CHAIRMAN’S NOTES

Good evening everyone and welcome to The OHOB Community Stadium for tonight’s rearranged Isthmian League South East Division match against Hythe Town.

We extend a warm welcome this evening to Steve Watt, his players and staff, the Cannons’ officials and supporters as well as to tonight’s referee Conall Bartlett and his assistants Darren Eaton and Simon Faires. We trust you all enjoy your short stay and our hospitality.

The original scheduled fixture in December was postponed because of a snow covered pitch and then the rearranged fixture in January was postponed because of a frozen pitch so hopefully third time lucky tonight although some snow is forecast for tomorrow!

When we were due to play at the end of January, both the Cannons and the Wasps were on the same 23 points after 19 matches. 10 matches later Hythe are 10th with 46 points and Grinstead 13th with 34 points.

After a run of 5 matches unbeaten of which three were wins, Wasps have lost their last four. Our performance on Saturday at Sheppey United was not a reflection of the final score of 4-1 and two contentious penalty decisions went against us.

The first was the opening goal for Chatham when the referee pointed to the spot after the ball had gone over Matt Astle and a Sheppey player behind him following a corner and was heading for a throw-in. Matt was going backwards away from goal while the opponent had already turned and his foot clipped the back of Matt’s leg and went down.

The second was not given with the score at 21.The ball had been played through into Matt Daniel’s path inside the area, the keeper went to ground and got a slight touch with his outstretched hand and in the same movement then caught Matt’s foot causing him to stumble to the ground but the assistant waved play on! Decisions are just not going our way.

Thanks again for the travelling support to the Isle of Sheppey with the journey for some having taken 2½ hours. I know you will get behind the lads tonight and hope to see you on Saturday at Ramsgate (ko 3pm). Tonight is our fifth Tuesday night match in a row but we will now at last revert back to Saturday only fixtures except for Easter Monday.

Our Under 18s are here on Thursday against Leatherhead (ko 7.30pm) and they would appreciate your support if you can make it.

Whatever the outcome of this evening’s match, I trust everyone enjoys their visit to The OHOB Community Stadium and I wish you all a safe journey home.

Enjoy the match Richard