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With the rain still causing chaos and resulting in several more games to be postponed, Bethersden took advantage of some of their rivals weekend off by closing the gap at the top of the Premier Division and moved within three points of leaders Market Hotel. The Den's did well to recover from last weeks surprise Charity Trophy defeat to Hamstreet to beat Bliby 5-3 to maintain their 100% league record. The other scheduled top flight games between Brewmaster and Kennington, and Market's home fixture with Troggs fell victims to the weather.

In the Division One League Cup, Ashford Dynamo impressively beat Hamstreet 6-1 to progress to the semi finals where they will meet Market Hotel Reserves, who themselves went through after beating Churchills 3-0 thanks to two goals from Chris Petts and another from striker Matty Moon. In the only game to be played in Division Two, Fox Sunday saw off bottom of the table Shadoxhurst 4-2 at the Ridge.

Ashford Victoria missed out on the chance to close the gap on leaders William Harvey as they dropped two points at home to Burton Grove, while pre-season favourites Newchurch returned to winning ways with a decent 4-0 home win over Park Farm Rangers. Aldington Reserves also moved up the table beating Ashford Eagles 5-0.

Prince Albert's players and supporters are eyeing up the Division Four League Cup after reaching the last four of the competition. The Albert just got the better of Troggs Reserves by the odd goal in seven beating the Smarden-based side 4-3 thanks to goals from Adam Aldridge, Marc Husher, Steve Tanner and Andrew Millen.

In the Kent Junior Trophy, Ashford Spartans' depleted side went out losing 3-2 at home to Maidstone League side Mid Kent Athletic, while Joe Ansell netted four goals as William Harvey knocked out Ashford Cavaliers 6-2 at Goldwyn School. Man of Kent had a morning to remember recording their biggest ever victory seeing off Brabourne Anchor 7-1 to reach the third round for the first time in the their short history. In the other fixture involving sides from the area, Kennington Reserves beat their Bliby counterparts 6-1.

The weather was the biggest winner this weekend as only one domestic league fixture went ahead in Ashford as the rain wiped out virtually the entire Sunday league and cup programme, and in Kent Cup week, the fixtures secretaries of both the Kent FA and the Ashford Sunday League will now face a headache trying the rearrange the ties. In the one match that did go ahead in Division Two, Shadoxhurst finally grabbed their first point of the season at the ninth attempt as they held Charing Sunday to a 1-1 draw at Hornash Lane.

The result of the day came in the second round of the Ashford Charity Trophy where first division Hamstreet knocked out the previously unbeaten Bethersden 4-3 to progress to the quarter finals of the competition. In the Kent Premier Cup, Bromley Green needed extra time to see of Maidstone side Boxley as they ran out 3-1 winners, Lee Milton opening the scoring, before both Lynton Hayles and substitute Robbie Greenfield netted in added time. Marcus Hodges hit a treble as Bliby joined Bromley Green in the third round with a 6-2 win at Gardeners Charcott, while ten-man Brewmaster, who had skipper Justin Light dismissed for collecting two yellow cards, were thumped 7-1 at Artois United in Tonbridge, Danny Jennings netting for the Brews.

In the Intermediate Trophy section Churchills left empty handed from their trip to Tonbridge Origin where they lost 2-1, while Newchurch and Mersham Reserves both progressed in the Kent Junior Trophy, beating The Odds and Cassidy's Phoenix respectively. Marsh Athletic also went through beating The Park Inn 4-2 thanks to a double strike from Warren Smith, and additional goals from Oliver Gordon and Nathan Tilly.

In other news from Division Three, both the fixtures between Ashford Eagles and Aldington, as well as Park Farm and Burton Grove were postponed due to waterlogged pitches so Ashford Victoria remain in second position behind leaders William Harvey Inn.

William Harvey are reportedly close to completing the transfer of Ashford Dynamo midfielder Sean Gibbs as they continue to strengthen their squad to boost their own title ambitions. Gibbs, who was a summer target for Vics boss Ryan Mills, seems to have become frustrated at Dynamo in recent weeks and the former Bromley Green and Shadoxhurst playmaker now looks likely to switch to the pub side. Mills confirmed that he had made no attempt to hijack the signature of the player from under the noses of Harvey boss Jason Sterling, but admitted that he was a big admirer of Gibbs.

Three teams progressed to the third round of the Ashford Charity Trophy including Brewmaster who beat fellow Premier Division side Troggs 4-2 in High Halden. Also through to the quarter final draw are Churchill Royals who easily saw off Division Four side Ashford Spartans with a 5-1 victory, while Folkestone League Essembee knocked out Ashford Cavaliers by five goals to nil.

In the only Premier Division fixture, Mersham drew for the second week in succession, holding Kennington to a 1-1 draw while in Division Two Wye Monarchs closed the gap on leaders Bromley Green Reserves thanks to a close 2-1 win at home to bottom of the table Shadoxhurst.

In a busy Division One schedule, Ashford Dynamo moved within a point of leaders Churchills after Stuart Prior notched another two goals on the way to a 4-0 win at Lydd, former Ashford Town midfielder Scott McRobert was also amongst the scorers for Dynamo with substitute Dave Mabb securing the win with the fourth goal. Galacticos surprisingly lost 4-1 at home to Market Hotel Reserves and are now level on points with Aldington, who won 2-1 at Egerton. And Hamstreet got back to winning ways handing out a 6-0 thrashing to bottom side Red Heathens.

In the Division Three Cup, Barry Pithers was the hero for Burton Grove, as the striker scored a spectacular overhead kick in the 90th minute to grab his second and Grove's fourth goal in their 4-3 victory over Ashford Eagles. Vinny Day also netted twice for the home side who now face William Harvey Inn in the Quarter Finals later this month. With Ashford Victoria hammering seven past Brabourne, Park Farm lost ground in the promotion race losing 3-1 at in form Bliby Reserves, while Aldington Reserves home fixture with Newchurch was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Division Four leaders Marsh Athletic kept their 100% record intact beating the morning's second placed side Highfield Reserves 7-1 at the Ridge. Allen Sterling helped himself to a hat-trick for the Marshmen, with both Tom Brudenell and Warren Smith scoring two apiece to complete the rout. Kennington Reserves moved up to second with a 7-0 win over Charing Sunday Reserves, while Givaudan beat Troggs Reserves 3-2. Mersham Reserves won their first league fixture this season beating Stour Valley 2-1 at Southlands School.

