Six Of The Best

Monday 31st August 2009

Holmesdale's Reserves move up to 3rd place in The First Division after a massive 6-2 win over visitors Margate.

Holmesdale started the match solidly with goals from Mark Axell, Anthony Pace and Jack Highwood to lead the game 3-2 at half time.

After the break Holmesdale dominated the half with a goal from Substitute Peter Afolayan giving them a 4-2 lead.

Further goals from Anthony Pace and Jack Highwood completed the 6-2 victory.

In a change to the previously scheduled fixture the 2's next match is at home to Cray Wanderers on Tuesday September 8th at 7:45PM.

Match Report

Cup Run Comes To An End

Saturday 29th August 2009

Holmesdale's FA Cup run came to an end as they lost out to Badshot Lea 1-3 at Oakley Road.

Badshot's Westell opened the scoring on 20 minutes before Peter's made it 0-2 before the break in the 35th minute.

Badshot were first to score in the second half on 49 minutes through a goal from Blake.

Holmesdale fought back with a consolation goal from Tony Atkins after 56 minutes.

Focus now moves to the FA Vase where Holmesdale travel to Feltham on Sunday 6th September for a 3:00PM Kick-off.

Holmesdale Welcomes New Reserve Team Manager

Tuesday 25th August 2009

Holmesdale FC would like to welcome Johan Oosterling as Reserve Team Manager. Johan has come in to replace Danny Bushell who successfully led Holmesdale's Reserves to the 2008/2009 Division Two Winners Title. Johan is no stranger to Holmesdale having previously been part of the 2003/2004 line up. Following an injury in only his second game for the 1st Team, Johan helped out with training sessions for Holmesdale's First and Reserve Teams for the remainder of the season.

Johan, who is originally from Holland, has played at Dutch Academy and Semi Pro level. He studied Top Sport Coaching at degree level, majoring in Football, Speed Skating and Gymnastics and also holds the Dutch FA (KNVB) TC 2 licence. Johan went on to manage and coach in Top National Academy U13's-U19's level in The Netherlands with SC Joure and ASV Dronten. As well as The Netherlands his coaching experience includes the United States and the UK.

Johan has come to Holmesdale after a successful period as coach with Orpington and Bromley District Sunday Football League side Keyworth FC where over the last four years he has help lead them to the 1st Dvision Title, League Cup Winners Title, Senior Cup Winners Title and The Premier Division Winners Title.

In his private life Johan works as a General Manager for a Health Club and also runs sports coaching, gymnastics and trampolining within Bromley. He has also just accepted a management role running an alternative education programme working with young people who are on the verge of exclusion from school. When not spending time with his family he enjoys playing golf and snowboarding.

Second Half Comeback Secures Draw

Tuesday 25th August 2009

Holmesdale's Reserves followed their League opener against Thamesmead Town with a friendly fixture against West Wickham.

Holmesdale started the first half well but found themselves a goal behind at the whistle.

West Wickham started the second period the stronger side taking an early goal to lead 2-0.

The 2's came back with an energetic display to turn the game around with a brace from Anthony Pacey and a third from Jack Highwood. Final score 3-3.

Holmesdale's 2nd XI face Margate at home on Bank Holiday Monday at 3:00PM.

Daler's Leave The Lane Empty Handed

Saturday 22nd August 2009

Holmesdale opened the scoring at Salter's Lane after 8 minutes when James Dadson found the Faversham Goal.

Lee Shearer equalised from the penalty spot 18 minutes later to end the first half one a piece.

The Second Half saw Faversham pull ahead with a brace from Buster Smissen. Shearer completed Faversham's 4-1 win in the 78th minute.

The win sees Faversham move to the top of the table and Holmesdale drop to ninth with one win and one loss from their opening two games.

Focus returns to the FA Cup as Holmesdale welcome Badshot Lea to Oakley Road next Saturday 29th August for a 3:00PM Kick-off.

