MEN’S 1ST XI
By Dan Mees
Oppo: Canterbury 4, Away
Final Score Loss 2-3
Goal scorers: Isaac Dilkes, Charlie Morgan
Chances Galore, But Cliftonville Edged Out 2-3 in Centenary season opener
A game full of firsts — Mees’ debut as Men’s 1s captain, the first match of the Club’s centenary season, and first-ever Men’s 1s starts for four players.
Cliftonville’s 25/26 campaign kicked off at Polo Farm in Canterbury, facing off against the hosts’ men’s 4s.
Sadly, it wasn’t the dream start the centenary year deserved, with Ville narrowly edged out in a 3–2 defeat. Goals from Isaac Dilkes and Charlie Morgan kept things tight on the scoreboard, and while Cliftonville controlled the midfield and created plenty of chances, they couldn’t quite convert when it mattered.
Plenty of positives to take, though — especially in the build-up play — as the team looks ahead to next week’s home clash against Tunbridge Wells, aiming to get those first three points on the board.
WOMEN’S 1ST XI
By Lena Sabin-Dawson
Oppo: Blackheath & Elthamians 3, Away
Final Score Win 5-0
Goal scorers: Vicky Bates, Maddie Morgan (2), Kat O’Hara (2)
The first game of the season for the Women’s 1st IX was away at Blackheath & Elthamians.
With no warm-up game or prior practice with our new formation, we absorbed a lot of pressure in the first five minutes, but we settled our nerves when Vicky slipped a goal past them. Although we spent the majority of the second half in the opposition’s 23, we were unable to slip through their defence to score again before halftime. After taking a well-needed water break in the hot weather, and having an encouraging half-time talk, we came back with determination to put the game to bed.
Driving the opposition back Maddie scored a scrappy goal which then led to the flood gates opening and we scored three more goals in the second half, leaving the result as a five – nil win. Maddie scored another scrappy goal battling hard with the defence. Then Kat scored at a short corner just inside the left post and then again in open play.
A very good start to the season with hopefully more wins to follow!
MEN’S 2ND XI
By James Perks
Oppo: Gillingham Anchorians, Home
Final Score Win 3-0
Goalscorers: Seb Cox, Adam Sidders, Dave Hooper
New season, new kit, same team… with a few useful additions.
After a very strong end to last season going 6 games unbeaten and off the back of a great result last week against Herne Bay, Ville were eager to press on and build upon the progress that had been made.
First up this season we faced Gillingham Anchorians, who we failed to beat on 2 occasions last year so it wouldn’t be easy.
Ville were quick out the traps and were in control of the game in the early stages with some neat passages of play and began to create a few opportunities, surely was only a matter of time before that goal came. Half way through the first half we managed to take the lead, Seb received the ball in the D, with plenty of people around him but managed to neatly lift the ball past the keeper to make it 1-0 to Ville. Ville continued to be on top for the remainder of the half and went into the break 1 nil up.
A positive team talk from Sidders and Westby at half time with more of the same demanded and the goals would follow.
Not long into the 2nd half, Ville were awarded a short corner, slip right was the call. Sidders fed the ball to Hoops on the right, who advanced in and ‘drag-flicked’ it past the keeper into the corner to make it 2-0. Anchorians were getting rattled now and lost their 2nd player for a short break on the sideline.
The 3rd goal came when Sidders with his back to goal, controlled it, switched it onto his reverse and managed to lift it over the keeper. 3 nil with 15 minutes to go and we were looking comfortable.
That is how it finished, a great team performance all round and a comfortable 3 nil win. A really positive start to the season. #UptheVille
WOMEN’S 2ND XI
By Cheryl Macer
Oppo: Dartford 2, Home
Final Score Win 2-0
Goalscorers: Julie Cobb (2)
Cliftonville Women’s 2s kicked off their season in style with a strong 2–0 home win over Dartford Ladies 2s, all while debuting their striking new centenary shirts – and they certainly looked the part on the pitch.
The first half saw Cliftonville pile on the pressure with wave after wave of attacking play. Several shots on goal kept the Dartford defence on their toes, but despite the relentless effort, the deadlock remained unbroken at half-time.
A rousing team talk from Julie during the break sparked even more energy in the second half. Cliftonville continued to dominate, but Dartford responded with some dangerous breaks and earned themselves a few short corners, though they were unable to convert.
Eventually, the breakthrough came through sheer teamwork and persistence, with Julie finding the back of the net to give Cliftonville a well-deserved lead. Not long after, a perfectly executed short corner routine once again saw Julie slot the ball home, doubling the advantage.
Despite late pressure and further short corners for Dartford, Cliftonville’s defence stood firm, securing a clean sheet and an excellent 2–0 win to start the season.
Player of the Match: Sally – for her outstanding performance and commitment.
A fantastic first outing in the new shirts and a result to match – a strong start to the campaign for Cliftonville Women’s 2s.
MEN’S 3RD XI
By Noah Soames
Oppo: Canterbury 10, Home
Final Score Win 2-0
Goalscorers: Asa Foster-Troy, Dylan Walker
Cliftonville M3 2 vs 1 Canterbury M10
Following a strong finish to the end of last season, ‘The Ville’ turned ready for the new campaign with a new captain and their fresh centenary kit.
They headed into their first league match with high expectations following a strong debut season, facing Canterbury at home. The local rivals were always going to be well organised and well skilled, so The Ville had to meet them. The Ladies 2s handed over the pitch after their win with the hopes that the 3s could do the same.
A blustery afternoon push back saw both teams itching to get an early goal. Both traded pressure but with The Ville’s tight back three, Canterbury couldn’t break through. Runs from Archie and Ollie in the midfield, the home side were pressing strong.
There was fresh formation and tactics in the Captains’ mind and everyone was going to have to adapt well to the new structure. Wingers started to stretch the play giving space to Ollie and Aron’s distribution and they started to make ground. Following an even start for both sides, neither could break the deadlock. Half time came, and the team reset, ready to go out again, it was clear that no-one came for a draw.
The visitors came out the blocks hoping to conjure an early lead. However, it was the locals who struck first. Aron parted the midfield with a blistering run and set a pass straight through to Asa who confidently converted in two touches! 41 minutes had passed and Ville were 1-0 up. They knew that Canterbury would not sit back and so with them itching to attack at every opportunity, the home side dug in. With the game ¾ of the way through, it was clear that one goal was not enough. Henry took to the left wing taking on the opposition, he cut in and split the defenders drilling a cross to Dillon who took it upon himself to finish it first time, stunning the opposition and rocking the back boards. By the 60th minute Cliftonville had established themselves a two-goal advantage with 10 minutes left to play. The game intensified and Canterbury were forcing every opportunity that came their way,
Canterbury came with more and more attacks leading to a number of short corners, but the keeper stayed rock solid. The Ville’s wingers still energised, galvanised the defence and even with an incredible work rate, just couldn’t keep Canterbury’s skilful attack from breaking though. With the game coming to a close, Canterbury finally capitalised on their opportunities and nestled a goal with no time to spare.
A fair result for two hard working sides but a great home win… Up ‘The Ville’