Joining Ashford Victoria in the second round of the Sheber Trophy are Brewmaster Reserves, who breezed past Division Four side Man of Kent with a 4-1 win at the Ridge. Elsewhere Ashford Eagles saw off Charing Reserves with a 2-1 win and Kennington Reserves defeated Mersham Reserves 4-1 to also progress in the competition.

In the Premier Division leaders Market Hotel dropped two points at Mersham Sports drawing 2-2 with the villagers, while second-placed Bromley Green closed the gap at the top to a single point with a 2-1 win over Highfield United, Joe Mifsud and Lynton Hayles doing the damage for the Green. Bethersden's players certainly had their shooting boots on this morning as they maintained their 100% winning start to the season with an amazing 9-2 win over Kennington, while Troggs and Brewmaster played out a 2-2 draw in High Halden.

Paul Goericke was amongst the goal scorers as bottom beat top in Division One, Egerton pulling off the shock of the morning with a 4-0 home win over Churchill Royals. In the Bodkin Cup, Bliby eased through to the second round with a 7-0 win at Fox Sunday while Galacticos beat Ashford Dynamo 4-1. In Division Two, a Mitchell Punt hat-trick still wasn't enough to earn bottom of the table Shadoxhurst their first point of the season as they crashed to a 6-3 defeat at home to Grasshoppers. Dan Everest's young side have now lost each of their seven league fixtures this season conceding 40 goals along the way.

Staying in Division Two, Bromley Green Reserves moved three points clear at the top of the table after a 3-1 win at Appledore. Darryl Hagger opened the scoring for the Green, while an own-goal and another from TJ Tulachan secured the win. Wye Monarchs kept up the chase with a 6-3 victory at Charing Sunday.

William Harvey Inn moved further clear of the chasing pack in Division Three after an impressive 5-0 win over an in-form Bliby Reserves. A double from Keith Matthews helped the pub side to their fifth win of the season, while further strikes from Dan White, Charlie Fitzgerald and Gary Turner completed the rout. Park Farm Rangers moved up three places up to second thanks to a 3-1 away win at Burton Grove. Kevin Oakley led the way for the Farmers with a brace to put Gary Byrne's side 2-0 ahead before James Ross pulled a goal back for Burton Grove, only for a dubious third goal for Farm with ten minutes to go to secure the three points.

In Division Four, a screamer of a goal from Dave Billett helped Prince Albert to a 3-1 win at Troggs Reserves to move them up to fourth in the table. Man of the match Ollie Clark also netted for Albert with the third goal deflecting in off a Troggs player for an own goal. Ashford Spartans also returned to winning ways with a decent 5-1 victory over struggling Givaudan, Dan Fox with a brace, with Nathan Piggott, Liam Edmonds and Deryn Hardwick also netting.

With Ashford Victoria holding Division Three leaders William Harvey to a draw at Courtside, pre-season promotion favourites Newchurch missed out on the chance to close the gap at the top after they were beaten 2-1 at home to Bliby Reserves. The Marshmen, who were previously unbeaten this season, have now dropped five points against James Ripley's ever improving side this season after the two teams drew 1-1 in the reverse fixture back in September. At the other end of the table, Ashford Eagles saw off bottom side Brabourne Anchor to record their second win of the campaign with a 1-0 victory over their neighbours in Smeeth.

Two goals from Ryan Smith and another from Joe Mifsud put Bromley Green on the way to a 3-1 win over strugglers Mersham Sports in the Premier Division, Rob Clark netting for the villagers. In the other top flight game this morning, Bliby were back to winning ways putting five past bottom of the table Brewmaster without reply at Sandyacres to move up to third in the table.

Hamstreet and Galacticos shared the points in Division One in a 1-1 stalemate while Aldington saw off Red Heathens 3-1. In Division Two, Bromley Green Reserves stay top of the pile thanks to a 3-1 win over Grasshoppers, Lee Bloxham with two for the Green and Darryl Hagger with the third. In the other two fixtures, Fox Sunday drew 4-4 at Charing Sunday, while Brewmaster Reserves stay second after a 3-1 home win over Wye Monarchs.

There were four games in Division Four, and the first saw leaders Marsh Athletic just hang on to their 100% start to life in the Ashford Sunday League as they narrowly beat Mersham Reserves 3-2 to record their sixth straight league win of the campaign. Kennington Reserves continue to chase hard and saw off works side Givaudan 4-1, while Stour Valley can celebrate their first ever win, moving off the bottom of the table with a 1-0 win over Charing Reserves. Man of Kent moved up to fifth with a 3-1 win over Troggs' second string.

In the Sheber Challenge Trophy, Burton Grove coasted through to the second round of the competition with a comfortable 4-1 win over Division Four side Prince Albert at the Ridge. On target for the hoops were Barry Pithers with a brace, Vinny Day and top scorer James Ross, while Aldington Reserves saw off Ashford Cavaliers in the preliminary round of the Division Three League Cup.

Shadoxhurst crashed out of the Bodkin Cup at the first hurdle as they were beaten 11-4 in a goal crazy fixture against Division One side Egerton & Pluckley United. Elsewhere in the competition, Troggs eliminated Lydd Town thanks to 4-0 win, but manager Graham Stocker surprisingly announced his resignation after the game stating work commitments as the reason for him stepping down, Ben Gibbs has been placed in temporary charge for the Smarden based side. Division One leaders Churchill Royals beat Premier Division side Kennington on penalties after a 4-4 draw in extra time.

Progressing through to the second round of the Kent Junior Trophy along with Ashford Victoria are Division Three leaders William Harvey Inn, who saw off West Kent League side Paddock Wood with a 1-0 win thanks to a first minute Craig Fitzgerald goal. Brabourne Anchor also go through after claiming their first win of the season in all competitions, beating fellow Ashford League side Aldington Reserves 3-2. Mersham Reserves are also through beating Charing Reserves 5-1 while Newchurch narrowly beat Don Ronaldo 3-2 despite being 2-0 down at the break.

Kennington Reserves did well to see off Langton Green 4-1 in Maidstone, Givaudan were knocked out losing 3-1 to Man of Kent at the Ridge, while Marsh Athletic knocked out Ramsgate side Northwood Rangers winning 3-0 in the East Kent section of the draw. Bliby Reserves were handed a free pass into the next round after opponents Green Street Green were unable to send a team to their first round fixture.

