third of the season. |
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11/02/06 |
Faversham traveled to Blackheath with only 10 players "fit" and available, but put in an excellent team performance to come away with only their second away point of the season. The visitors were quickest out of the blocks and took the lead early in the first half, when Clare Smithson scored following some persistent set up play from Lisa Chapman. Blackheath then took control of the game, pressurising the Faversham defence at every opportunity, but without creating many clear cut chances. However, they eventually got an equaliser late in the second half after an unfortunate ricochet deflected the ball past 'keeper Kent following a goalmouth scramble. The result was probably fair in a competitive but enjoyable encounter, although the Skipper was not entirely pleased by the warm-up routine of Johnny Morris and Mrs Mack on the kiddies roundabout!!! Faversham now welcome New Beccs to the QE school on Saturday. |
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04/02/06 |
The fortress QE factor struck again as Faversham recorded another home win, making it only 1 defeat in the 6 home games played at the QE school this season. The home side played some of their best hockey of this campaign, with wingers Lisa Chapman and Carole Morris causing problems down the flanks, combined with the clinical finishing of skipper Clare Smithson, who bagged another two goals to add to her impressive tally. It was the team performance that stood out however, with everyone working hard to ensure Faversham recorded their first back to back victories of the season. The first goal was set up by the persistence of the tireless Jo Parsons, who fought her way through the Sevenoaks defence to set up Smithson. The visitors fought back and did manage to bundle the ball in, but only after the whistle had been blown and a penalty flick awarded. Unfortunately for Sevenoaks, the flick was sent harmlessly wide, leaving Faversham's lead in tact. Dogged defense throughout the second half, ensured only a second clean sheet of the season and the home side made certain of victory with a second goal from Smithson ten minutes from time. Faversham will hope to improve their away form when they travel to Blackheath on Saturday |
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28/01/06 |
Faversham showed why they like playing on the home 'turf' as they put on an excellent second half display to record their first win of 2006. The home side started slowly, struggling to find a way through despite some good possession and found themselves a goal down at the break. They came out for the second half with renewed vigour and initially had to defend well to keep out the visitors, who seemed determined to finish the game off. But it was Faversham who scored the vital second goal, when Carole 'Johnny' Morris made a trademark burst down the left wing and set up Clare Smithson for a clinical finish. The goal seemed to inspire a new confidence throughout the team as they battled hard and began to dominate. Sheila 'Foxy' Enfield struck her second of the season from just inside the circle and Smithson completed her brace for a 3-1 lead. Faversham went further ahead when an Enfield cross was turned in by a Westgate defender. Just when Faversham thought they were safe, the balance tipped again as Westgate bundled the ball in to make it 4-2. In a match of excellent performances, particularly from Jo Parsons at right half and Karen Page in the centre of the defence, it was Lisa 'Montoya' Chapman who eventually completed the scoring with a thundering strike near the end. Special thanks also to "Squirty" Griffiths who went from spectator to the right wing in an hour and another very promising performance! |
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21/01/06 |
Faversham were unable to complete the double over Wellcome as they struggled to find their feet on the astro surface. The home team dominated the first half and were three up by the break. Faversham found their way into the game in the second half, putting in a creditable performance and pulling a goal back through skipper Clare Smithson. They will hope to carry that second half display into their home game against local rivals Westgate on Saturday. | |
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14/01/06 |
Nichola Marples scored her first ever goal for Faversham, but it was not enough to prevent a losing start to 2006. The game was well contested despite neither team being at full strength. Faversham took the lead in the first half when Marples diverted the ball in after an excellent run from Lisa Chapman. The visitors were unable to extend their lead and Phoenix fought back in the second half to snatch victory from their lower league opponents. There were some positives for Faversham, most notably the performance of Rachel "Squirty" Griffiths on the right wing and the tireless running of Jackie Lucas. Faversham return to league action on Saturday, traveling to Wellcome. |
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17/12/05 |
The Ashford Santas took on the Faversham Elves in a fun friendly. Both teams entered into the Christmas spirit with a variety of outfits and additional effects. The jingle jangling elves took the lead in the first half when the very pale Mears Elf set up the Skipper Elf for her 13th of the season. The Elf with the Dodgy Plaits had a couple of good chances to extend the lead, but the Santas fought back well and equalised before half time. In the second half, the Elves were made to pay for their missed chances and the Santas ran out 3-1 winners. Many thanks to all at Santas grotto for a very enjoyable game and after match festivities! |