Nine Goal Contest

Saturday 22nd August 2009

Newly promoted Dvision Two Champions, Holmesdale, opened their season against current First Division Champions Thamesmead Town.

Leading 3-0 by the end of the first period Town eventually won 5-4 as Holmesdale launched a second half comeback in the nine goal contest.

Holmesdale's next match is at home to Margate on Bank Holiday Monday at 3:00PM.

History In The Making

Saturday 15th August 2009

Holmesdale opened a new page in their history books with a 1-2 win over Hartley Wintney in their first ever FA Cup outing.

Hartley Wintney's Spence opened the scoring on 10 minutes in front of the 98 strong crowd.

Frank Bunani took the honour of Holmesdale's First FA Cup Scorer 2 minutes later to bring the sides level.

AJ Morrison secured the win for The Daler's on 34 minutes.

The win sees Holmesdale through to The Preliminary Round where they will entertain Combined Counties Side Badshot Lea at Oakley Road on Saturday 29th August at 3:00PM.

Match Photos

Match Video Highlights

Manager Billy Hughes spoke to Kentish Football following the win over Hartley Wintney. Kentish Football

Three Points From First Game

Monday 10th August 2009

Holmesdale were one of seven teames to secure the three points in the first games of the new season following their 2-1 win over Lordswood at Oakley Road.

Chris Hatt scored Holmesdale's first goal of the campaign after 25 minutes to give the home side the lead at half time.

Former Croydon FC goal scorer, Badar Mohammed, got Holmesdale's second early in the second half on 47 minutes.

Lordswood pulled one back through a King strike on 61 minutes.

Holmesdale play their first FA Cup game away to Hartley Wintney FC next Saturday 15th August.

Pre Season Roundup - Billy Hughes

Thursday 6th August 2009

Holmesdale's pre season started on June 30th when around 50 players turned up including a lot of last years successful squad which pleased Jim and I because we knew we had a good nucleus to work with. We lined up some quality opponents to test the players and see how they would cope against league superior sides, and with each friendly we made steady improvements and had a good run out.

We have also been busy looking to strengthen our squad in certain areas and have added a couple of new faces which I am delighted about as I feel there was not enough competition for places last year and this will also help with cover.

We have added to our management team with Rob Dillon. Rob will assist Jim and I with training and warm ups and I would like to welcome him aboard. We also welcome back Matt Webb (Goal Keeping Coach) who has been out after having surgery on his arm. He rejoins the team with Ross Mitchell.

I feel Holmesdale FC are taking steps in the right direction both on and off the pitch and you only have to look at our pitch, which I think is one of the best playing surfaces in the Kent league, as well as having our club house done up and looking great.

This is a big year for all at Holmesdale FC because on August 15th we play our first FA Cup game away to Hartley Wintney FC, this again is another big step for us and we hope you can come and support us.

We start the season against Lordswood Saturday 8th at home and I feel we are ready, most of the players have had time to gel and the hard work has been put in so let's hope we can get the result and the performance we want.

FA Cup History - Coach Seats Available

Wednesday 5th August 2009

Holmesdale FC will be playing their first ever FA Cup tie on Saturday 15th August at Hartley Wintney, it's another step in Holmesdale's history and it would be nice if you could be there to savor the moment.

We have a coach leaving the ground at 11.00 with 20 seats available at £5.00 each, if you are interested please contact Mark Hayes secretary@holmesdalefc.co.uk

If you wish to make your own way to the ground then travel details can be found in the attached document.

Away Day Travel

Second Half Comeback Secures Draw

Saturday 1st August 2009

Holmesdale came back from 0-3 down scoring 3 second half goals to secure a draw against Ryman South's Merstham FC.

In the afternoon's double header Holmesdale's Reserves picked up a 2-0 win over Merstham's Reserve side.

With 3 wins, 3 losses and 1 draw Holmesdale have completed their preseason and their next match will be against Lordswood at Oakley Road on Saturday 8th August at 3:00PM for the start of the 2009/2010 Season.