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Tom Parkinson and Tom Beere return for Tonbridge Angels while Maidstone United's development side hit seven infront of the cameras

Tonbridge Angels hit six goals on Saturday but it was the sight of some returning players that gave them a bigger lift.

The club’s longest continuously serving first team player Tom Parkinson, who is also a coach at the club, was back after over 500 days on the sidelines with injury.

Tom Parkinson returned to the Tonbridge Angels team on Saturday
Tom Parkinson returned to the Tonbridge Angels team on Saturday

Fellow midfielder Tom Beere was also back after suffering his own long-term injury problems. The two players played a part in a 6-0 win at Loxwood.

Boss of the National League South side Steve McKimm tweeted: “Thanks to Loxwood FC for the game with all rules and protocols followed correctly.

“Fantastic to see Tommy Parkinson and Tom Beere back out on the pitch doing their stuff. #gladtobeback.”

Parkinson said: “518 days after rupturing all my ankles ligaments and hundreds of rehab session, what a feeling to be back on the pitch with my team mates!”

Alex Akrofi marked his return to the club with a goal, while Joe Turner netted twice and there were also goals for Rian Bray, Khale Da Costa and a trialist.

Maidstone United live-streamed their development team’s match against Kent County side Guru Nanak. Over 400 fans tuned in and were treated to a goal-fest as the Stones won the game 7-0.

Folkestone Invicta travelled to ambitious Southern Counties East side Chatham Town for a behind closed doors friendly at the Bauvill Stadium.

Sam Hasler’s penalty and a goal from Smith secured a 2-1 win as they came from behind, trailing to a goal from Chatham captain Jack Evans, a former Invicta player.

Isthmian League side Whitstable Town were back in action at The Belmont against SCEFL side Rusthall. The visitors won the match 3-1.

All of the goals came in the second half with Jay Hards getting the goal for Whitstable. Rusthall’s goals were scored by a trialist, Charlie Clover and a last-minute effort from Stephen Harper.

Faversham Town played on Friday night at Punjab United’s newly named Steve Cooke Stadium, winning 1-0 thanks to a goal from summer signing and captain Harry Harding.

It’s been a good start for a player who arrived with the hope of getting plenty of goals. Harding was also on target last weekend in a 4-1 win over Rusthall.

Tunbridge Wells won 2-1 away to Kings Hill and followed it up with the news that they had signed winger Regan Corke and midfielder Aiden Enver, a former Bromley junior.

Hollands & Blair travelled to Surrey for their opening pre-season friendly and returned to Gillingham 3-0 winners against Isthmian League side Whyteleafe.

Fellow SCEFL side Bearsted got their pre-season campaign underway with a 2-0 win over Walthamstow.

Sam Wilson scored twice for Deal Town in a 5-0 win
Sam Wilson scored twice for Deal Town in a 5-0 win

Deal Town’s first pre-season fixture was away to Kent County League side Hawkinge Town and they ran out 5-0 winners. Sam Wilson got a couple of goals for the Hoops.

Lordswood were away to Borden Village and lost 2-1. Kieran Oliver got the goal for Neil Hunter’s side but an own-goal and a Matt McHugh effort won it for the hosts.

Glebe and Cray Valley PM hit a goal apiece in the match at Foxbury Avenue. Frankie Sawyer struck the equalising goal for Glebe form a deflected free-kick, cancelling out Ryan Flack’s effort.

Big concern for the Millers will be news of summer signing Nat Blanks from Folkestone, leaving the field shortly after coming on as a second half sub, with a suspected ruptured Achilles tendon.

"Absolutely gutted," said boss Kevin Watson, adding: "Everyone at Cray Valley will support him through what will no doubt be a tough period. But the lad is a great character and will get through this."

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