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Attendence:42

Holmesdale: Morgan (6), Morrison (67)

Hythe: Cook (44) PENALTY

Holmesdale faced an extremely tough first round opponent in this seasons Kent Senior Trophy. The visitors, to a buoyant Oakley Road, were Hythe Town who are currently second in the league to the Dalers. Even allowing for what has been a tremendous start to the 08/09 campaign there was no doubt that this was as tricky a first round tie as the draw could have produced. Given these circumstances the start of the game was really pleasing for Dale supporters as the home side took the game to the Reds and appeared very confident, playing without fear. This game was not to start out with the two early pace setters in the Kent League carefully assessing each other's credentials. Certainly neither defence looked as assured as they can, as the qualities of both sides showed going forward. Hythe struggled to deal with the Dalers quick passing and before they knew where they were they had conceded a goal.

The returning Lee Morgan finished off an early attack with a sweet finish. Hughes, Axell, Corneille and Thompson all started brightly and Morgan was played in from the right edge of the box. He struck the ball early and it flashed across keeper Paul Hyde into the top corner.

1-0 6 mins

Not resting on their laurels the league leaders missed a chance to go two up within minutes. Thompson's pass put Hughes through and he tried to round an out rushing Hyde. The keeper's efforts were just enough to thwart the striker and as defenders tried to get back in position the ball fell to Morgan. He tried an audacious chip as the goal was empty for a split second. The effort went just wide of the goal. Hythe responded by winning a free kick just out side the penalty area. Fortunately for the home side the chance was wasted and the Dalers put them on the back foot again within minutes. The majority of the rest of the half was pretty much a story of an attack verses one man. Whilst the visitors did contribute they never quite found a cutting edge going forward. But for a string of superb saves by their veteran keeper, Paul Hyde, the game could have been over.

Firstly we should stress the play was so entertaining to watch. Harwood's distribution was good, his throw found Morrison and the winger needed no encouragement to run at opponents. He eventually played the ball back to Thompson and his quality cross met the head of Morgan. Some how Hyde tipped the header just over the bar, incredible as it was bound for the top corner, everyone in the ground showed their appreciation. The corner failed to present a chance and was cleared. Another sweeping move followed shortly from back to front. Harwood again threw out the ball this time to Bedford. The full back exchanged passes well and Morrison was released to run at an already ruffled defence. The Dalers no. 11 tricked the full back and just had Hyde to beat. He struck the ball aiming for the bottom corner and the keeper got his angles spot on, top class.

Morrison was now almost having a duel with Hyde as just a few moments later more good play saw him offered another chance at a goal. He was favourite to score but Hyde refused to be beaten. Morrison's snap shot inside the box was again stopped by the goal keeper. Just over half an hour had been played and there was no doubt the home side had dominated. A combination down the rampant left and this time Morrison crossed into the box. Axell arrived at the far post and missed a wonderful chance. Some how he placed his header wide. Before the half was over not only would Hythe town have a half chance from a header themselves but they came back with a sucker punch. For all of the exciting attacking play the score was still 1-0. Hythe attacked down their right side and tried to deliver a cross into the box.

It was pretty much point blank but the cross struck McQuade on the arm and the referee's assistant flagged for a controversial penalty. Cook stepped up and made no mistake slamming the ball home confidently.

1-1 44 mins

A disappointing end to an enthralling half and a life line for Hythe who were seriously indebted to their keeper.

The second half saw a less open affair with both teams a little more cautious, Hythe especially were trying to keep the ball and not leave space for opponents to exploit. So far this season the Dalers have managed to sustain the pace of their play however Hythe had a very high fitness level themselves, something had to give. The decisive moment came in the 67th minute. Before this however Holmesdale played with a maturity and were clearly not fazed by the standard of the opposition. They had shrugged their disappointment aside and continued to try and open Hythe's defence. The away side never got to grips with the Dalers and Morrison in particular. He was to score a deserved winner and it summed up his afternoon.

He had been switched to the right as he had enjoyed so much success. He skipped passed one defender, cut in off the line and beat another. The next to close him ended up on his backside and Morrison shot home from the edge of the box to finally beat Hyde.

2-1 67 mins

The Dalers held on to beat Hythe for the first time ever. The visitors were to appeal for another penalty and also had a free kick on the edge of the box near the end but neither of these were successful. Overall Holmesdale were worthy winners, was their any other significance to the result? Only really a well earned second round tie and more so the satisfaction of defeating arguably the strongest side in the division.

Holmesdale

Danny Harwood 7.0, Christos Nicoli 7.5, Russell Bedford 6.5, Charlie Corneille 7.0, Tom McQuade 7.0, Ray Tolfrey Jnr (C) 7.5, Mark Axell 6.5, Jason Thompson 7.5, Lee Morgan 7.5, Joel Hughes 7.0, Anthony J Morrison 8.5

Substitutes: Ricky Hardie (6.5), Ben Tutt (6.5), Steve O'Keeffe (6.0), Tony Prime (GK)

Ref: J Barnard

Linesmen: P Townley, C Myatt

HJ Sullivan 11/10/2008