As we are now just over halfway through our pre-season schedule I thought it would be a good time to update our supporters on how things are progressing at the club. We have just had the fixtures released and have been handed a tough start to the season but one that we are all looking forward to. We play two of the three relegated sides and both promoted sides who are investing heavily in our first five games along with our longest away trip of the season to Fisher. We also have a big FA Cup game against Guildford in the first week of the season too which will be our first competitive home game of the season.
So far our pre-season games have gone well with three wins and a draw from our first four games. Results aren’t important pre-season but it is always nice to be winning games and that is often an indication that performances are also at a good level. We started out with a home game against Minster which ended in a comfortable 5-0 win with goals from Aaron Millbank, Josh Belsey, Joe Reeves Alex Smith and Josh Byford. We then followed this up with a pleasing performance at Ryman Premier side Margate where after leading 2-0 up at half time we ended up with a creditable 3-3 draw with our goals coming from Joe Reeves, Alfie Foster and Alex Green. Our next two games have both resulted in 1-0 wins and another two clean sheets. The first game was against a good young Gillingham side with our goal coming from Billy Munday. We then travelled away to Crowborough and come home with another 1-0 win courtesy of a goal from 16 year old George Jenner.
It has been great to see the boys come back in good form in pre-season, and we have seen the benefit of having a settled squad. We have been able to introduce young goalkeeper Kye Davidson along with George Jenner and both have done really well as first year u18’s. Pre-season has also given us the chance to introduce both Josh Byford and Owen Mullaney from last year’s double winning reserve side and both have done very well. There have also been a number of last year successful u16 side who have done well for the reserves so far in pre-season.
We are still looking to add a couple of new signings to the squad before the season but are being patient to ensure we bring to right players in. We have a very close group and a clear philosophy at the club and it is vital that all players we bring into the group fit into this ethos. As soon as we have any news on new additions we will let you know.
I would like to finish by thanking all those who have turned up to support us in our opening pre-season games. It has been great to have nearly 800 people through the gates in our first two home friendlies and we have also had great support at Margate and Crowborough. Your support means everything to us as a group and we really do both appreciate and need it. Please encourage your friends and family to come along and enjoy our games, I’m sure they will leave entertained.
We now have three pre-season games left including a big home game against Dover Athletic next Tuesday. We will be doing everything in those games to ensure we are fully prepared for the long trip to Fisher on 29th July where three points will be at stake.
Thanks as ever for your support and we look forward to seeing you all soon.
Come on you Hoops!
Kingy 
