Gravesend League: Joydens Wood land Hospital Cup

A good sized crowd saw a keen contest with Joydens first out of the traps when James Long scored early in the game.

Lewis Crowley scored with an absolute screamer from 30 yards just before the break which was in the net before Oakfield keeper Kelm Strickland could move as Joydens Wood went into the interval with a deserved 2-0 lead.

Both teams had chances in the second half but it was Oakfield who upped the tempo and pulled one back when Adrian McKay scored with a great header from a corner.

End-to-end play continued and referee Peter Davis had to keep a tight rein on matters a couple of times.

But with no further scoring, Joydens Wood lifted their first trophy since joining the League in 2008 in front of their joyous supporters.

Joydens Wood skipper Dan Radford was presented with the cup by Gravesend League chairman Tony Scott. Lullingstone Castle had a double Premier Division fixture at home to Stone C & I.

Luke Pearson grabbed both goals as the Lullies won the opening encounter 2-0.

The Lullies also took all three points in the second game, which they won 4-1 thanks to Paul Brookstein, Luke Pearson, Ross Lovett and Michael Shipp.

Billy Kingwell grabbed the solitary Stone reply as Lullingstone Castle go three points clear at the top of the division Viewpoint were also involved in a double fixture at the Kings Farm ground of Meopham.

The Village team could not hold out Viewpoint striker Damien Blowers, who scored five goals in a 6-0 win with Luke Fincham getting the sixth.

Viewpoint ran away with the second game in the second half after being 3-1 up at half-time to win 10-1.

Blowers helped himself to another four and the other scorers were Aaron Brown (2), Luke Fincham (2), Marc Bruce and Martin Brown.

Woodlands Athletic were at home at Swanscombe to Craggs Farm and the hosts were 7-0 behind at half-time.

By the final whistle it was 18-0 as Craggs comfortably held on to third place in the table level on points with Viewpoint.

Division One leaders Earl Grey who are two points clear after Aaron Spencer (2), Ben Jacomb (2) and Aaron Whyman helped them to a 5-1 success over Viewpoint Reserves, for who Tommy Vine struck in the first half.

Second in the table are Fleetdown United B, who won 4-2 at home against The Rising Eagles.

Both sides were locked at 2-2 by half-time following a very good opening 45 minutes of end-to-end football.

Chris Cantone and Dom Falzon scored for Fleetdown, while Eagles kept in the game with two goals from Kirk Mitten, his second being an individual effort when he went on a fine dribble, beating four Fleetdown defenders before firing home.

Fleetdown could have taken a 3-2 lead when they were awarded a penalty but Eagles keeper Gavin Ould made a brilliant save.

Fleetdown finally got on top in the second half with goals from Falzon with his second and Pat Weik to seal victory.

AZ 82 were away to the Meopham Reserves in a top v bottom game and the Meopham second string held out leaders AZ until the hour when Jack Mathieson opened the scoring.

With 15 minutes remaining Ryan Green made it 2-0 to AZ 82 to send his side four points clear.

The score could have been higher in AZ’s favour but for an outstanding game in defence by Meopham’s Paul Haylock.

Horton Kirby go into second spot after a 5-1 away win at Fleetway Printers.

Already 5-0 to the good at the break thanks to Lewis Royale (2), James Mitchell (2) and Neil Doogias, Fleetway came out after the interval with the intention of getting back in the game.

After missing a first half penalty, veteran Tommy Pender pulled one back and although they had several chances to score, Kirby’s defence stood tall and held out.

The Gravesend League are inviting any club or team who wish to join the competition next year who are in Kent within the 20 mile radius of the Gravesend clock tower.

Applications should be made in writing to Derek Carey (KCFA), 295 Knights Manor Way, Dartford, DA1 5SH, or by calling 01322 288389.