Kent Junior Cup Champions 1948-49


Kent Junior Cup Winners 1948-49

Leigh's forwards had not Platt's methodical ideas!
Platt   5      Leigh   1

Platt were worthy winners of this rather one-sided game, played at Otford.
Leigh, who operate in the second division of the Tonbridge League, were for the greater part of the match on the defensive and although their defence acquitted itself well, their attack for long periods was almost totally lacking in ideas.

There was always more method in Platt's attack and Bowen quickly forced a couple of corners which came to nothing. Therefore it was something of a surprise when Leigh took the lead. The centre-forward broke through and although Parrott made a valiant attempt to save, he could not hold a hot shot and the ball was netted in a scramble.

Platt tried hard to get on terms and several shots that had more then force then accuracy whistled past the Leigh goal. However, there were plenty of efforts from Platt that were on the mark and R.Brooker gave ample evidence as to why he is the Tonbridge inter-league custodian.

There was not a great deal to choose between the teams at this stage, but three quick goals put Platt well on top. The equaliser came when R.Gasson followed up a hard shot which Brooker failed to hold. Immediately afterwards H.Hawkes netted to give Platt the lead. Hawkes made the third goal when he worked out to the left and lobbed over an oblique shot which Brooker partly saved, but J.Higgins dashed in to make sure.

Platt were yards faster on the ball and were not afraid to swing it about. These tactics paid dividends and were much more effective than their opponents' short passing methods.

Platt dominated the play for most of the second-half. It was clear that Leigh could not save the game after H.Hawkes had beaten two men and scored Platt's fourth goal with a well placed cross-shot. The Tonbridge team did not give up and for a short time had Parrott in trouble, the ball being scrambled away on more than one occasion.

The Platt defence never looked like giving away another goal and their positional play and covering was good to watch. R.Gasson sent B.Hawkes away, to beat Brooker and complete Platt's total.

The winners possessed a couple of good wing-men in Roy Bowen and J.Higgins, both of whom were quick to cut in and take a shot. R.Gasson also played well in attack. W.Higgins and L.Gladdish were prominent with good headwork and first-time kicking in a sound defence.

The cup was presented after the game by Mr. G.F.Rogers, vice-president of Otford Football Club.