by Andy Gates
Kew build from back to beat BarnesKew Association Youth 3-0 Barnes Eagles 6 March, League Cup
by Robert Payne
Kew Association battled their way into a second League Cup final with an impressive display against a dangerous Barnes side. Given the fact that Barnes had beaten Kew earlier in the season, the semi final promised to be a tough feisty affair. The game started with a strong wind, and on an uneven pitch, Kew struggled to get their passing game together. Barnes started the stronger and were pressing hard for the first fifteen minutes. However, the Kew defence stood strong, with Jack Evans and John White producing some fantastic aerial challenges, complimented by feisty work on the ground by Max Johnson.
With the early storm weathered Kew began to fight back and although Barnes continued to work hard they gained little attacking reward, with the whole Kew side defending admirably. Kew quickly adjusted to the conditions and pressed hard, especially from set pieces where swinging deliveries from Jack Evans proved impossible to defend. With Dylan Merchant proving a potent outlet on the right wing, Kew got themselves on top and were unlucky not to score when both Tom Hyatt and Myles Blenkinsop went through on goal only to be thwarted by good defending. After about 25 minutes Dylan Merchant profited from defensive uncertainty and was deadly from close range. At one nil up Kew continued to defend superbly with every long ball dealt with easily from the whole back four.
At half time Kew knew they were in for a hard response from Barnes and although they did come out hard and fast, it was Kew who struck again through the prolific Myles Blenkisop. Neat midfield work from Dylan and Jack resulted in a fantastic chipped pass by Max Johnson, which striker Myles finished easily. As the game progressed Max, substitute winger Jon Elimu and Dylan began to run the midfield with ease, allowing Kew’s passing game more fluency. As a team Kew defended superbly all over the pitch, the strikers and midfield put in huge effort but it was the back four who looked particularly impressive. John White put in a commanding performance and both full backs offered attacking outlets and defensive stoutness. The third goal came with a huge slice of luck that Kew’s efforts deserved. Myles went down the line and sliced an attempted cross which ended up beating the Barnes keeper at his near post.
With just less than 25 minutes to go Kew knew they couldn’t switch off and although Barnes threw all they had at the defence, Kew remained admirably solid and played out the last parts of the game with ease and a firm presence.
With a tricky semi final superbly negotiated the whole team can look forward to a midweek final played under the floodlights at Molesey. A great all round performance by the whole team and management.
Badgers fail to show clawsBrockham Badgers 2-0 Kew Association Youth, 27 Feb, LeagueKew eased to victory over Brockham, sending their opponents bottom of the table, with Felix and Max providing the goals. However, Kew will be hoping Brockham can get something out of Sheen in the their last game, to open the door for Kew to take the title.
Late goal blitz sinks KewKew Association Youth 2-4 Kingstonian, 20 Feb, LeagueKew’s outside chance of taking the title looks likely to have disappeared in a 20 minute horror show. After leading comfortably for three-quarters of the game, having established a 2-0 lead, Kew then conceded four goals to lose to Kingstonians.
Four goal blitz licks LaticsEpsom Athletic 2-4 Kew Association Youth, 23 Jan, LeagueKew Association maintained their three point lead at the top of the Surrey Youth League with a 4 goal blitz either side of half time
Fourth-placed Epsom proved worthy opponents, who were obviously very fired up for this game which started at a frantic pace. To be fair Kew matched Epsom’s enthusiasm with some electrifying football and could have gone ahead after chances from forwards Kieran Campbell and Myles Blenkinsop were well saved by the keeper and a strong penalty appeal was turned down. So it was slightly against the run of play when Epsom, playing with the dramatic slope in their favour, took the lead in the 20th minute when the right half finished well, after Kew’s defence failed to clear the ball.
There then proceeded a scrappy 15 minutes in which the referee had to step in on several occasions and several bookings were taken. Kew then seemed to shake off the hangover of going behind with Max (Mighty Mouse) Johnson, Mark( Mr Cool) Whiskey and Jack (The Rock) Evans taking control of midfield and Jack (Speedy Gonzales) Moran switching to his favoured left hand side which started to cause Epsom problems. It was such a run that led to the equaliser two minutes before half time when Myles (Sniffer) Blenkinsop finished from close range in true “Marin Peters” style.
