Chatham Town triumph in their own 130th Anniversary Trophy tournament
Published: 07:00, 27 July 2012
Kent FA chairman Barry Bright presents the Anniversary Trophy to Chatham captain for the day Jack Jeffrey
Chatham boss Kevin Watson saw his side claim their first silverware of the season, winning the club’s three-team 130th Anniversary Trophy tournament at Maidstone Road on Sunday on goal difference.
A 5-1 opening victory against the Royal Engineers, in the event sponsored by the Medway Messenger, proved the decisive win with new signing Jean Michel Sigere scoring twice.
Another newcomer, midfielder Rodrique Ndiane, Lee Pleasance and Syd Kamara completed the tally.
The Engineers beat a young Gillingham side 3-2 in the second game, before the Priestfield youngsters edged through 2-1 against Chatham in the final game.
Watson said: "The afternoon went well for many reasons, on and off the pitch. We put out two different teams, a mix of first team, reserve team players and trialists."
Ndiane is Watson’s second signing, having played for Charlton Athletic Community in the haart of Kent County League last season.
He returned to action at the beginning of last season after recovering from a serious knee injury and has impressed in training.
Chatham drew 1-1 at Cray Valley last Thursday and Gary Tilley’s first-half strike earned them the same result at Sevenoaks on Tuesday.
Watson had reservations about that performance, admitting: "It wasn’t great.There were several reasons for that but I told them afterwards not to make excuses.
"I’m not saying they did but we could go to somewhere like this in the FA Cup and be beaten if we perform like that."
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Alex Hoad