Attendence:52

Holmesdale: Greaves 12

Holmesdale have entered the run in towards the end of the season and required all three points from another difficult away game, against Sevenoaks Town at Greatness Park. Town have not only been recently getting some results they have also been beating some of the top sides in the league, including Hythe Town. After a poor display against title rivals VCD, the Dalers first defeat all season to a Kent League side at Oakley Road, the game had even more pressure for the players, who are still defying everyone’s expectations. The intent at the outset was clear with two up front and an attacking looking line up, including new signing Westerman. The visitors were bright early on and attacked down both flanks with both, Morrison left and Westerman right, looking to have the beating of their opponents. Holmesdale won a corner after just a few minutes and McQuade headed at the target only for the ball to be cleared off the line.

Just a few moments later the away side were attacking again and full back Duo broke forward over lapping Morrison and delivered a tantalising cross onto to the head of Greaves who failed to finish off the move. After a combination on the right White was released next and did not get a shout as to how much time he had, that call and some composure would have made a difference as he shot early and wide of Williams’ goal. The Dalers good start was to get better when, with a move that started at the back, the ball was kept and played forward to Morrison. He attacked on the left and came inside and played the ball up to Greaves just outside the box. The big striker rolled his marker and was in, he lifted the ball over Williams and into the roof of the net for a smart finish.

0-1 12 mins.

On the balance of play it was a goal that had been coming and was deserved. As for the home side, which started with one up front and five in midfield, they had not been a threat in the last third. Indeed Oaks could have been more than one behind as they almost immediately juggled their personnel on the pitch as a response. They found it difficult to contain both wingers and Morrison had another sight of goal. He controlled a long pass from right to left and kept it up juggling the ball and hit a long range effort just over.

Sevenoaks had been restricted to a couple of long range shots themselves and they did force a couple of corners. Apart from this there had not been much of a threat and Harwood had yet to make a save. With Williams the busier keeper the Dalers went in search of a second goal before the break. White and Greaves combined following a long clearance down field. A quick one two and Greaves drove the ball passed the post. Debutant Westerman had delivered the ball really well, both from open play and dead ball situations. He was to be involved and created the final clear chance of the first half. Holmesdale had a corner and this appeared to be flicked onto the bar yet a goal kick was given. Shortly afterwards more pressure lead to another point blank McQuade chance. Westerman had crossed and this was only cleared as far as Nicoli, he found the winger again and his cross lead to a scramble that fell at McQuades feet. Just a couple of yards out he lent back and skied his shot over.

0-1 45 mins.

The home side made a change both in personnel and formation at the beginning of the second half. Holmesdale supporters must have been wondering if the missed chances would be punished by a Sevenoaks push forward. An early break with Springett, Morrison and White combining on a swift counter attack set a similar tone to the game as in the first forty five, Holmesdale’s passing and play had the edge. Williams made a comfortable enough save ending the move. Town were certainly more vocal and started to work harder and make things difficult for the Dalers. Fortunately Morrison still had the left back on his heels and following another run he linked up with White well. The experienced striker laid the ball into the path of Semakula who blazed over, a waste especially considering the approach play.

Sevenoaks still struggled to get much going forward. The more encouraging signs began with the Dalers offering a little help by being sloppy in keeping the ball. McQuade gave away the ball which resulted in a break halted by a perfectly timed Maloney tackle. Next Constable, who was moved up front after not making much impact playing behind the striker, had a long range shot just over Harwood’s cross bar. This opened space up in what had been a crowded midfield. Morrison, Duo and then Springett and Greaves all combined to cut through Town and the move ended with Semakula just shooting narrowly wide with his left foot.

Late on came a final throw of the dice by the home side and typically a few chances to break for Holmesdale. The visitors defence gave away a soft free kick which was almost punished and Sevenoaks clipped the top of the cross bar. The Dalers introduced Stares, Ishankie and Hatt for some fresh legs and energy and Stares especially was the pick of these. The midfielder looked determined and should have been played in by both White and Greaves as he burst forward to try and support them. This did come together on one occasion as Greaves was able to make himself half a yard of space and he look certain to score. His effort was tipped away by a magnificent save by former Daler Jamie Williams in goal.

To sum up the second half both teams scrapped at times and late on some what ran out of ideas, the difference being the visitors had their lead and Sevenoaks recent good form appeared to have deserted them. A solid and crucial away win for Holmesdale.

Next up the Dalers have their longest away trip and surely one of the most difficult as well at Deal Town on 28th March.

0-1 90 mins.

Holmesdale

DANNY HARWOOD (C) (7.0), CHRISTOS NICOLI (7.0), ROLAND DUO (7.5), JOHN MALONEY (7.5), TOM McQUADE (7.5), PAUL SPRINGETT (7.5), DANIEL WESTERMAN (7.5), PAUL SEMAKULA (7.0), JOEL GREAVES (7.5), STEVE WHITE (7.0), ANTHONY MORRISON (7.0)

Substitutes: M.STARES (6.5), C.HATT (6.5), R.BEDFORD, C. ISHANKIE (6.5), M.DEAN

HJ Sullivan 23/03/2009