Fired-up Kew started the second half like champions-elect and in a blistering 10 minutes scored three times to kill off the game. Kieran (Drogba) Campbell was obviously going to cause Epsom problems going down the slope and so it proved - being a factor in all three goals. Blenkinsop got the 2nd and 4th, feeding off flicks from Campbell, to complete a fantastic hat trick and Campbell scored the 3rd himself, when he rolled the centre half and rifled in a tremendous right foot shot. Mark Whiskey could have even made it 5 when he hit the bar from a close range header .
To be fair Kew could have gone on to win by a greater margin, but the manager took advantage of the situation and rotated the squad, knowing there are some big games coming up. This unsettled the team and encouraged Epsom to fight for their pride - which they did and Jacob ( The Cat) Strauss had to pull off two unbelievable saves to maintain the margin. To compound the problem Kew. were reduced to 10 players when Captain (Marvel) Rob Payne went off injured with 20 minutes still to go.
However, with Mark Whiskey slotting into a familiar central defender role which he does for Hayes and Hillingdon and the industrious Felix Oppenheimer slotting into midfield, Epsom rarely threaten again as Kew ran down the clock maintaining good possession. It was a mere consolation goal for Epsom in injury time when Kew’s keeper, Jacob Strauss, made a rare mistake and misjudged the flight of a ball when the Epsom left half hit a speculative shot from outside the box.
Next week Kew travel to second place Sheen Lions in a game that could almost decide the direction of the title as the two teams have pulled well clear of the chasing pack, as Sheen also won 4-2 this Sunday over 3rd placed Barnes Eagles. As Kew have already beaten Sheen 3-2 on the opening day of the season and then knocked them out of the Cup 2-1 two weeks later, Sheen will be definitely going to be out for revenge and try to wipe out the three points that separate these two teams at the top .
Comprehensive lesson for Rangers Kew Association Youth 3-0 Kew Park Rangers, 16 Jan, LeagueKew U18 Youth maintained their three point lead at the top of the SYL Premier Elite with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Kew Park Rangers. KPR must be sick of the sight of their local rivals as Kew Association completed the league double as well as knocking them out of the Surrey Cup, just before Christmas.
After a tight first half Kew scored three goals after the break. Half time subs Kieran Campbell, twice, and Jon Elimu, who scored for the second week running, sealed the points after a fantastic second half display which saw Kew camped in the opponents half.
The team travel to 4th-placed Epsom next week.
Volleyed equaliser tips tieCamberley Town 2-4 Kew Association Youth, 9 Jan, Surrey CupKew Association Under U18 Youth progressed into the quarter finals of the County Cup against a very good Camberley Town side from the Allied Counties league.
In a very hard-fought first half, both teams registered on the score card with Kew taking the lead after 20 minutes with a edge of the box strike from Jon Elimu. But Camberley responded and stand in keeper Myles Blenkinsop had to make several fine saves before Camberley finally equalised two minutes before half time.
Kew made several changes at half time, bringing on Mark Whiskey and Jack Moran, who played very influential roles in the recovery. Kew had just started to control the game when Camberley took the lead 5 minutes into the second half. As so often in the past, going behind galvanised the team and they visibly moved up at least two gears.
The rest of the game was played almost exclusively in the Camberley half. Within a blistering ten minutes, Kew hit three goals. Tom Hyatt with two powerful strikes and the pick of the bunch the equalising goal from Dylan Merchant. Jack Moran skilfully picked a high ball out of the air on the left side of midfield and found Mark Whisky in central midfield. Mark then floated a thirty yard pass over the left full back for Dylan to run on to, allowing it to bounce once before striking a fantastic volley into the far corner from the corner of the penalty box.
These three strikes effectively sealed the game as Camberley visibly gave up and the score could a been a lot worse for them if Kew had been more ruthless with their finishing.
Kew now face a difficult trip to Ryman’s league’s Leatherhead FC in the Quarter Final on 6th February. Meantime, it’s back into league action with a visit from local rivals, Kew Park Rangers, who we put out of this competition in December.
Kew Association Youth 2-1 Kew Park Rangers, 12 Dec, Surrey FA CupAfter a scoreless first 90 minutes, Kew Association dominate extra time, scoring two goals, before making the last five minutes difficult for themselves after sloppy defending allows KPR back into the game.
