Gravesham & Wellcome sealed their promotion in emphatic fashion with a commanding 7-0 victory over Deal, capping off a performance full of attacking flair and defensive solidity.

Pre-Match & Early Drama
Captain Aaron Elliott set the tone with a composed team talk, unusually sitting the team down on the astro, ensuring the squad remained calm ahead of a crucial game. A late squad change saw 14-year-old Henry Elliott make his debut after Ollie Simpson was forced to withdraw due to illness.

Despite a bright start, the visitors almost found themselves behind when Deal—who hadn’t scored since December 7th—thought they had taken the lead. However, the umpire disallowed the goal as the ball hadn't traveled the required five meters. This proved to be a wake-up call for Gravesham & Wellcome, who quickly took control.

First Half: A Statement of Intent
The breakthrough came via a penalty flick after a goal-line clearance from Elliott Snr, beating the keeper from a saved short corner, was deemed illegal. With Elliott poised to take it Jordan Jenkins, who had already tested the Deal defense, stepped up and coolly slotted home low to the left to make it 1-0.

Momentum continued to build, and Elliott Snr capitalized on a rebound to double the lead, slotting the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs. Moments later, Chris Owen produced a stunning strike from the top of the D, rifling the ball into the top corner despite the keeper’s best efforts—3-0.

The fourth goal arrived through a slick passing move involving Stu Marnham and Jenkins, with Elliott Snr applying the finishing touch, wrong-footing the onrushing goalkeeper.
Jay Chima and Sumeet Dhinsa combined well in midfield, but despite their dominance, Gravesham & Wellcome couldn't add to their tally before the break.

Second Half: Ruthless Finishing
With a focus on maintaining intensity and defensive discipline, the team resumed the second half in relentless fashion. Jenkins, instrumental all game, set up Elliott Snr to lift the ball into the net and complete his hat-trick—5-0.
Owen bagged his second of the game with another superb strike, taking the score to 6-0 and marking Jenkins' fifth assist of the match.

A brief pause in play due to a blood injury for Deal did little to halt the home side's momentum, as Si Bradley, Jon Booth, and Dhinsa continued to own the midfield.

Henry Elliott, impressing on his debut, combined well with Owen and Chima on the right, forcing a strong save from the Deal keeper. If not for his efforts, the scoreline could have been even more lopsided.
Elliott Snr returned to the action late on and fittingly rounded off the scoring, finishing off yet another Jenkins setup with a composed reverse-stick shot into the backboard for his fourth—7-0.

Full-Time & Promotion Secured
As the final whistle blew, Gravesham & Wellcome could finally celebrate—a dominant display had secured their promotion in style. With a rock-solid defense led by Rich Atwood and Dan Stapley preserving a clean sheet, and an attacking masterclass from Jenkins and Elliott Snr, it was a performance to remember.

Promotion secured. Job done.