In the Kent Intermediate Cup, Simon Bourne was on form netting four goals as Brewmaster Reserves thrashed Pembury Sunday 7-1, while Danny Trapp(2) and Jim Twycross also were on target. Bromley Green Reserves fell at the first hurdle losing 4-2 to Ryarsh Rangers.

In the Premier Division, leaders Market Hotel drew 1-1 at home to the ever improving Kennington, while Sammy Kingwell's Bliby side thrashed Mersham 5-0 at Sandyacres. Highfield United's unbeaten start is now over however, Bromley Green triumphing 2-1 at the North School to get back to winning ways and back on the title trail.

Former Ashford Victoria forward Stuart Prior hit another double hat-trick, scoring six goals as Ashford Dynamo hammered poor Red Heathens 8-1 up on Charing Heath. Prior netted six goals in a game on two occasions for previous club Shadoxhurst last season, and was at it again with his new club as Dynamo moved within four points of leaders Churchills. Also on target for Dynamo were Joe Vass-Slater and Sean Gibbs.

In the bottom two divisions, Park Farm Rangers moved up one place to fourth in Division Three with a 2-0 win at Ashford Eagles, while a Jesse Lee penalty helped Highfield Reserves pull clear in the Division Four promotion places with a 3-1 win over neighbours Prince Albert.

In the last of the first round fixtures in the Charity Trophy, Premier Division side Troggs comfortably beat Charing Sunday 5-2 and will now face Brewmaster in the second round of the competition.

The Kent Cup competitions get underway this weekend as the 32 clubs in the Mid Kent zone set about being one of the four successful sides to progress to the full county draw in the New Year. Ashford Victoria have entered the Junior Trophy for the third successive season, and have had mixed fortunes in each of their two previous campaigns. Back in 2007, Victoria fell at the first hurdle going down 5-4 to West Kent League side Speldhurst Rangers, before reaching the Third Round last season, getting knocked out by Brewmaster Reserves after victories against Brabourne Anchor and Holtwood Rangers in earlier rounds.

The competition is open to all teams in lower divisions from leagues affiliated to the Kent Football Association, and until the fifth round (Last 16), the trophy is divided into four regional zones- East Kent, North Kent, West Kent and the North-West & London zone. Each zone then plays out up to four qualifying rounds to find the four successful clubs who progress to the full county draw when the regional divisions are scrapped, in a straight knock-out format until the final, usually played at a Ryman League clubs home ground in May.

Zone Three contains teams from Ashford, Maidstone, Orpington, Paddock Wood, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells.

2009-10 Zone Three (Mid Kent) Entrants...

Ashford & District League- Aldington Sports Reserves, Ashford Cavaliers FC, Ashford Spartans FC, Ashford Victoria FC, Bliby Reserves, Brabourne Anchor FC, Burton Grove FC, Charing Sunday Reserves, Givaudan FC, Kennington Reserves, Man of Kent FC, Mersham Sports Reserves, William Harvey Inn FC

Maidstone Sunday League- Barming Youth FC, Holtwood Rangers FC, Invicta Sunday FC, Maidstone Tempests FC, Mid Kent Athletic FC, Mote Park Rangers FC, Walnut Wanderers FC

West Kent League Division 3- Cassidy's Phoenix FC, Downs Tavern FC, Green Street Green FC, Hadlow Hornets FC, Kelsey Arms FC, Locomotive Langton FC, Paddock Wood FC, Robin Hood Reserves, Royal Oak T/Wells FC, Speldhurst Rangers FC, The Bedford FC, Tonbridge Casuals FC

The draw for the first round has thrown up no less than four all-Ashford ties, including Victoria's short trip to face Burton Grove. In another all Division Three fixture, Aldington Reserves face Brabourne while Man of Kent play Givaudan and the reserves sides of Mersham and Charing do battle. William Harvey Inn face a very tricky away tie at the highest placed side in the competition in Paddock Wood, who currently sit in mid table in the West Kent League third division.

First Round Draw (ties to be played 18 October 2009)...

Ashford Spartans  vs.  Tonbridge Casuals

Barming Youth  vs.  Hadlow Hornets

Bliby  vs.  Green Street Green

Brabourne Anchor  vs.  Aldington Sports

Burton Grove  vs.  Ashford Victoria

Downs Tavern  vs.  Kelsey Arms

Invicta Sunday  vs.  Mote Park Rangers

Locomotive Langton  vs.  Kennington

Maidstone Tempests  vs.  Cassidy's Phoenix

Man of Kent  vs.  Givaudan

Mersham Sports  vs.  Charing Sunday

Mid Kent Athletic  vs.  Holtwood Rangers

Paddock Wood  vs.  William Harvey Inn

Royal Oak  vs.  Robin Hood

The Bedford  vs.  Speldhurst Rangers

Walnut Wanderers  vs.  Ashford Cavaliers

With Ashford Victoria coming the closest to causing a shock in the Charity Trophy first round, all the other ties seemed to go the way of the higher division side. The Vics bravely crashed out 3-2 in extra time to Bromley Green, Dan Bushell and Joe Mort on target for Victoria, while Ashley Webster, Ryan Smith and Robbie Greenfield popped up with goals for the Premier Division side. Ashford Cavaliers breezed past fellow Division Three side Ashford Eagles with an 8-1 thrashing, Duncan Garrett and Spencer Stokes-Hart with a brace each, while Stuart Reaks, Reece Callaghan and Chris Perry also found the net for Cavaliers.

Highfield saw off Division Four side Prince Albert 5-1 at the North School to progress to round two, Folkestone-based side Essembee beat Lydd also 5-1, while Aldington Sports just managed to see off a spirited Fox Sunday performance with a 3-2 victory at the Ridge. In the other first round fixtures, Newchurch did well up against Bliby but went down 4-1, Mersham hammered poor Red Heathens 8-0 and Brewmaster won 5-0 down at Grasshoppers, Dan Jennings (2), Aaren Carlton, Ben Light and Simon Bourne netting for the Brews.

In the only Premier Division game of the morning, Market Hotel moved seven points clear at the top of the table with a convincing 6-0 win at Troggs, while in Division One leaders Churchills slipped up drawing 3-3 with Egerton. Ashford Dynamo moved up to second with a 5-2 home win over Market Reserves, Marcel Nimani netting twice for Dynamo while Sean Gibbs, Stuart Prior and Jim Phillips completed the scoring.

