FRIENDLY:
FINAL SCORE:
N.B.T.........0
AFC Maidstone..........1


AFC celebrated finishing second-bottom with a friendly victory over N.B.T. They dominated from start-to-finish, but could only score once. David Spencer made his first start in the absence of top scorer Ryan Charman, and played a key role in attack in defence. AFC broke the deadlock soon after Pilcher came on as a sub. He surged down the left wing, before playing a simple ball to Ward who took it in his stride and curled it past the keeper. He appeared in the area but it didn't matter. Half-time: 1-0 AFC.
Pilcher played up front in the second-half, and Cleisham went in goal in place of Cope. Pilcher had about 8 good chances, but just failed to control several passes. He had two shots on the turn which went wide, while David Spencer and Cope both shot narrowly over from distance. An Epps mistake allowed Pilcher through on 18 minutes, but the ball went just beyond his reach and into the area. Cleisham, at the other end, made several exceptional saves to keep a clean sheet for AFC. AFC had won this friendly against a make-shift N.B.T, who played Epps at left-back. It was good to see Epps get a chance to play a full game, but after the game he announced that breathing problems were affecting his game and he said that he wouldn't be playing for AFC again.


TEAM: Cope; S.Charman (Pilcher 3), Cleisham, Ward; D.Spencer.

SCORERS: Ward 5


Manager comments:
"Its a great feeling. It has taken a last slice of luck - i.e. the opposition not being able to turn up - but there have been occasions where we have lost out due to bad fortune. It's just the way the season has worked out, and naturally we are pleased to have finished 10th rather than bottom. Consigning GAP to last place (11th) makes it all the better.
There's not too much I can say about the friendly: a decent performance but they only had five players, one of whom was ours. Good goal by Ward, and naturally I am disappointed I couldn't end my goal drought."