Claygate Royals v Kew Association Youth, 28 Nov, LeagueWalkover to Kew Association after Claygate fail to field a team. Claygate have since folded and all their results are eliminated from the competition.
Barnes Eagles 3-2 Kew Association Youth, 21 Nov, LeagueBarnes Eagles again prove a bogie team for Kew Youth’s top side, as they crash to their first loss of the season. Nevertheless, Kew remain top of the table.
Redhill 0-5 Kew Association Youth, 14 Nov, League CupKew are too strong for Premier division strugglers, Redhill Town, as they ease into the semi-finals of the League Cup.
Kew rip open BadgersKew Association Youth 5-2 Brockham Badgers, 7 Nov, LeagueKew hit five as they bounced back to the top of the Premier Elite with four second half strikes against last year’s League Cup finalists, Brockham Badgers.
Kew stormed into a 1-0 lead with a classic rehearsed long range free kick. Mark Whiskey hit a pin point free kick from the half way line on to centre half Jon White’s head. Jon returned the header back across the box for Myles Blenkinsop to finish from close range.
Kew who were firmly in control and had chances to put the game to bed, squandered numerous opportunities. Then, in a period of the game that is becoming a regular feature, the Kew midfield started to over indulge themselves in as Brockham started to look dangerous on the break when Kew gave the ball away cheaply.
It was therefore no surprise when they drew level after a Kew’s normally ultra-reliable, central defender Rob Payne, got caught in possession and the Brockham striker ran through to score. This seemed to momentarily take the wind out of Kew’s sails and it was only 5 minutes later that Brockham took the lead… with a fine shot from outside the box after a Kew midfield player again got caught in possession.
Kew’s Manager asked the players to respond during the half time talk and they certainly did … winning the half 4 -0. To be fair, it could have easily been eight, as wide players Jack Moran and Jon Elimu ripped through the Brockham defence time after time.
Myles got his second, with a superb strike outside the box after some fine work from Jon and full back Matteo Blanco on the right hand side. The third came from Felix Oppenheim after some dazzling footwork from Jack Moran on the left. Number four came from Andy Lowson finishing off a low delivered corner
The fifth goal came from more excellent work from Myles, who got in-between the Brockham defender and keeper and as the ball bounced free, Max Johnson was on hand to finish, wrapping up a fantastic second half performance.
Next week the league leaders head to Redhill for a much anticipated League Cup Quarter Final
Kew Association Youth walkover win over Westend Youth, 31 Oct, LeagueOpponents failed to field a team.
Derby win takes Kew topKew Park Rangers 1-2 Kew Association Youth, 24 Oct, LeagueThe Under 18’s Youth side stormed back to the top of the Surrey Youth League Premier Elite Division with a last 5 minute strike from Jack Evans to defeat local rivals KPR.
Kew Association started strongly in this local derby that is always fiercely contested. Both clubs have always taught their teams to play football on the ground so it is always a skillful affair when these two teams meet and as usual you couldn’t put a slide rule between them .
KA started strongly and could have been two up after fifteen minutes. Jack Moran had clearly forced the ball over the line but neither the referee or the linesman spotted it. That was closely followed by a great save from the KPR keeper, Jake Tench, when Felix Oppenheimer, making his first team debut, was through in a one-on-one situation .
KPR then took control of the midfield and deservedly went one up when ex-KA player Alex Kersey finished from close range. KPR would have gone two up if not for a fantastic one hand save from stand-in keeper Kieran Campbell, from a 30-yard strike that was heading to the top corner.
The Kew Youth’s manager made several changes at half time, restoring Kieran to his familiar centre forward role and bringing on the rested Mark Whisky in midfield.
After the break, KA turned on the style and completely controlled the second half. The warning signs were there when a Felix Oppenheimer strike was controversially ruled out for off side. This only seemed to spur on KA and it was no surprise when top scorer Kieran Campbell finished from close range, after some great work from full back Matteo Bianco, and Dylan Merchant starting his first game of the season.
KPR responded, and Myles Blenkinsop, who took over from Kieran at half time as goalkeeper, pulled off a great save from KPR’s Sammy Harbour. The game seemed to be heading for a draw, but showing championship potential, KA, who never seem to give up, put together one more masterful move, and after a string ten passes, Dylan Merchant set up Jack Evans, who drilled in a shot into the bottom left hand corner from 25 yards
Meanwhile, last year’s Champions Kingstonians, who pipped KA to top spot by one point, after KA lost their final league game 1-0 to KPR to a last minute goal, moved into 3rd place with a 8-0 thrashing of Claygate Royals.
