Harry Sidwell and Kai Jennings have been midfield teammates in our Academy for a while, but this past weekend brought with it a unique experience: they were on different teams.
“I managed to attack Kai one time. Since we’ve been on the same squad for years, it almost didn’t feel right,” Harry smiled. Kai answered, “It did feel a little strange.” “However, it was all a pleasant experience.”
Kai was one of Kingstonian’s replacements when Harry was picked in the starting lineup for their Isthmian Premier encounter against Whitehawk on Saturday. Kai emerged victorious after the last whistle. He entered the game in the 68th minute and, in a 4-1 triumph at Imperial Fields, brought up the third goal for the Sussex team with his first touch.
Kai, who was on the bench for our Carabao Cup match at Chelsea in August and made his first team debut as a substitute in our FA Cup triumph over Cheltenham in November, said, “It was great to get my first minutes for Whitehawk.”
“I felt welcomed and supported by everyone at Whitehawk, so it was nice to give back by receiving assistance.” Given that he had a respectable game, it was also encouraging to see one of my teammates start for Kingstonian. I’m eager to keep going from here and accrue additional minutes.
Harry remained ebullient despite the outcome, as it was a historic moment for the young Dons student.
Kai commented, “It was great to get my first minutes for Whitehawk.” He had been on the bench for our Carabao Cup match against Chelsea in August and had made his first team debut as a substitute in our FA Cup victory over Cheltenham in November.
“I felt welcomed and supported by everyone at Whitehawk, so it was nice to give back by receiving assistance.” It was also reassuring to see one of my teammates start for Kingstonian, considering that he had a respectable game. From here, I can’t wait to continue and earn more minutes
Harry didn’t seem to care about the result because it was a momentous day for the young Dons student.
Ollie Downs, a defender, made an impression when on loan at Fleet Town last year. He’s now getting used to his most recent non-league position with Burgess Hill Town in the Isthmian South East.
“On Saturday, we played against Ramsgate, who are at the top of the league and who Wimbledon defeated in the FA Cup this year,” Ollie stated.
“We unfortunately lost 2-1, but I played for almost 70 minutes, starting at left defence. Still, I learned a lot from the game, which was nice. I also played on the wing for Burgess Hill against Chichester last week for about fifteen minutes.
Max Foulkes, the custodian, participated in the first team’s Saturday warm-up against Newport alongside Coach Ashley Bayes and senior players Nik Tzanev and Alex Bass. However, Foulkes is hoping to play against Ashford Town (Middlesex) of the Isthmian South-Central.
Max remarked, “I haven’t played yet, but I’ve been training with them.” However, there are a couple games coming soon, so maybe I’ll play in those.
Our Under-18s participated in their second Merit League 1 match on Saturday, with attacker Tom Wilson and defender Leo Young playing. They met Swindon Town, quarterfinalists in the FA Youth Cup, 2-0, and now they have other plans for the remainder of the season.
Tom clarified, “I’m not planning to go out on loan.” Rather, I’ll be finishing the season in the Merit League with Wimbledon. Since our team is now so young, it truly is all about the first years gaining that first-team experience.
Leo said, “Last week, I got hurt.” “I played for the 18s instead of the team because the Carshalton Athletic manager had already selected his team on Friday, when it was just verified that I could play. This week, I’ll practice with Carshalton, who are currently leading the Isthmian Premier.”
Sean Sankanu, a defender for Corinthian-Casuals, is still getting playing time. He made his debut in a 4-1 loss to former FA Vase winners Chertsey Town, when Isthmian South Central’s bottom team faced the top team.
Josh Hallard and Ethan Sutcliffe, two second-year professionals, got additional playing time on Saturday.
Ethan played for the Tonbridge Angels, who defeated Torquay United 4-1 at Longmead Stadium in front of 1,308 spectators.
Southern League National League.
Josh, meanwhile, participated in his sixth loan match with Cray Wanderers. They won 4-0 at Haringey Borough in the Isthmian Premier after he entered the game as a substitute eight minutes into the second half and set up their fourth goal.
Starting for Merstham was forward Quaine Bartley. The South East Division team drew 2-2 with Herne Bay at the Hybrid Fitness Stadium.
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