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10/12/05 |
Lisa Chapman scored twice to enable Faversham to continue their good festive form, as they beat league leaders Sutton Vallence on the testing grass surface at the QE school. The visitors were less than keen on playing real field hockey, allowing Faversham to build in confidence early in the game. With 14 players available, the home side used the rolling substitutions to good effect, maintaining a high tempo throughout. They led 1-0 at the break after a searching pass from Linda Macklin found skipper Clare Smithson in the circle, who managed to square it to Chapman for a cool finish. The second half saw Faversham having to defend stoutly with Sara Griffiths again in top form making some timely interceptions. The home side lost Sally Scott to a knee injury midway through the half and also conceded an equaliser, as the visitors applied more pressure. Faversham weren't finished though and when awarded a free hit just outside the oppositions' circle, Alison Sheather spotted Chapman totally unmarked on the edge. She fed the ball inside and Chapman rifled it past the defence and 'keeper for her brace. She could have gone on to claim her hat-trick, but missed the goal when it looked easier to score. (A few taxi calls ensued!) Faversham clung on to their slender advantage despite a procession of short corners near the end and have now taken 7 points from their last 4 games, earning a well deserved Christmas break. They travel to Ashford on Saturday for a Festive Friendly, dressed as elves, allegedly! |
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03/12/05 |
Faversham added another league point to their total as they fought out a 1-1 draw against Burnt Ash. Carole "Johnny" Morris put the home side ahead in the first half, when she latched onto a long ball from Alison Sheather and fired in from an acute angle. The visitors came back well putting the Faversham defence under some intense pressure, with Sara Griffiths excelling at left back. Burnt Ash eventually got their equaliser to gain a share of the spoils, although Faversham were very unlucky to have a late goal disallowed. |
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26/11/05 |
Faversham were well beaten in this league encounter with Greenwich Polygons, played eventually (!) in Orpington. The home team were dominant from first to final whistle with Faversham having to battle hard to avoid the proverbial cricket score!! 'Keeper Lyn Kent was outstanding, making some excellent saves to keep the score in single figures and she was ably assisted by right back Susie Keeling who made three goalline clearances. |
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19/11/05 |
Skipper Clare Smithson scored a hat-trick in each half to help Faversham to their biggest ever win over their local rivals. Winger Lisa Chapman, signed this season from the opposition, was the main provider to rub slat into the Canterbury wounds!! Carole Morris and Sally Scott also chipped in with a goal apiece to open their accounts for the season. |
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29/10/05 |
Faversham suffered their third consecutive league defeat in a pulsating encounter at the Queen Elizabeth school. Making their first appearance at their new home venue, the home side started well taking an early lead, when persistent play by Liz (BtB) Mears enabled her to win the ball and find Clare Smithson, who finished well. They were two up after 16 minutes when Smithson found the net again after some neat interplay from a short corner. The visitors pulled one back before half time and the score remained 2-1 at the break after Karen Page was unable to convert a penalty flick. The second half was fast and furious, with Blackheath applying more pressure, but Faversham also creating good chances at the other end. Unfortunately it was the visitors who were the more clinical, scoring two second half goals to take the points, despite a valiant effort from Faversham to score an equaliser. The webmaster will be taking a break for a few weeks, but all facts and stats will be fully updated on her return! |
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22/10/05 |
Ashford junior Paul Crane made Faversham Ladies history as he scored twice and set up the third, whilst 'guesting' in a friendly, thus becoming the first 'non lady' to play and score for Faversham! With no league fixture this weekend and many regulars unavailable due to half term holidays, Faversham arrived at Ashford with only six players and were kindly loaned five more to even up the teams. In an entertaining and enjoyable game, it was Faversham who took the lead with Crane finishing well at the far post after good work from Sheila Enfield and Rachel 'Squirty' Griffiths, playing her first full game for the club. They held onto the lead at the break, thanks to a good save from stand in 'keeper Liz Mears. Mears managed to relinquish the 'keeper duties for the second half, thanks to an honourable gesture from Ashford's Vicky Lowing. (Special thanks from the 'webmaster' who was due to don the kickers!) The visitors extended their lead early in the second half as 11 year old Crane set up Vicky Goodman, who finished clinically. An extended spell of pressure from the home team put intense pressure on the Faversham defence, comprising of regulars Sara Griffiths, Linda Macklin and Alison Sheather, along with guest left back, Georgina Tallett. They battled well with Lowing making a couple of fine saves, but eventually succumbed to a piledriver from the edge of the circle. The match was eventually settled by Crane with a cheeky chip! Thanks also to Emily Jakeman and Sophie Hunt for filling in on the left wing,Michael Crane for umpiring and mum Tina for allowing Paul to play for us!! |