In Division Two, Bromley Green Reserves continue to go well and made it four wins from four with an 8-0 win over bottom of the table Shadoxhurst. On target for Green were Lee Bloxham and Dan Allen with two apiece, Matt Wedge, Ryan Fitzgerald, Richard Floyd and Kenny Hallett. Dale Davies netted twice for Brewmaster Reserves, but couldn't help his side go down 4-2 losers at Charing Sunday.

William Harvey stretched their lead at the top of Division Three with a decent 4-1 away win at Brabourne. The home side took an early lead before two goals from Joe Ansell and strikes from Keith Matthews and Kyle Anderson saw off the villagers. Burton Grove grabbed their first win of the season with a 3-1 victory over Bliby's second string, goals from Barry Pithers, John Honey and James Ross doing the damage.

The new leaders in Division Three are Ashford Cavaliers as Dale Stringers young side saw off Bliby Reserves 3-1 at Goldwyn School. Striker Doug Robson netted twice for Cavaliers before Spencer Stokes-Hart grabbed a third to send last seasons Division Four champions two points clear of the chasing pack and maintain their 100% start to the new campaign. Newchurch move up one place to second thanks to an impressive 4-0 home win over struggling Burton Grove, who themselves drop to the foot of the table on goal difference. The divisions top goal scorer Lee Jackman grabbed a brace for Newchurch taking his seasons tally to seven while big defender Alex Smallman and Alvin Evans also got on the score sheet to complete the victory.

Aldington Reserves grabbed a late equaliser to earn a point at home to Ashford Eagles as the two sides drew 3-3. Eagles through away the lead three times in the fixture and were 3-2 ahead with 25 minutes to play thanks to a double from Wayne Hogben and another from Adam Read, but Aldington popped up with a late headed goal in injury time to earn their second successive draw. In the other Division Three fixture, goals from former Market Hotel pair Joe Ansell and Gary Croxton helped William Harvey Inn stumble to a 2-1 victory over Park Farm Rangers at Kingsnorth Rec' to help send the pub side up to third in the table above Ashford Victoria, who's game with Brabourne was postponed.

In the Premier Division, morning leaders Bromley Green drew 2-2 with Bliby in a thrilling contest at Sandyacres. Richard Boorman missed the opportunity to put Bliby ahead after just ten minutes when the former Gillingham trainee put his spot kick wide of the post, and things went from bad to worse for the home side as Bromley Green took the lead against the run of play when Linton Hayles finished well to make it 1-0. Bliby equalised within five minutes of the start of the second-half thanks to an own goal set up by former Vics midfielder Mark Wallis, but Green restored their lead soon after when Lee Milton's free kick was flicked on by Paul Allen, and Ryan Smith popped up at the back post to finish a well worked set piece. But Marcus Hodges returned to haunt his former club and grabbed Bliby's second equaliser with a brilliant finish to help Bliby to a share of the spoils.  

Meanwhile Market Hotel beat Mersham Sports 2-0 to take advantage of Green's dropped points to go top, while Bethersden moved up into second position with an impressive 6-2 away win at Brewmaster. Kennington grabbed their first win of the season and moved off of the bottom of the table thanks to a 2-1 win at Troggs.

In Division One, Ashford Dynamo won for the second weekend in succession as Percy Prior's side won a seven goal thriller at Courtside Soccer Centre, beating Aldington Sports 4-3. New signing and former Ashford Town forward Jeff Ross netted a double on his club debut for Dynamo after earlier strikes from Benjani Dzikiti and former Victoria striker Stuart Prior helped seal the victory. In the game of the day, Churchills came out on top in their 2-1 win over Galacticos to maintain their 100% start to the new campaign and stay top of the pile with three wins from three games.

Shadoxhurst remain rooted to the foot of the second division table after a third successive defeat, this time going down 5-1 to Wye Monarchs, Jim Matthews netting for the Dockers. Bromley Green's second string sit proudly on top of the league ladder thanks to a hard earned 2-1 home win over Fox Sunday, Dan Allen and Darryl Hagger netting for the Green. Appledore slipped up at home to Brewmaster Reserves losing 5-3 to the High Halden based side.

A Tom Brudenell strike was enough to earn Division Four leaders Marsh Athletic all three points as they won 1-0 away at Man of Kent. Prince Albert notched up successive victories as they thrashed Givaudan 4-0 at the Ridge. Another double from Gary 'The Rhino' Boorman set Albert on their way, his fourth and fifth league goals of the season, before Shane Beaney and Andrew Millen netted to secure the three points for Kevin Harre's promising side.

Chris Saull, on loan from Ashford Victoria for the season, netted twice for Ashford Spartans in their 3-3 draw at Highfield United Reserves while things don't get any better for new side Stour Valley who lost their third straight game, going down 4-0 at home to Troggs Reserves.

Ashford Victoria went top after their 5-0 away win at Ashford Eagles, but hot on their heels are newly promoted Ashford Cavaliers who easily beat Burton Grove 5-1. Stuart Reakes scored a brace for Cavaliers while Doug Robson, Spencer Stokes-Hart and Chris Barker also netted to claim all three points, new signing Tommy Tsang netting Burton Grove's consolation.

In the big game of the day, Newchurch and William Harvey shared a 1-1 draw at Courtside, Gavin Prowse netting for Newchurch before Harvey's new signing Joe Ansell netted an equaliser to earn his side a point. Bliby Reserves picked up a point in their 2-2 draw with Aldington Reserves, while Park Farm Rangers picked up a win and three points thanks to a 2-0 win at Brabourne Anchor, Grant Langford with both goals for the Farmers.

In the Premier Division, Bromley Green remain unbeaten as Joe Mifsud's strike helped the Green to a 1-1 draw in the big clash with old rivals Market Hotel, while Mersham Sports and Troggs both picked up a useful point in a 2-2 draw. But the big scorers of the morning were Bliby, as Sammy Kingwell's young side beat Kennington 7-2 to move up to third in the table.

Churchills continue to lead the way in Division One as the pub side saw off Aldington Sports 5-1, while Ashford Dynamo also got amongst the goals beating Egerton by the same score. On target for Dynamo were Terry Fabien, Joe Vass-Slater, Stuart Prior, Andy Hone and substitute Tony Mabb. Galacticos won their second successive league game beating Red Heathens 6-1 while Lydd Town and Hamstreet settled for a 2-2 draw down on the Marsh.