Kew roar into Cup quartersKew Association Youth 2-1 Sheen Lions, 10 Oct, League CupThe Under 18's continued their fine start to the season by easing past local rivals, Sheen Lions, to book a place in the Quarter Finals on November 14th against either Redhill or Claygate Royals.
However it could have been all so different if not for a fantastic first half penalty save from Kew's keeper Jacob Strauss when Sheen were 1-0 up.
Kew had started the stronger and were easily the best footballing side. However after spurning three great chances to take the lead, it was Sheen that grabbed the initiative when a long free kick caught the wind and floated over Jacob into the top corner. Minutes later, Jacob brought down the Sheen striker in a clumsy challenge after being slow off his line. Jacob made amends and pushed a well-taken penalty on and around the post.
As with the league fixture four weeks ago, Kew came out the stronger in the 2nd half, controlling long passages of play with fine interchanging passing moves. It was no surprise when Kieran Campbell finished a fine move, crashing the shot in from close range to bring the scores level.
Jacob again denied the talented Sheen forward by saving a one-on-one situation during a rare threatening move from Sheen.
Kieran had a fine goal controversially chalked off for offside before Mark Whiskey carried on his useful habit of scoring against Sheen and sealed the win from a close range header, after following a Kieran Campbell free kick that came back off the bar, ten minutes from time
From a team that is comfortable with winning, Kew totally controlled what was to turn out to be the last 15 minutes and could have easily added to the score as Sheen tried to press forward with little conviction.
Unbeaten, top of the league and in a cup quarter - not a bad start to the season!
Campbell takes the soupKingstonian Youth 1-1 Kew Association Youth, 26 Sept, LeagueAnother impressive performance from the Under 18th Youth side in what may prove to be a six pointer at the end of the season
The first half started at a cautious pace with both teams flooding the midfield and although both teams played neat short passing football, very few clear cut chances were created. Kew did create two break away chances when Jack Moran beat the back four and was unlucky to have shot blocked and the other just creeping past the post after beating the keeper. Kingstonians took control of the last 20 minutes of the first half and grabbed the lead when their centre forward nipped in between sweeper Robert Payne and keeper Jacob Strauss to tap home.
In the 2nd half, Kew altered their formation and player of the match, Mark Whiskey, and Jack Evans started to orchestrate the midfield. Kew were unlucky on a number of occasions not to equalise and came closest when Andy Lowson narrowly missed the post with a fierce shot after some terrific work down the left hand side by Jack Moran.
Eventfully Kew equalised through a carbon copy of the Kingstonian goal, when Kieran Campbell chased a lost cause and by creating confusion between the keeper and sweeper nipped in and tapped home.
As Kew's reliable defence stood firm, Kingstonians rarely threatened the Kew goal again, apart from a goal that was rightly chalked off for offside. It was Kew that nearly grabbed the 3 points a minute from time when Jon Elimu beat the K's back four for speed, after being put through on a one on one situation with the K's keeper by Kieran Campbell. Unfortunately Jon’s shot was superbly saved and both teams shared the points.
Kew outpower Westend boysAFC Westend (formerly Walton & Hersham) 1-4 Kew Association Youth, 19 Sept, LeagueKew stormed to the top of the league after powerful performance against the team they pipped to 2nd place last year. In the first half where Kew control the possession 70% to 30%. Kieran Campbell actually had the ball in the net 4 times, although unfortunately only one counted! And in a half where Kew could have been 4 or 5 up and out of sight, they were, in the end, quite lucky to go in one up. This followed a terrible mix up between goalkeeper Jacob and Rob Payne. Fortunately Myles Blenkinsop was alive to the danger to clear off the line.
Kew made a key substitution at half time as Mark Whiskey and Jack Evans renewed their partnership from last year. Mark and Jack started to run the game from midfield and with the excellent Max Johnston and Jack Moran joining them. The Kew possession was getting near to the 80% to 20% mark. The 2nd goal came from Andy Lowson, who finished superbly with a side foot from outside the box after some neat work from Tom Hyatt on the right. Number three came from a headed goal from Mark Whiskey from a Jack Evans free kick and after Westside had clawed one back from a rare breakaway goal. Jack Evans sealed the game with a fantastic header from just inside the box - again Tom Hyatt providing the assist from a cross from the right wing.
