Bailey awarded in his debut season

THE September awards for the British Energy Kent County League manager of the month were presented last Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

League chairman Cyril Windiate, presented the 105th Western Section Award, which commenced in 1993.

It was won by Brian Abrahart, manager of reserve division side Westerham Reserves and followed four wins during the month - three away and one at home.

Westerham's first league games of the season were all away and wins were recorded against Borough United, Halls and Fleetdown United before completing a very successful month with a 5-0 win over visitors Bromleians Sports.

Abrahart is one of thirty-nine managers who, at the commencement of each month, have an equal opportunity of winning this prestigious award.

The Eastern Section award was won by Steve Bailey, manager of reserve division east side Bearsted Reserves and it was presented to him by Windiate prior to his side's Kent Intermediate tie against Dartford reserves earlier in the month.

This award also followed four wins in the month - two at home and two away.

They opened their campaign with a 6-0 win at Bromley Green, which was followed a week later, with a repeat score-line at home to Lydd Town.

They then travelled to Tenterden Town, where they conceded their only goal of the month but still came away 4-1 winners.

The month was completed with a 3-0 home win over University of Kent.

The award, the 104th to be presented to Eastern Section managers since in commenced, was Bailey's first in his debut season as manager, but his club did win the April 2004 award under the managerial reigns of Murray Carcary.

Both teams had excellent disciplinary records which is a pre-requisite of these popular awards and both managers were presented with a cut glass brandy goblet on an inscribed base.

As always the British Energy Kent County League extend their gratitude to Aford Awards of Bearsted for their continued sponsorship which has now entered its 12th season.