Brewmaster Reserves grabbed their first points of the season in Division Two as they recovered from going a goal behind to beat Fox Sunday 3-1 at Hopes Grove. Former Victoria midfielder Aaren Carlton headed into his own net to score an own goal to put the Fox 1-0 ahead early in the first-half. Last seasons top goal scorer Simon Bourne blasted home an equaliser for the Brews, before Ben Squires-Quinn's cross was deflected in for the games second own-goal to give Brewmaster a 2-1 half-time lead. Young midfielder Dale Davis secured the win converting Squires-Quinn's cross late on to grab the third and final goal for the home side.

Elsewhere in the second division, Bromley Green Reserves maintained their impressive 100% start to the new season with a one-sided 5-1 win at Shadoxhurst. Dan Allen notched a brace for the Green before further strikes from Ricky Milton, Ryan Fitzgerald and Adrian Williams sercured the three points, Shadoxhurst's goal scorer was former Vics midfielder Josh Bolton. But the early leaders are Appledore, who after beating Shadoxhurst 4-1 last week, thrashed relegated Charing Sunday 9-2 to move above Green on goal difference. In the mornings other fixture, Wye Monarchs defeated Lydd Grasshoppers 6-1 at Taynters Field.

In Division Four, Ashford Spartans recorded their first win of the season defeating league newcomers Stour Valley 5-0 at Courtside. Man of the match Liam Edmonds got himself on the score sheet before Nathan Piggott and Dan Fox both hit two goals each to round off an impressive win for Shaun Hardwick's side. Givaudan kicked off their season with a good 2-1 home win over Charing Reserves, Prince Albert beat Highfield Reserves 3-2 at the Ridge, while Mersham Reserves drew again, this time in a 1-1 stalemate at Troggs Reserves.

In the battle of the new boys, Marsh Athletic won by the odd goal in seven to beat Kennington Reserves 4-3 to go top of the table. On target for the Marshmen were Adam Washford, Ashley Nelson, Allen Sterling and Warren Smith.

For all the results and tables, go to the SUNDAY SCOREBOARD section of this website

Newchurch got the new season off to a flier recording a massive 7-0 win at newly promoted Brabourne in Division Three. Striker Lee Jackman was the hero of the morning hitting five goals for the Church, Sam Allaway and Gregg Hitchman also weighing in with additional strikes for Lee Woods side who sit proudly at the top of the table after one round of games.

William Harvey's new look side were also amongst the goals as they put five past Burton Grove at the Ridge. Despite going behind in the first minute through a Barry Pithers strike, Harvey recovered thanks to goals from Keith Matthews, Leigh Hope, Pete Gladwin, Dan White and Kyle Anderson as the pub side recorded an easy 5-1 victory. With Charlie Fitzgerald (suspended) and Gary Turner (injured) unavailable, Harvey have decided to bring in yet more reinforcements and have announced the signing of former Oxford United and Ashford Town defender Gary Croxton from Market Hotel.

In the other Division Three fixture, Ashford Eagles saw off Park Farm Rangers at Kingsnorth Rec' 2-1, while Aldington's home game with Ashford Cavaliers had to be called off, as Aldington were unable to field a side. Aldington have confirmed that they will not be resigning from the league, and will fulfill their next fixture. Ashford Cavaliers have been handed a 0-0 win by default and collect three valuable points without kicking a ball.

In Division Four Ashford Spartans struggled to a 2-2 draw at Charing Reserves and had Nathan Piggott on target with a brace. Former Vics player Chris Saull made his debut for Spartans and was named man of the match. Spartans also handed first starts to new signings Ismail Yalcin and Rob Crawford. Man of Kent had two players sent off in their 2-2 draw at home to Mersham Reserves, while Troggs Reserves saw off Highfield Reserves 3-2 in Smarden. New boys Kennington Reserves smashed Stour Valley 8-1, while Marsh Athletic beat Prince Albert 5-1 at the Ridge.

Bromley Green lead the way at this early stage in the Premier Division thanks to a 4-0 win over Brewmaster at Swan Lane. On target for the Green were Ashley Webster with two, Ryan Smith and Glen Mackett. Elsewhere in the same division, Highfield United proved that they can mix it with the big boys with a 1-0 win over Troggs, Bethersden beat Mersham Sports by the same score, and Market Hotel beat Bliby 2-1 at Sandyacres.

Bromley Green's reserves hit Brewmaster Reserves for seven at Hopes Grove in Division Two. Kenny Hallett led the way netting four times, while Darryl Hagger, Lee Bloxham and Richard Floyd also got on the score sheet on their way to a 7-2 opening day victory. Staying in the second division, Shadoxhurst went down 4-1 losing at Appledore, while Fox Sunday won a 10 goal thriller at the Ridge beating Wye Monarchs 6-4. In Division One, Ashford Dynamo suffered an opening day defeat at home to Galacticos, the visitors winning 2-1 at Stanhope Road.

The new season kicks off this Sunday as the ten Division Three teams set out with the aim of lifting the league championship trophy in just under nine months time. Here we take a look at the nine rivals to Ashford Victoria's title ambitions...

ALDINGTON RESERVES...

Aldington only narrowly missed out on promotion to Division Two last season by just one point and clocked up an impressive 41 points from their 18 league games. The Village side may struggle to replicate last seasons good form however, as a number of last season squad have been promoted to the first team that was relegated from the Premier Division last term. But as long as Aldington can keep hold of strike duo Kevin Ruane and Chris Linkins, there will always be goals, and goalkeeper Paul Miles isn't bad at keeping them out at the other end either. Aldington have also clinched the signing of Ashford Victoria midfielder Mark Wallis, but it is expected that the former Ashford Town player will turn out for the firsts.

ASHFORD CAVALIERS...

What was last seasons reserve team now becomes this seasons only team, as Ashford Cavaliers have decided to pull their first team out of the league and just run the one team. Last seasons Division Four champions will be looking for successive promotions and start off the new season with a trip to Aldington. The majority of the squad will be made up mostly of last seasons second string, but former first team goalkeeper Paul Taylor has dropped down the divisions to remain with the club following Chris Cloke's departure to Bromley Green Reserves. Other new arrivals this summer include Prince Albert defender Aaron Hills, former Ruckinge United forward Spencer Stokes-Hart and James Edwards from the disbanded Wye Reserves.

ASHFORD EAGLES...

