Jones turns Scrooge but inspires Town

Corinthian: 2

Sevenoaks Town: 3

TOWN's new signings Badar Mohammad and Tony Akins made an immediate impact for their new side, as their goals fired Sevenoaks to a fine 3-2 win at Corinthian.

It hadn't looked good for the visitors at Gay Dawn Farm when the hosts roared into a two goal lead after 38 minutes, but Joe Creasey scored on the stroke of half-time to give Town hope.

The second half belonged to Sevenoaks as the Holmesdale pair, signed on Thursday, came up trumps for manager Simon Jones, with first Atkins scoring and then Mohammad got the winner in the 79th minute.

"We had to make a couple of changes through injury and Danny Ward, who has been playing really well, was suspended," Jones reflected. "It just didn't work and it seemed as if people's heads weren't on the game. We were going out for our Christmas party in the evening, so I think the players were in the festive mood a bit early!

"I brought them down with a bump at half-time and there certainly wasn't any festive spirit in the dressing room!

"I took off Billy Shinners and Joe Minter and put on Badar and John Phillips, from the reserves. Credit to them, they contributed massively in the second half and Phillips was instrumental in why we won the game.

"I think we deserved the win, but credit to Corinthian as they played some excellent attacking football."

Town's win puts them third in the Bulmers Cider Kent League table, a point behind Herne Bay having played two games more.

Next up is an away trip to Erith and Belvedere on Saturday (subject to change), and Town will be looking to avenge the 1-0 defeat they suffered when the teams met in October.

Sevenoaks Reserves: 2

Beckenham Reserves: 0

SEVENOAKS Reserves got revenge for their only defeat this season in Kent Division 2 with a superb performance at home, which has now put them in a strong position for the coming year.

Sevenoaks got off to a great start and dominated proceedings.

With Town controlling the game and looking very solid, a long pass from Stuart Clarke at the back found the lively Baffour Kadwa, who stepped past his markers and shot low to the right-hand side of the keeper to put Town ahead.

Sevenoaks' two banks of four defended superbly and Adam Porter in goal wasn't really called into action.

On 44 minutes, Anthony Pace, set up well by right-back Aaron Scanlan, turned sharply and tested the Beckenham keeper with a ripping shot, which was saved.

Town went in at half-time knowing that leaders Beckenham would try to turn the game around, but Town kept the ball well and looked solid as the second half started.

On 55 minutes, a superb cross from the left-hand side by Anthony Pace found Baffour Kadwa, but what looked like a simple chance was headed over.

With Sevenoaks looking in total control on 61 minutes, the game changed. Beckenham had a player immediately sent off for a two-footed flying tackle on Clarke, but this woke up Beckenham and with only 10 men they started to pass the ball well.

Fourteen minutes later, Town changed their front line with Kadwa and Pace giving way after a fantastic performance to Dave Wood and Joivan Wade.

With Sean Blythe replacing Jack O'Connor on the left after an outstanding performance from the young man in midfield, Dave Wood was set up by Blythe in a one-on-one with the keeper, but he shot wide.

On 86 minutes, an in-swinging corner from Mickey Smith found the hardworking mid-fielder Ollie Miles, who headed home from six yards to wrap up the three points and a superb victory at Greatness.