Holmesdale 4-2 Sevenoaks Town

Attendance 54

Scorers:

Holmesdale: Hatt (15) Hughes (27) MacDiarmid (57, 71)

Sevenoaks Town: Parsons (6) Spackman (87)

Holmesdale (The Dalers) Played hosts to a side whose recent history in the Kent League mirrors their own, Sevenoaks Town having been promoted from County up to the next level. Indeed the challenge against ‘The Oaks’, who finished tenth last season, represented an unofficial start to the Dalers season.

Respectfully, having now played all of the main contenders, the rookies could potentially see themselves having realistic ambitions against some of the other experienced senior sides. From the opening whistle the home side set about putting every opponent under pressure, trying to unsettle them and get close to the visitors goal. There stood another incentive, not just a chance for a goal and maybe 3 much needed points. The Oak’s keeper, Jamie Williams, was a former Daler having played for the club at youth level.

Despite an early attempt on the target two quick breakaway chances were to put the home side on the back foot. One ball seemed to catch out the defence and the Oaks were in. What should have been a clear one on one opportunity was snuffed out by Tony Prime. The veteran keeper was quick to spot the danger and anticipated the centre forwards attempt to put the visitors ahead, 23 years after making his debut at this level he showed why experience counts, and the save certainly reassured those who allowed the opening in front of him.

Just a few minutes later, the end-to-end play lead to the first goal. The Oaks this time strung a few passes together an after a cut back from the right side Parsons was quickest to react finding the bottom corner from just inside the box. 0-1.

The attending fans may have thought history was repeating itself, with the home side looking lively and have some possession but not quite the cutting edge. This was to prove not the case at all as the pressure continued and, after the Dalers midfield managed to keep the ball, Jamie Baker beat the left back to put in a terrific deep cross, from the opposite flank Chris Hatt arrived to tuck the ball home pass the keeper. 1-1. This was more than just a bright opening to the contest the Dalers were using attacking play, it was purposeful, confident and looking like it had not been any different all season.

At half time it was to become apparent that this was a day all about history as the club learned it had some special visitors. Before then the turn around was complete as all Dalers, from those at the home ground, to supporters as far as Dubai would have enjoyed the 3^rd goal of the match. Another swift attack saw talisman Joel Hughes get his first Premier league goal of the season. The striker, who was key to the meteoric rise of the club over the last few seasons, but who has not shown more than a few glimpses of what he can do, struck the ball home on 27 minutes as if it was no effort at all, he curled the ball into the far corner. 2-1.

Not for the first time Holmesdale lead at the break and hopes were high for the second half. The side was originally formed from a Baptist church side from Holmesdale (1922) and a few visitors from the church had come along. They introduced themselves and wanted to bless all involved with the club.

Back to the game and perhaps not a coincidence then that the second half was more of the same. Inspiration, divine intervention? Call it what you will but the Dalers were certainly well on top. The third goal was undoubtedly the best move of the match.

The midfield was playing a pass and move game now and this was flowing down the left, Hatt was released and the cross was delivered without hesitation. No.9 ‘Macca’ (Daniel MacDiarmid) arrived in between the two centre halves to place a bullet header into the back of the net. 3-1.

The cheers and applause were also with a hint of relief as the points were surely safe however the players had more to offer and were now really enjoying the game. This was the first Premier league match for the Dalers where both starting forwards were on the score sheet and another quality goal was to follow. Midfielder Jon White spotted Macca’s run in behind the left full back a delivered a peach of a pass into his path. Danny lifted the ball over the oncoming keeper Williams, a delightful chip into the roof of the net. The former Daler didn’t have prayer and was left despairingly face down on the ground. 4-1.

The game could have been even sweeter for Macca as another through pass saw him miss and excellent chance for a hatrick. A late consolation goal from Oaks substitute Spackman 4-2 did in no way spoil what was a terrific performance. Vital points on the board and much to celebrate for all those who kept the faith.

Holmesdale: Prime, Read, White (Steadman), Nicoli, Tolfrey Jnr (C), Broome, Baker, O’Rourke, MacDiarmid, Hughes, Hatt. (Beckett) Unused: (Murley)