The new management team of Ashley Close and Mark Pratt have done a tremendous job in keeping the club going this summer and have had to virtually rebuild the squad from scratch in the close season. With only a handful of last seasons team remaining, including the long serving Malcolm Morrison and Mark Hamilton, Eagles are likely to hand out no less than ten debuts this weekend when the league season starts. The club have fallen on hard times over the past couple of years, and have suffered two relegations in quick succession since winning the Division One League Cup back in 2007, but are looking for some stability this season, although they may struggle to get off to a good start after all the comings and goings during pre-season.

BLIBY RESERVES...

Bliby could well be the surprise package in the division this season following their promotion from Division Four last season. James Ripley has taken over the reigns and becomes the sides new player-manager, and has moved quickly to replace outgoing goalkeeper Bryn Williams with former first team stopper Richard Coombes. Bliby are the first opponents for the Vics this weekend and have retained the services of key midfielder Jason Foster once again this season, as well as striker Dan Doherty. Leaving the club is former Vics forward John Paul McDonagh, while Lee Simmons is thought to have joined Prince Albert.

BRABOURNE ANCHOR...

Brabourne, who play their home matches in nearby Sellindge, volunteered themselves for promotion at the League AGM following the resignation of Locomotive Inn and only managed a fifth placed finish in Division Four last year. Wayne Rudd's side will surely relish the challenge of playing at a higher level this season and have strengthened their squad this summer, but will also hope that the core of last years squad are able to step up and compete in Division Three. Striker Rob Tanner is a handful up front, while club captain Nick Hickmott and fellow midfielder Tom Stokes form a strong partnership in the middle third. Brabourne's pre-season form has been mixed, losing to Wye Monarchs and Ashford Cavaliers, drawing with William Harvey, and winning at home to Ashford Spartans.

BURTON GROVE...

John Honey's experienced side are about to start their fourth season in Division Three after promotion in 2006, and will always cause opposition teams problems, especially with their new striker force of last seasons top goal scorer James Ross and new signing Barry Pithers from Ruckinge United. Burton have lost the services of both Axel Gruendmann and Sylvio Pereira, but have boosted their squad with the signings of Steve Cooper, Gavin LeMar and Tommy Tsang. In their four pre-season friendlies this summer, Burton enjoyed victories over both Fox Sunday (2-1) and Rotherfield (8-5), while they kept their unbeaten record going with draws at Prince Albert and Preston Park.

NEWCHURCH...

The Dymchurch based side seemed like genuine title challengers last season, but fell way at the end of the season when the promotion candidates caught up with their games in hand. Manager Lee Woods didn't need to make many changes this summer as last seasons League Cup winners look to win promotion to Division Two at the third attempt having finished third in 2007-08 and fourth in 2008-09. Big defender Alex Smallman is one of their stand out players along with forwards Lee Jackman and Sam Allaway who have the pace to torture any defence in the Ashford Sunday League.

PARK FARM RANGERS...

Gary Byrne's young side finally made the step up to Division Three after finishing second in the fourth division last season, and were unlucky to lose out on the league title to Ashford Cavaliers Reserves. The Kingsnorth based side haven't had the best of pre-season preparations having not played any friendlies and kick off this weekend at home to Ashford Eagles. Rangers may have to do without playmaker Mark Skinner due to work commitments this season and have already lost top goal scorer Kevin Oakley to a very serious facial injury this summer, with the striker not expected back in action this side of Christmas at the very least. Park Farm do though have one of the most committed teams around the league though, and can count on reliable players such as Steve Fuller, Grant Langford and Andy Beere, who will surely make the step up a division with ease.

WILLIAM HARVEY INN...

The pub side are expected to improve on last seasons 7th placed finish, and in their second season Jason Sterling's exciting side could be real title contenders after bringing in no less than eight new players over the summer. Leaving the club are goalkeeper Ryan Hadley who has joined Prince Albert, and striker Alan Sterling who moves to Marsh Athletic, but new signings Andy Trott, Pete Gladwin, Jack Holloway, Marc Boswell, Gary Turner, Wayne Brooks, Keith Matthews and Steve Collins will add some added experience to an already improving side. Harvey have done well in pre-season too, beating Shadoxhurst and Red Heathens, while drawing with Brabourne.

Latest League Title Odds...

Selected Pre-Season Results, Sunday 30 August 2009...

Aldington Sports  3-2  Bromley Green Saturday Reserves

Ashford Victoria  2-2  Prince Albert

Bromley Green Sunday Reserves  3-2  William Harvey Inn

Shadoxhurst  1-3  Bliby Reserves

Division Three title favourites William Harvey Inn have announced the signing of midfielder Gary Turner from Aldington Sports. The industrious playmaker joins Jason Sterling's already strong looking squad for the new season and becomes the becomes the ninth new arrival of the summer. Meanwhile, Harvey beat second division Shadoxhurst 1-0 in their latest pre-season friendly on Sunday morning at Hornash Lane thanks to a late Charlie Fitzgerald strike. Fitzgerald is unavailable though for the first five weeks of the season as the young defender serves a suspension carried over from last season.

Bromley Green Reserves completed a successful week on the pitch with the 4-2 home win over a much fancied Newchurch side. Matt Wedge grabbed a double for the Green, while goals from Darryl Hagger and Reece Hagger rounded off the win. Meanwhile, on Wednesday night, the reserves thrashed Man of Kent 9-1 at Swan Lane, Matt Wedge, an own goal and a header from Dave Allen gave the Green a commanding 3-0 half-time lead. Further goals from Allen, Martin Dalby, Shawn Dadd, Reece Hagger, Steve Wilson and another own goal saw off the division four pub side. Bromley Green's first team drew 1-1 with Maidstone Tornadoes, Terry Perk the Green goal scorer.

Burton Grove have signed former Ruckinge striker Barry Pithers, and new signing grabbed a brace in Grove's amazing 8-5 friendly victory over Rotherfield on Sunday. Also on target for Burton Grove was James Ross with a hat-trick, John Honey with a futher two and one from Lee Crumbie. Burton Grove have also signed forward Tommy Tsang, Gavin LeMar and Gavin Recht this summer.

Former William Harvey striker Alan Sterling has signed for Division Four side Marsh Athletic. Sterling was Harvey's top goal scorer last season, and the forward got off the mark with a double for the Marshmen in Tuesday night's 4-1 friendly win over neighbours Lydd United, the other two goals coming from Warren Smith.

