Tom Parkinson and Tom Beere return for Tonbridge Angels while Maidstone United's development side hit seven infront of the cameras
21:00, 08 August 2020
updated: 09:03, 10 August 2020
Tonbridge Angels hit six goals on Saturday but it was the sight of some returning players that gave them a bigger lift.
The club’s longest continuously serving first team player Tom Parkinson, who is also a coach at the club, was back after over 500 days on the sidelines with injury.
Fellow midfielder Tom Beere was also back after suffering his own long-term injury problems. The two players played a part in a 6-0 win at Loxwood.
Boss of the National League South side Steve McKimm tweeted: “Thanks to Loxwood FC for the game with all rules and protocols followed correctly.
“Fantastic to see Tommy Parkinson and Tom Beere back out on the pitch doing their stuff. #gladtobeback.”
Parkinson said: “518 days after rupturing all my ankles ligaments and hundreds of rehab session, what a feeling to be back on the pitch with my team mates!”
Alex Akrofi marked his return to the club with a goal, while Joe Turner netted twice and there were also goals for Rian Bray, Khale Da Costa and a trialist.
Maidstone United live-streamed their development team’s match against Kent County side Guru Nanak. Over 400 fans tuned in and were treated to a goal-fest as the Stones won the game 7-0.
Folkestone Invicta travelled to ambitious Southern Counties East side Chatham Town for a behind closed doors friendly at the Bauvill Stadium.
Sam Hasler’s penalty and a goal from Smith secured a 2-1 win as they came from behind, trailing to a goal from Chatham captain Jack Evans, a former Invicta player.
Isthmian League side Whitstable Town were back in action at The Belmont against SCEFL side Rusthall. The visitors won the match 3-1.
All of the goals came in the second half with Jay Hards getting the goal for Whitstable. Rusthall’s goals were scored by a trialist, Charlie Clover and a last-minute effort from Stephen Harper.
Faversham Town played on Friday night at Punjab United’s newly named Steve Cooke Stadium, winning 1-0 thanks to a goal from summer signing and captain Harry Harding.
It’s been a good start for a player who arrived with the hope of getting plenty of goals. Harding was also on target last weekend in a 4-1 win over Rusthall.
Tunbridge Wells won 2-1 away to Kings Hill and followed it up with the news that they had signed winger Regan Corke and midfielder Aiden Enver, a former Bromley junior.
Hollands & Blair travelled to Surrey for their opening pre-season friendly and returned to Gillingham 3-0 winners against Isthmian League side Whyteleafe.
Fellow SCEFL side Bearsted got their pre-season campaign underway with a 2-0 win over Walthamstow.
Deal Town’s first pre-season fixture was away to Kent County League side Hawkinge Town and they ran out 5-0 winners. Sam Wilson got a couple of goals for the Hoops.
Lordswood were away to Borden Village and lost 2-1. Kieran Oliver got the goal for Neil Hunter’s side but an own-goal and a Matt McHugh effort won it for the hosts.
Glebe and Cray Valley PM hit a goal apiece in the match at Foxbury Avenue. Frankie Sawyer struck the equalising goal for Glebe form a deflected free-kick, cancelling out Ryan Flack’s effort.
Big concern for the Millers will be news of summer signing Nat Blanks from Folkestone, leaving the field shortly after coming on as a second half sub, with a suspected ruptured Achilles tendon.
"Absolutely gutted," said boss Kevin Watson, adding: "Everyone at Cray Valley will support him through what will no doubt be a tough period. But the lad is a great character and will get through this."
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