FINAL SCORE:
Jaffers.........5
AFC Maidstone...2


AFC were on the receiving end of a thrashing, but the real difference between the two teams was the finishing. The defence has looked solid during the last 5 games, but had to be at its best to contain the divisions top scoring side. The first half was the real tester, and AFC were lacking in creativity. Pilch and Cleisham contained most of the attacks, but a goal from nothing came after 3 minutes. A shot from distance was heading goalwards, but easy enough for Cope to catch. With his arms cupped to make the catch, a Jaffers striker stuck out his boot to flick it past Cope and into the top corner. Pilcher was to blame for the second, he failed to make a tackle and the Jaffers player ran past and struck a powerful shot to Cope's right. Pilcher came off for Ryan at this point, hoping to inject some creativity beyond the unpredictable Ward. Ryans arrival allowed Ward to drop deep, a role he has taken to since his lack of goals up-front. Jaffers extended their lead upon 7 minutes, a powerful saved well by Cope, only to see it trickle agonisingly over the line. Ryan struck one effort across the face of goal, and Cleisham managed some long-distance efforts, but the game was seamingly over. Half-time:3-0.
Cleisham was content to go forward and support Ryan, who to be fair was not having one of his many good days. He was rewarded with a goal, after a pass from Ward put him one-on-one. He did well to put the ball through the legs of the diving keeper. A lifeline for AFC Maidstone! However, hopes of a comeback were dashed when slack marking led to a fourth for Jaffers. But another goal came about, again from Cleisham. He ran on to Ryan's pass and blasted it in from the right hand side. The defence was kept busy after this, with Ward playing magnificantly in an unusual defensive role. Spencer, too, was maintaining his magnificent form. He made the unusual step of passing to himself; booting the ball forward from defence and running on to it at the other end of the field! An underserved fifth was blasted in with 3 minutes to go. The performance against the leaders was creditable, but the flattering score shows the huge bridge that seperates Jaffers and AFC in terms of finishing.


TEAM: Cope; Pilcher (R.Charman 5), Cleisham, S.Charman (Epps 6, Spencer 14); Ward.

SCORERS: Cleisham 15, 17


Manager comments:
"I must say that it is disappointing. They were at full-strength, and their finishing was superb. I was pleased with the way we played for most of the game, but yet again we were caught out on the wings. Wardy was superb; he ran up and down the field and was essential to attack and defence. Its the first time hes lasted a full game since our first ever match, and ran throughout. Ryan was a bit unlucky, he was tightly marked and didn't have too many chances. I'm positive he'll bounce back next week. Robin, again, was magnificent. He took his goals superbly and I hope he can work his way onto the top scorers list! I was pleased with everyone. Cope cannot be blamed for any of the 5 goals, and made some good saves as usual. Heads must stay up and then we can take 3 points against TMC and work our way to 8th."