This Sevenoaks & District league match followed on from my visit to a league game at Hawkenbury last weekend. The league table showed that Potters were second in the league and Kemsing United just two places lower in 4th.

The teams gathered for a minute’s silence prior to kickoff, to honour the memory of HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, whose funeral was being held later today.

The match began with a steady pace and chances at both ends. Both defences looked strong but on ten minutes, Potters won a penalty, following a heavy Kemsing challenge in the box.

The penalty was well struck, but the keeper dived to their right and parried it and the Potter’s striker was unable to finish from the rebound.

As half time came, the match was still evenly poised. Potters had looked strongest going forward but the midfield and defence for Kemsing United was solid.

The second half began with a new atmosphere of antagonism between the players. Some heavy challenges were made and arguments began to break out, with the referee brandishing cards and warnings. The loss of focus began to affect Kemsing’s players and they appeared to lose their defensive rigour. Subsequently on 65 minutes, Potters FC capitalised, with their number 19 scoring with a neat lobbed finish.

Kemsing United went all out for an equaliser but in so doing left themselves open at the back. Potters exploited this and had a chance that hit the post and a goal which was disallowed from a corner.

On 80 minutes the Kemsing number 20 was sent off for a second yellow card offence. You could sense the hope draining from the Kemsing players at this point. Within five minutes Potters had scored a second, with a looped shot going over the stranded Kemsing keeper.

Potters FC then made it 3-0 with a goal from a corner in the 89th minute.

There was still time for Kemsing United to grab a consolation goal in the 90th minute. The Potters FC keeper made a weak punched clearance, which allowed the left back for Kemsing to fire home from the left hand side of the box, making the score 1-3 at full time.

Kemsing United really did deserve more from this match but Potters FC showed their class when it mattered. The points they gathered today took them to the top of the league with games in hand, although Nomads could regain the lead when they play later today..

The ground is a really beautiful location in which to watch football, and both sides played with passion and some flair. The Common Field Kemsing is well worth a visit.