In one of the most anticipated charity matches in Kent, Hartsdown welcomes the return of both Thanet XI and Garden of England, in the #IBDVisible Conquerors Cup. A bout highly requested since its predecessor, the event sees many of the district’s Sunday League teams combine alongside Premier League legends and social media stars, with one ambition – to overcome the stigma around long-term illness, both mental and physical. What better way to mark this monumental fixture than with signing some veterans of the game? Thanet XI welcomes Kevin Lisbie, back after a red-hot hat-trick last time out, as well as Irons duo Hayden Mullins and Matt Upson, two stalwarts of the Boleyn era. Their opponents – Arsenal Invincible Jeremie Aliadiere, as well as towering defensive wall, James Collins, of Wales national team fame, and formerly of Newcastle, Charlton and Birmingham City, wide-playmaker Darren Ambrose. What a line-up!
With just a few short weeks to go, let’s take a dive into how this battle could unfold!
2022 MATCH STATS:
POSSESSION
TXI 46% – GOE 54%
FOULS
TXI 8 – GOE 3
SHOTS (ON TARGET)
TXI 21(13) – GOE 33(17)
THROW-INS
TXI 11 – GOE 14
CORNERS
TXI 6 – GOE 8
Thanet XI comes to Hartsdown with a lot of talent in tow, however their chemistry runs far way deeper than meets the eye. Many of these players learned to understand each other’s styles upon the shoddy muddy grounds of the secondary school field. In fact, as many as eight members of the squad developed their respective crafts a decade ago during Ellington and Hereson PE sessions. Thanet XI brings the boys back together to roll back the years as if that were only yesterday. And with this chemistry alongside the preceding generation of grassroots talents such as Lee Strutt, Kieran Fleet and TFM’s own Russel Goldsmith, expect a slew of strung passes and tactical movements to keep the crown within the isle. Fingers crossed also that AFTV’s audacious presenter, Lee Judges, can really fire this team up and light a spark beneath them!
Last time out, Garden of England, who dominated in the stats department, were unlucky to concede as many as six goals,. Games aren’t won on paper though and this team has been fixing for vengeance for over two years. Incredibly there is somewhat of a legacy between head coach and forward Paul Zannetti, who over thirty years ago celebrated Sunday League glory with Crab & Oyster FC. The manager? Glenn Woodward – father of #IBDVisible founder Samuel. He brings family ties to the field in Jay and Georgie and forms an alliance with another respected (and feared) local team in Red Arrow FC, represented by the likes of Marley, Calder, Lowther and many more. These boys are no stranger to silverware and are primed to add to their cabinet on May 24th.
Although it is indeed a team game, each talent will be sure to put on a showcase for the Thanet Lions, who are returning to award the Man of the Match with their own Lions Trophy. They’ll keep an eye out for bravery, integrity and gamesmanship – and it sure is a highly attainable prize. Last time out it was claimed by Thanet’s goalie Ashley Stickells, who stuck it out for the full 90 minutes, despite a background primarily in rugby, and his tenacity was pivotal in toppling The Garden. Who’s bringing the gold home this time around?
This time around we have decided to opt for a Cancer Research UK fundraiser. This is a cause who have offered a helping hand to so many during their times of uncertainty with their treatment – myself included. So we feel it’s time to recognise their remarkable work across the country. Any donation on entry is welcome… £1, £2, even 50p, it all adds up to say our own thank you to such a special foundation to so many of us.
Mark your calendars, football fans of Kent. 24th May, 3pm kick-off. Simply be there. Let’s do something substantial and show those Premier League GOATs a game like no other!
FUN FACTS
Garden of England only gave away three fouls all game – admittedly though they were all in the penalty area!
James Collins and Jeremie Aliadiere feature as teammates together for the first time in 20 years! The last one being for West Ham, in a 2-0 loss to Charlton on New Year’s Eve 2005.
Collins, Lisbie and Upson share a combined 82 national caps across their nations (Wales, Jamaica and England respectively).
Between both teams, the player to appear in a professional match-day squad most recently… is Thanet’s born-and-bred Wes Hennessey. He was selected and on the bench in the 23/24 FA Cup Second Round tie versus AFC Wimbledon.