Troubled side Ashford Eagles were beaten twice in the space of four days as Jack Bundock netted for Riverside in their 3-0 win on Wednesday night, before Prince Albert grabbed a 2-1 win on Sunday morning. Former Ashford Victoria traillist goalkeeper Kenny Sharpe made his debut for Eagles in the loss to Albert, and has signed and registered for the third division side for the coming season.

Selected Pre-Season Results...

Ashford Eagles  1-2  Prince Albert

Ashford Eagles  0-3  Riverside Inn (Wednesday)

Brabourne Anchor  1-2  Ashford Cavaliers

Brewmaster Reserves  1-4  Ashford Dynamo

Bromley Green  1-1  Maidstone Tornadoes

Bromley Green Reserves  4-2  Newchurch

Bromley Green Reserves  9-1  Man of Kent (Wednesday)

Marsh Athletic  4-1  Lydd United (Tuesday)

Rotherfield  5-8  Burton Grove

Shadoxhurst  0-1  William Harvey Inn

Shepway Spartans  7-1  Marsh Athletic

Troggs  3-3  Ashford Eagles

Prince Albert have announced several new summer signings as Kevin Harre's side prepare for a real promotion push this season. The Division Four side have lost key players over the close season, with forward Liam Dear, goalkeeper James Leighton and full-back Aaron Hills all decided to move on, but Harre has managed to bring in former Crusader and William Harvey goalkeeper Ryan Hadley, the versatile Bryn Williams from Bliby Reserves and former Ruckinge United defender Derek Rolfe. Also joining the Albert this season are local lads Adam Aldridge and former Ashford Victoria full-back James Willcocks.

The Albert were in action on Sunday too, as they held third division Burton Grove to a 2-2 at Sandyacres. On target for the Albert were Gary Boorman and striker Gary Kerry, while James Ross grabbed a brace for Burton Grove. Grove also missed an opportunity to win the game after missing from the penalty spot, while at the other end Boorman blazed over from two-yards out missing out on the chance to seal a win for Albert.

Another team in trouble are Division Two side The Albion, who are rumoured to be close to folding. The pub side are short of players and anyone interested in joining them can contact Ashford Victoria manager Ryan Mills who can put you in contact with the teams manager. Ashford Eagles are also in a similar situation, with manager Ashley Close looking for new faces before the season gets under way. Likewise, please get hold of Ryan to get in touch with the club. Eagles goalkeeping problems could be solved as former Ashford Victoria 'keeper Kenny Sharpe has been offered a trial with Eagles and could feature in Wednesday's pre-season friendly against Riverside Inn.

Bromley Green, Ashford Victoria opponents in the first round of the Ashford Sunday Charity Trophy, drew 3-3 at SIMLA, Lee Milton on target with two and Matt Hadlum with the other. Bromley Green's second string did well to only lose 3-2 to Premier Division side Bethersden, former Locomotive Inn midfielder Dave O'Leary getting on the scoresheet for Green along with Keith Hallett.

Ashford Dynamo continued their decent pre-season form with an impressive 4-2 win away at Hamstreet, while Appledore just managed to see off new boys Marsh Athletic with a 1-0 win in New Romney. A new look Shadoxhurst side beat a Mersham Sports XI 5-2 while Newchurch over come Wye Monarchs by the same scoreline.

Selected Friendly Results...

Ashford Victoria  3-3  Ashford Spartans

Bethersden  3-2  Bromley Green Reserves

Brabourne Anchor  2-2  William Harvey Inn

Hamstreet  2-4  Ashford Dynamo

Marsh Athletic  0-1  Appledore

Prince Albert  2-2  Burton Grove

Shadoxhurst  5-2  Mersham Sports XI

SIMLA  3-3  Bromley Green

Wye Monarchs  2-5  Newchurch

Division Two side The Crusader have decided to call it a day and have resigned from the Ashford & District Sunday League, just four weeks before the new season kicks off. The pub side finally threw in the towel after a hard summer trying to assemble a team, and become the sixth side to fold in the last three months leaving the league with the fewest amount of member clubs it has seen for over ten years.

With Crusader folding, that leaves Division Two with just nine clubs, while with Bocca Juniors quitting last month, and Wye Reserves, Locomotive Inn, Ashford Cavaliers and Ruckinge United also leaving the league, only 48 clubs will kick off the season on 6th September. One Crusader player who may have already found a new club is Gary Bicker, who is rumoured to be close to signing for Shadoxhurst in the next few weeks.

In Sunday's pre-season matches, Man of Kent drew 2-2 with fellow Division Four side Prince Albert at Sandyacres while Bromley Green saw off Maidstone League side Headcorn 6-5 in an eleven goal thriller at Swan Lane. Bromley Green Reserves went down 4-1 to higher league opposition to the new look Ashford Dynamo.

New side Marsh Athletic continued their good pre-season form with an impressive 2-1 away win over First Division side Lydd Town at the Rype, coming just days after their midweek 2-2 draw at Saturday League side Lydd United, the goals coming from Joe Pearce and an own goal. Egerton easily saw off pub side The Albion 6-0 while Market Hotel defeated Riverside Inn 5-1.

William Harvey showed that they mean business this season with a 6-2 win over Red Heathens, new signing Andy Trott on target with four goals while Steve Baird weighed in with a brace for the Willesborough based side.

Sunday's Pre-Season Results...

Ashford Eagles  0-4  Ashford Victoria

Bliby  0-1  Churchill Royals

Bromley Green  6-5  Headcorn

Bromley Green Reserves  1-4  Ashford Dynamo

Egerton  6-0  The Albion

Lydd Town  1-2  Marsh Athletic

Market Hotel  5-1  Riverside Inn

Prince Albert  2-2  Man of Kent

Red Heathens  2-6  William Harvey

Wye Monarchs  5-2  Brabourne Anchor

Bromley Green Reserves have signed Ashford Cavaliers goalkeeper Chris Cloke. The young stopper had been a regular in the Cavaliers Reserves side over the past two seasons, but has decided to move on and made his debut in Bromley Green's 8-0 pre-season friendly win over Division Four side Prince Albert on Sunday. On target for Green were Lee Bloxham with a hat-trick, Dan Jackson, Matt Wedge, Darryl Hagger, Charlie Clark and former Shadoxhurst defender Steve Wilson.

With Cloke leaving Ashford Cavaliers this summer, manager Dale Stringer has named Adrian Brunger as the clubs new vice captain with Kevin Friend remaining as the skipper. Cavaliers get their pre-season campaign under way with an away friendly at fellow third division side Brabourne Anchor on 23 August.

