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Attendence:45
Holmesdale and Faversham faced each other again after an exciting first leg at Salters Lane. The tie was finely balanced after the Lilywhites had dominated the early part of the game, with the Dalers making a good comeback late on. The sides were effectively separated by a controversial penalty awarded in the second half, although in truth a draw would have flattered Holmesdale. Two of the Premier Leagues form sides during the course of the season so far would have both had reason for being optimistic of a semi final place. Faversham, who had recently moved up to third in the league, with a goal advantage in addition to scoring in every game they have played this campaign. The Dalers, not quite in the best form of the year, but with an outstanding home record - undefeated at home in the league, in fact no Kent League side has won at Oakley Road so far this season.
With so little to chose between the teams and with Faversham not needing to force the issue it was no surprise the game was tight and tense early on. The home side could not afford to concede a goal as that would have given them a mountain to climb. The Lilywhites had left out Botterill from the starting line up. He scored and was arguably their best player Tuesday evening so clearly this signalled their intentions. Perhaps it was the freezing temperatures but the half was almost dull which is something not associated with either side. It was a flat performance from the Dalers first half, with the exception of the defence. With skipper Tolfrey junior missing, after the birth of a baby, the returning McQuade along with Bedford, Duo and Nicoli as a four, looked solid and composed against one of the leagues best attacks.
This was no consolation to those who had braved the chilly weather as they awaited a spark that did not happen. The Dalers created very little for top scorer Greaves and the returning Hughes, who understandably looked a bit short of the mark after being out for five weeks plus. The closest either side came were set pieces. The home side won a free kick which Thompson delivered. It was another quality ball into the box only for Greaves to just miss the header. This was the second opportunity he had in the air leaving the few spectators wondering was his head, almost literally, elsewhere. Town had forced a couple of corners and sent skipper Shearer up. He had almost a free header but only powered it straight at a grateful Harwood.
The second half was more of the same and frankly neither side looked capable of breaking the deadlock. The Dalers for once were short of ideas and the midfield was flat and failed to hurt the opposition. The Lilywhites would certainly have settled for that and a draw was almost the perfect result for them. Some what understandably they showed almost no attacking ambition. Holmesdale introduced White and Glover however this did not help break down a resilient and professional looking Town. After such a frustrating game it is difficult to find positives other than remaining undefeated at Oakley Road and the knowledge that the team can play much better. The Dalers will certainly have to improve in the up coming games against the likes of Faversham, VCD and Erith Town as the league really tightens up.
0-0 90 mins.
Holmesdale
DANNY HARWOOD (C) (7.0), RUSSELL BEDFORD (7.0), ROLAND DUO (6.5), CHRISTOS NICOLI (7.5), TOM McQUADE (7.5), MATT STARES (6.5), JASON THOMPSON (6.0), PAUL SEMAKULA (6.0), JOEL GREAVES (6.0), JOEL HUGHES (6.0), CHRIS HATT (7.0)
Substitutes: S.WHITE (6.0), B.CHICK, L. DEAN, B. GLOVER (6.0), R. MITCHELL (gk)
HJ Sullivan 02/02/2009
