FINAL SCORE:
F.G.Barnes.........2
AFC Maidstone......4


AFC's fine run of performances was finally rewarded with a win. After close games against Whistlers, Funk Soul Brothers and Elite since the last victory over GAP, clinical finishing made the difference between this and those afore-mentioned games.
Ryan celebrated his 14th birthday by opening the scoring in the 3rd minute. A pass short pass from Sam found Ryan who struck the ball into the corner of the net. The lead was doubled a couple of minutes later. A throw-out from Cope found Cleisham near the half-way line. He controlled, and struck a dipping shot which came off the diving keeper and into the roof of the net. It was the first time a player other then Ryan had scored this season. It was looking good for the Stones but Cope paved the way for F.G.Barnes to get back into the game. He threw the ball out almost instantly after receiving it and it fell straight to a F.G.Barnes striker who had the goal at his mercy. He gave Cope no chance with a shot that was struck powerfully beyond his reach. A string of chances fell to both sides, especially F.G.Barnes who showed why they are 10th in the league with some of the most way-ward shooting ever witnessed at LLC. Ryan showed them exactly how to take chances. A pass from Epps went into his path and he shot into the centre of the goal. F.G.Barnes showed that they can shoot on target, and did so clinically as Cope was beaten again after some lax defending. Half-time: 3-2.
The sceond-half probably couldn't match up to the first. The Stones looked content to sit back and soak up the pressure, and hang on for some much needed points. Their defensive attitude almost cost them as a through-ball found a player on the edge of the area. He clearly stepped a foot or so into the area to put it past Cope. The whole AFC team protested to the ref and he rightly ruled the 'goal' out. The Stones responded by pushing forward. A long throw from Cope went beyond the half-way line to Ryan, who beat his marker with his skill and unleashed a rocket past the despairing keeper. F.G.Barnes' keeper had looked dodgy and was lucky to get away with a few mistakes. The lead was nearly extended as Ryan tries to reach his goal of league top-scorer. A shot of his from a narrow angle hit the post, but it ruled out to Epps who, with the goal at his mercy, somehow struck his shot at an incoming defender. F.G.Barnes had many chances, yet again shooting way over. Cleisham's flashness and Spencer's pass to the opposition nearly cost the Stones dear. Cope's over-arm throw resulted in a F.G.Barnes free-kick, which was shot over. They also had another goal ruled out, again for a step in the area. A excellent result on many accounts: it proves AFC can beat adult teams; it proves someone other then Ryan can score; and it moved AFC up to 8th.


TEAM: Cope; Pilcher (S.Charman 6, Spencer 18), Epps (Ward 10); Cleisham; R.Charman.

SCORERS: R.Charman 3, 9, 16
R.Cleisham 5

Manager comments:
"I said before-hand this was more important then the GAP game next-week. If we lost this and vs GAP, we'd be 11th. If we won both, we'd be cemented in 8th. If we won this but lost to GAP, we'd be 8th. So by all means crucial. Ryan had his best game yet. Another hat-trick from Ryan but coming against people over twice his age and a hell of a lot more experienced, then he has every reason to be proud. Cope set up 2, and also one of theirs. He knows that a area of his game he needs to improved - he seems to want to throw it straight away, like its a fireball or something. He was good, but we all were. Ward has come under criticism but was great, Robin scored a contender for "Goal of the Season" and it was great to beat a team of adults. More of a milestone then the GAP game. Brilliant display, brilliant result."