The start of the season has come round quickly as the Southern Counties East Premier Division got underway this afternoon with Hollands and Blair edging out Phoenix Sports.

The game was only six minutes old when Blair took the lead, with the fastest goal of the day when a Harry Linch free kick floated into the area found Kristian Wigg and from ten yards headed in.

Four minutes later a corner into the area was half punched clear by Sam Freeman but straight to Vinnie Bowman who from fifteen yards headed just over the bar.

The rest of the half saw Blair dominate possession and looking like new everyone with a lot of energy while Sports looked the opposite no energy and looked like they had never met before.

The second half was a little different as Blair relied on counter attacks while Sports suddenly looked a better side, but Blairs defence held firm.

In the 61^st minute Kian Scott received the ball on the right wing and laid the ball for Bowman but from twelve yards he shot into the side netting.

Eighteen minutes later Scott tried his luck with a shot from twenty-five yards and nearly caught Freeman out as he eventually got to push the ball over the bar.

Another half chance came when Jerald Aboagie saw his attempted pass go straight to Artem Kuchkov who from twenty-five yards saw his shot go just past the post.

Time was running out for Sports and in the ninetieth minute they had a glorious chance to equalise when Ahkeem Belford on the left by the corner flag saw his cross to the back post find Jerson Dos Santos but from five yards he headed wide.

The final whistle went after six minutes of added on time leaving the Medway side victorious and moving onto Herne Bay in the FA Cup next Saturday.

      

Hollands & Blair:

1. H.Brooks 2. S.Kbamba (80)  3. J.Brocker   5. L.Exall  6. K.Wigg  7. J.Thomas 8.I.Draycott (80)  9. K.Scott  10. V.Bowman (90+1)  11. H.Linch (74)  12. R.Gillies

Subs Used: 14.A.Kuchkov (74)   15. F.Awoleke (80)  19. B.Catherick (80)  16. T.Kamada (90+1)

Subs Not Used: 17. D.Briffitt

Bookings:  11. H.Linch (53)  12. R.Gillies (90+1)

       

Phoenix Sports:

1. S.Freeman  2. J.Aboagye  3. A.Belford  4. D.Theobalds  5. J.Grant  7. W.Efambe (84) 8. L.Ella-Verde  10.  L.Morgan-Griffiths  11. T.Anderson  12. B.Morrison  14. J.Dos Santos                 

Subs Used:  9. E.Proctor (84) 

Subs Not Used: 1. N.Taylor  15. L.Reid-Newth  16. H.Smart  17. S.Mills

Bookings: None

Referee: Mr R.Jeffrey

Assistants: Mr S.Tunnicliffe  & Mr D.Wilson

Att: 177