Attendence:90

Holmesdale: Greaves 59, 64 (Both Penalties)

Holmesdale played away against Erith & Belvedere at Welling’s Park View Road. The ground, whilst an excellent facility, was a real concern. Like many other fixtures, even at a senior level, the worry was it may fall victim to the wintery conditions. Upon arrival it was clear to all protagonists that the top third of the pitch was still frozen. The only exception was the referee, he appeared determined that the fixture should go ahead. There was a clear unbiased consensus, by both sides, that this was the wrong decision. With just over an hour to kick off the ref was persuaded to inspect the pitch again because of everyone’s concerns. Incredibly he stuck to his decision and announced the game would be played. The concern, expressed clearly and politely was regarding the player’s safety and it is surprising that this was ignored. Both sides’ preparations were affected by the circumstances and they had to make the most of it and play what, even if in perfect conditions, was a tough fixture.

The Dalers to their credit just got on with it and were even quietly confident this was a game they could win. With players trying their best to put everything out of there minds it was a slightly edgy start from both teams. In a way the home advantage was slightly diminished as The Deres where trying to find the limits on their home ground. They had the first chance though as full back Duo was caught out of position and Westerman crossed from the right. Nicoli only half cleared and as The Deres midfield followed up they failed to force Harwood into action. The pace of the game increased and the visitors started to trouble the back four at the frozen end of the pitch. The pace of the Dalers forward line was starting to influence the game. Greaves and Dadson chased everything willingly and almost combined in the Dalers first opening. Dadson made some space and delivered a good cross and only a last ditch glancing header from a Deres defender prevented Greaves a first sight of goal. Nothing came from the corner.

It was a half where small margins affected all the openings at both ends. The Deres next two attacks saw a deflected cross dropped by Harwood and just miss an attacker who would have surely had a tap in. Then unusually skipper Tolfrey got turned, struggled to keep his balance and Prett forced a good save from Harwood. For the visitors, Stares was bright down the right and he almost linked up with Dadson. Helping the ball forward it bounced up high and the striker almost pulled it down, had he done so he would have been clear to score. It just was not quite happening and Stares again was involved as he beat the fullback only to slip over at the moment he would have centred. He was not discouraged and on the next attack he crossed for Greaves who unfortunately headed over. No one appeared to want to take the lead in this one and there were a lot of head in hands as chances were missed. Duo was then harshly adjudged to have fouled and Erith & Belvedere played the ball into a crowded area and came the closest so far when they struck the bar. It really had been end to end stuff but the half was to end with most of the clear chances falling to the Dalers. Holmesdale won a free kick and played it short, Tolfrey, Nicoli, Stares and Corneille were all involved and Stares final telling touch played Greaves in on the edge of the area. The move deserved better as Greaves finished by shooting straight at Bromby.

The Deres were able to get back in the attacking half as long balls into Dimmock stuck. The big centre forward was a handful and rarely gave the ball away, fortunately there was not really any second clear consistent threat. The defence could have been over run as he drew players towards him passed the ball into the left channel and a cross was cut out by a last ditch Duo tackle. In response Holmesdale found that bit of quality, again Nicoli, Stares and Greaves combined down the right. Greaves found Dadson (aka Whippet). He crossed to the far post and Hatt missed a guilt edge chance.

0-0 45 mins.

The second half kicked off with Holmesdale having the difficult task of defending the frozen end and the concern was that things may get worse with the temperature dropping. The officials had been asked during the break if conditions remained the same or diminished would the game be abandoned. The reply to this was they thought that would be unlikely. The contest had been pretty even and no doubt both teams still had a healthy respect for one another. Neither particularly started the second half well and clearly the conditions were tough for the players. The Dalers were about to get the kind of break you might only dream of. Upon refection The Deres might point to the conditions as a big factor in the defining moment of the match, and they may have a point.

With neither team having a clear chance yet Erith & Belvedere where on the attack when Dimmock looked certain to at least force Harwood into action. The ball broke for him in the box and as he turned to strike it he slipped on the solid surface. Holmesdale cleared the danger. The long ball turned defence into attack and they don’t call him Whippet for nothing. Dadson was clear and neither defender could catch him. Two good touches and he only had Bromby to beat. He confidently rounded the keeper who in a vain attempt to win the ball caught Dadson’s heel. A Penalty was awarded and all home supports feared the worse. The referee sent the keeper off and in truth had little choice the way the rules of the game are today. As only football can the match’s defining moment saw the home side almost taking the lead and within seconds they where down to 10 men.

Dimmock was sacrificed to help his team by pulling on the keepers’ jersey. His first job was to pick the ball out the back of the net as Greaves confidently slammed the ball into the corner with a well taken kick.

1-0 59 mins.

Now the Dalers were well in control and had and goal and a man advantage. They kept the ball and looked to release either of the flying front pair. Dadson again caused problems as he was played in by Stares. This time he was running at defenders but was no less effective. He attacked them and reached the box and shot at the stand in keeper. A real moment of controversy as the ref awarded another penalty. The ball did strike the defender’s arm but in no way was it deliberate and all observers with any common sense would know he could not get out the way, a very harsh decision. Greaves stepped up again and the outcome was the same.

2-0 64 mins.

The contest was effectively over and there was no way back for Erith & Belvedere. They were understandably deflated and the visitors were not about to let any frustrations be taken out on them. Holmesdale went on to see out the job professionally, including creating a clear chance for Hatt, which some how he missed. They also kept their concentration with Malloney making a great tackle late on and Harwood tipping over the bar from a late free kick. With all that had happened this was a very professional performance with plenty of glimpses of the way the team can play. A performance that again shows how far the Dalers have come, hopefully starting 2009 as they mean to go on.

0-2 90 mins.

Holmesdale

DANNY HARWOOD (7.0), CHRISTOS NICOLI (7.0), ROLAND DUO (6.5), CHARLIE CORNEILLE (6.5), JOHN MALLONEY (6.5), RAY TOLFREY JNR (C) (7.0), MATT STARES (7.5), BRYAN GLOVER (7.0), JOEL GREAVES (8.5 *), JAMES DADSON (8.0), CHRIS HATT (6.5)

Substitutes: J. THOMPSON, L. NEEVES, J. HIGHWOOD, R. MITCHELL (gk)

HJ Sullivan 04/01/2009