Seal FC held a charity match on May 4th between Seal new and old boys in aid of multiple sclerosis. 43 players turned up from over the last 25 years with family and friends turning up to watch including children and grandchildren.
£650 was raised for the charity and a good time was had by all. Seal FC are celebrating their 125th year and looking for players for next season already. Contact Michael Deamer on 07801 240927 if you are interested.
Riverhead vets shine in the Spanish sun
A veterans team put together over 10 years ago from parents of Riverhead Primary school narrowly failed to beat San Isidro FC (Vets) in a five goal thriller in May.
San Isidro FC, who play in the lower tiers of the Spanish league, have a number of notable ex players including Pedro who they sold to Barcelona before he went on to play for Chelsea.
The home team went 1-0 up after a period of sustained pressure mid way through the first half with an unstoppable header. However, the Riverhead veterans drew level before the break with a battling goal from the evergreen John Gillhouley. Gillhouley belied his years to rob the San Isidro midfielder and then clinically put the ball past the oncoming keeper. Later on in the half some clever footwork from Paul Fanti drew cheers from both sets of supporters as he nutmegged Pedros’ older brother to create the final chance in an entertaining 45 minutes.
Two quick San Isidro goals after the break had a few on the sidelines thinking the game could turn in to a rout. However, after some very clever substitutions by the Riverhead manager Charlie Compton, the team found themselves back in the game. With 10 minutes left the deficit was reduced to the single goal after a great through ball from Man of the Match Gillhouley set the pacey Jez Lawson through to finish with aplomb.
The game could have gone in to extra time, which given the searing heat and general fitness levels of both sides was not widely wanted, had a cleverly worked free kick routine from Andy McKee not sailed agonisingly wide with a few minutes left.
The final whistle came as a relief to the home team as they held on to a 3 -2 victory. However, talk of a 2020 rematch in Sevenoaks means those away goals could prove crucial.