Nine man Kew take Sheen off LionsKew Association Youth 3-2 Sheen Lions, 12 Sept, LeagueWhenever these two long term rivals meet, the sparks always fly and this opening game in the SYL Premier Elite Division was no exception.
The game got off at a fantastic pace and although Kew controlled the possession with their neat short passing style, it was Sheen that created the best opportunities through set pieces. In a first half littered with free kicks that reflected the physical nature of the encounter, it was following a clearance from a corner that Sheen took the lead just before half time with a shot from just outside the box.
Kew reacted positively and quickly grabbed an equalizer through a twice taken Tom Hyatt penalty after a Sheen player handled in the box. Mark Whiskey grabbed a headed goal from a well worked corner shortly afterwards and Kew looked well in control.
However Sheen started to vent frustration though heaver tackles and with Kew reacting, the bookings started to pile up. Kew stopped playing their football and put themselves under pressure by giving away numerous free kicks.
When Sheen grabbed an equalizer 5 minutes from time and Kew were reduced to 9 men following two red cards in as many minutes, the manager would have happy taken the point. However, in a throw back to last year, this squad always fight to the end.
After actually outplaying the 11-men Sheen, who never got near the Kew goal again, Kew unbelievably grabbed the winner in the 10th minute of injury time!
Similarly to the first goal, Kew forced a corner and were awarded another penalty. Tom Hyatt stepped up to take his third penalty of the game. With coolness personified, he put the penalty in exactly the same place and the 3 points went to Kew.
Electric start sparks Kew winGuildford City 1-4 Kew Association Youth, 9 Sept, friendlyThe Under 18's Youth side completed their pre season preparations in fine style comprehensively beating Surrey Primary League premier favourites, Guildford City.
Kew were 2-0 up inside the first ten minutes as they opened up at an electric pace. Jack Dempsey converted a well directed header from a Jon White long range free kick. This was followed a goal that would be a candidate for goal of the season on BBC’s Match of the Day. Following their goalkeeper’s kick, Kieran Campbell volleyed the clearance back, with interest from 40 metres and the ball screamed over the goalkeeper’s head into the back of the net. To be fair Guildford picked themselves off the floor and fully deserved to pull one back just before half time with a well worked goal.
Similar to Sunday’s game, Kew matched Guildford's work rate after the restart and were rewarded with a penalty, when new signing Felix Oppenhiemer was felled by the goalkeeper who was lucky to stay on the park. Ultra reliable Tom Hyatt converted from the spot. Ten minutes later, the game was effectively sealed as Jack Dempsey grabbed his second of the game when he was first to react after the goalkeeper spilled a long range shot.
It should be noted that Jacob Strauss made two incredible saves - one in each half which kept Kew in control of the game at vital stages.
Kew control the LyneLyne FC 2-5 Kew Association Youth, 5 Sept, friendlyThe Under 18 Youth side made a solid start to the season with a 5 -2 victory over former Chertsey Town side, now playing for Lyne FC.
Kew started very confidently and spent most of the first twenty five minutes in the opposition's half . During this time they managed to score twice through two players that were making their 1st team debut. Max Johnston, who played for the under 16's last season, scored with a close range header and Jack Dempsey , who switched from the Colts, with a superb volley . After spurning chances to go 3 or 4 up, Kew took their foot off the peddle and let Lyne back into the game with two defensive blunders - common to a first game friendly. And although the manager admitted some fault for experimenting with the back four, it must be said that the team also confessed at half time that they deserved to be level as they had let Lyne back into the game, by assuming it was already won.
The second half started with Lyne coming at Kew with a new belief, but tremendous credit must be given to Kew for matching them for work rate and slowly taking back control of the game.
The Lyne resistance was final broken with Tom Hyatt confidently converting a penalty after being upended in the box.
After that Kew's goal was rarely threatened as Robert Payne marshalled his back four with an air of authority and Kew added two more goals. The fourth came from a controlled close range finish from Tom Hyatt when Jon Elimu produced a fantastic cross after tying the full back in knots.
Minutes later Jack Evans converted a well rehearsed long range free kick for Jon White to finish with a confident header.
On Thursday Youth travel to Guildford City for their final pre season friendly.