Division Four newcomers Marsh Athletic continued their good pre-season form with a 4-2 win over neighbours Stour Valley on Sunday. The New Romney based side face Division One side Lydd Town next week at The Rype. Also down on the Marsh, Newchurch beat second division side Churchill Royals 2-0.

William Harvey Inn have made yet more additiions to their squad for the new season. Following the summer arrivals of Andy Trott, Pete Gladwin and new skipper Marc Boswell, manager Jason Sterling has also signed defender Fred King, Keith Matthews, Steve Collins, Jack Holloway and Wayne Brooks.

Prince Albert have handed a trial to former William Harvey goalkeeper Ryan Hadley, while they have also been linked this week with former Ashford Victoria and Bliby Reserves forward John Paul McDonagh.

Division Three newcomers Ashford Cavaliers have managed to retain the services of long serving forward Matt Gomez who has joined from the old first team that disbanded this summer. Gomez formally run the old reserve team before stepping up to the first's in the Premier Division last season, although a series of injuries hampered his progress. Meanwhile, Cavaliers are thought to have signed former Victoria triallist Aaron Hills from Division Four side Prince Albert. Hills, who scooped the Albert's Players Player of the Year award last year, was one of Prince Albert's most outstanding players last term and was their first choice right-back.

Premier Division champions Market Hotel have re-signed goalkeeper Dan Noden from Shadoxhurst. The 26-year-old former Lydd Town and Bromley Green stopper has also been offered the captains armband at Market for the coming season. Noden's replacement at Shadoxhurst is rumoured to be former Victoria 'keeper Benn Phillips, who is training with the club.

Bromley Green striker Gary Mickelborough marked his home Ramsgate debut with a bang at the weekend scoring a hat-trick. The former Hythe Town forward, who scored four goals in nine appearances for the Green's Sunday first team last season, came off the bench to net a second-half treble against Great Yarmouth FC in Ramsgate's 3-2 friendly victory. The 23-year-old also played in last weeks pre-season friendly games at Hythe and Margate.

New side Kennington FC Reserves have signed Prince Albert goalkeeper James Leighton. The 18-year-old stopper had a decent first season in mens Sunday League football last year with the Albert and won the clubs New Player of the Year prize.

Fellow Division Four newcomers Marsh Athletic got their pre-season off to a flier with the 11-0 hammering of Sussex League side Cinque Port FC. Athletic, playing their first ever game since being formed, went 1-0 ahead through Tom Brudenell, who claimed the new sides historic first ever goal, before trebles from both Nathan Tilly and Andy Cherett helped the New Romney based side to victory over the side from Seaford, East Sussex.

Saturday League side Riverside Inn won their first game of this pre-season with a 4-2 victory over Dymchurch side AFC Ocean Reserves. On the score sheet for the Riversiders were Guy Farmer, new signing Gary Swift and last season's top scorer Andy Neal with a brace. Next up for Stuart Kingsnorth's side is a tricky away fixture at Kent County League side Bromley Green Reserves on Saturday.

• Former Ashford Victoria forward Nasser Sulaiman has signed for second division newcomers Shadoxhurst after impressing in training this pre-season. The 25-year-old scored just twice in 16 appearances for the Vics last season, but done enough in training to impress manager Paul Happe and has signed on for the village side.
• Ashford Spartans are looking at signing former Wye Monarchs midfielder Josh Bolton. The 22-year-old made just one substitute appearance for Ashford Victoria in the 2007-08 season, ironically against Spartans in a 2-2 draw at Hythe Road in December 2007. Bolton played an hour in Spartans 5-2 friendly defeat to the Vics this weekend.
• Bromley Green have signed defender Steve Wilson from Shadoxhurst. The former Great Chart player returns for his third spell with Green having previously played more than 300 times for the side which he came through at as a youngster.
• Pete Naden has taken over from Tim Archer as Troggs Reserves manager for this season. The 'Goons' were relegated to Division Four after only managing to win three games last season in their 18 league fixtures.

• William Harvey, one of the favourites for the Division Three league title this year, have added several new faces to their squad this summer including the much travelled Andy Trott. The former Bocca, Hamstreet and Highfield striker has banged in the goals wherever his has been and looks like he could be a very decent signing for Harvey boss Jason Sterling. Also joining Harvey this season are former Highfield United goalkeeper Marc Boswell and midfielder Pete Gladwin from Fox Sunday, while last seasons top goal scorer Alan Sterling has left the club and could join Lydd Town.
• Man of Kent have strengthened their forward line with the signing of striker Ben Hearnden from Ashford Spartans. Hearnden, who scored 81 goals for Spartans in the past four seasons, had been on Victoria manager Ryan Mills' radar this summer, but the forward has opted to stay in Division Four and spearhead the pub sides promotion push this season.
• Burton Grove midfielder Axel Gruendemann has decided to leave the club. The tough tackling German scored from the penalty spot on his final appearance for the Super Hoops in the 3-3 draw with Ashford Victoria in May. Also leaving the club is Sylvio Pereira.
• The reformed Ashford Cavaliers, who will only field the one team this season in Division Three, have kept hold of three former first team players for this season. The team will be made up of mainly last seasons Division Four title winning side, but former first teamers Duncan Garrett, Tim Galloway and goalkeeper Tommy Taylor look set to drop down the divisions. Meanwhile it has been rumoured that full back Matt Robbins has joined Ashford Eagles.
• Ashford Dynamo have signed Shadoxhurst strike duo Stuart Prior and Andy Hone. Former Victoria striker Prior leaves Shadoxhurst after just one season, although the veteran forward did win the clubs Players Player of the Year award as well as finishing as top scorer with 40 goals, and links up with his father Percy Prior who is the manager of Dynamo. Hone returns to Dynamo after several years away to rejoin his former club.

Ashford Sunday League side Bocca Juniors have surprisingly decided to pull out of the League and have called it a day after just five seasons. The First Division side had a very quick rise up the divisions after joining the League in 2005, and amazingly achieved three successive promotions whilst managing to keep the same group of players together in the process, and one of their most recognisable players was veteran former Ashford, Hythe and Sittingbourne forward Jeff Ross.

It is expected that Division One will only contain nine teams now this season as it will be too late to find a replacement for Bocca, although this could cause a slight reshuffle of the amount of teams to be promoted into and relegated out of the division next summer.