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15/10/05 |
Faversham suffered a second defeat of the season as they conceded three sloppy goals in the first half. They showed good character in the second half, pulling a goal back through Liz Mears' deflected effort (another referral to the 'dodgy goals committee')!! Although there is no league fixture at the weekend, Faversham will be playing a friendly at Ashford in an effort to gain some additional practice on the astro surface and build on their fitness. |
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08/10/05 |
Early goals were once again evident for the third game running, but this time it was the opposition who took the upper hand early on when Westgate took a 2-0 lead within the first 12 minutes. Faversham worked hard to get back into the game with both Nichola Marples and Lisa Chapman going close, but would have conceded another but for an excellent goal-line clearance from Susie Keeling. The home side eventually extended their lead midway through the second half, but Faversham managed to pull one back with a well taken penalty flick from Karen Page. They almost got back to 3-2 near the end when debutant Rachel Griffiths squeezed her shot just past the post. It would have been quite a start for 13 year old Griffiths, but she still made a little bit of Faversham history, playing with mum Sara for the first time, almost 20 years since the last mother and daughter played together for Faversham. | |
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01/10/05 |
There were three goals in the first nine minutes as Faversham got off to another flyer when they took on Wellcome on the new home turf of the Abbey School. Clare Smithson struck the first blow with a neat reverse stick finish from Faversham's first attack. They were two up soon after, when Karen Page's shot from a short corner rebounded back out to Sheila 'Foxy' Enfield, who drove it back goalwards and saw it deflected in off a Wellcome defender. The committee for 'dodgy' goals eventually awarded it to Enfield after a protest! Wellcome struck back almost immediately from a well worked corner, firing in at the far post. Fluent hockey wasn't easy on a difficult pitch, but Faversham held on to their lead at the break, with stand in 'keeper Nichola Marples performing well under sustained pressure from the visitors. Special mention also to her son Fred for his SAS commando style ball retrieval!!! The second half saw chances at either end with both 'keepers and defences making some timely interceptions, including a particularly extravagant lofted clearance from Sara Griffiths. (Was it an attempt to get web coverage??). Smithson eventually made the game safe for Faversham to give them their first league victory of the season. |
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24/09/05 |
Faversham's league campaign started with a bang when they travelled to Burnt Ash for their first competitive match of the season. In a thrilling encounter, Faversham took the lead within the first five minutes when Sally Scott released debutant Lisa Chapman down the right hand side. She powered into the circle and unleashed a vicious shot high into the opposing net, to open her Faversham account in spectacular fashion. Faversham doubled their lead soon after when Chapman turned provider for skipper Clare Smithson, who made no mistake with a smart finish. Although the home side mounted considerable pressure for the rest of the half, Faversham held firm to maintain their advantage into the break, with some fine tackling and blocking notably from Sara Griffiths, Susie Keeling and Linda Macklin. The second half saw Burnt Ash come out with all guns blazing and amazingly were level within 7 minutes of the restart. It was to get worse for Faversham when the home team were awarded a penalty flick for a goal line infringement. Faversham 'keeper Lyn Kent was very unlucky not to make the save, getting a hand to the well struck flick. However, there was yet to be another twist in the tail, as the visitors started to mount some attacks of their own, with Scott and newlywed Jackie Lucas causing problems on the left and the pleasing sight of long tern absentee Liz Mears interchanging with Nichola Marples on the right. Firstly, left half Alison Sheather drove in a cross from the wing, which Smithson attempted to divert goalwards, only to see the ball fly up, strike the crossbar and land behind the goal. Then following more pressure, Faversham won a short corner. Chapman fed the ball out to Sheather, who diverted it to Karen Page, unable to make room for a shot, she passed the ball back to Sheather who thundered it into the corner for a deserved equaliser and her first goal since November 2003!! |
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| Faversham hoped to start the new season this Saturday (17th) with a friendly against Phoenix, but the opposition pulled out of the fixture at the last minute. Faversham now have to go straight into their league campaign next week. They narrowly avoided relegation from Kent League Division 4 last season and will be hoping for a more consistent league season this time round. The squad has been strengthened over the summer with the transfer of Lisa Chapman from rivals Canterbury for an undisclosed fee! |
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