U’s ease through in league cup

Two goals in either half gave United a resounding 4-0 victory at home to fellow Division One South side Faversham Town, making it five wins and a draw in their last six matches.

With the likes of Ben Judge, Charlie Slocombe, Jono Richardson, Matt Darby, Tim Olorunda, Danny Ellis and Sam Adams given the night off, it was a chance for some of the fringe players and youngsters to show that they can do.

And Tom O’Connor, in particular, did his chances no harm whatsoever. The ballplaying midfielder opened the scoring in only the seventh minute with a cracking drive from the edge of the box into the top corner after captain-for-the-night Sean Kelly had attacked a Tom Gilbert free kick.

Michael Aladetoun was denied by a point blank smothering save after good work from Kenny Pogue and 16-year-old Sam Cruttwell. O’Connor then put Pogue through on goal and although his shot was saved, Jordan Woodley converted the rebound to give United a two-goal lead inside 14 minutes.

United had two let-offs in quick succession just after the 35-minute mark. They firstly survived a penalty appeal when Liam Stone went down under the challenge of United full-back Andy Corrigan and moments later Aaron Lacey’s long throw was glanced against the far post by David Botterill.

At the other end, Aladetoun’s snap-shot from nine yards was saved by the feet of Faversham goalkeeper Simon Overland, who also repelled Woodley’s free kick diving to his right. Aladetoun had the ball in the net at the far post from the resulting corner only for the referee to spot an infringement.