Faversham 2-0 Holmesdale

Attendance: 154

Scorers:

Faversham: Hamshare (34) Whelan (51)

Holmesdale:

The Dalers faced another tough and tense encounter against fellow strugglers Faversham. The ground staff had done well to get the fixture on after a week plus of mini monsoons across the south east. This was the rearranged fixture from earlier in the campaign where Holmesdale were 3-1 up with 25 minutes to go, looking on for the three points. The game presented a second chance for the home side who had a completely changed team.

The Lilywhites lined up 4-4-2 and played fairly directly and failed to really impress much on the defence of Holmesdale. The Dalers themselves looked more of a threat and within a few minutes a break down the right saw MacDiarmid fire a low cross in the box, Strike partner Strotten failed to connect losing his balance on the soft turf, a great chance missed on one that may have settle a few nerves.

Few real clear cut openings were forged, especially by the home side, although for effort they were certainly disciplined and battled hard across the field. Again The Dalers looked most threatening down the right with the returning James Dadson starting his first premier game since breaking his leg earlier in the season.

A typical bottom of the table game was unfolding with not enough quality to really give the large crowd much to enjoy. The Lilywhites, certainly the best supported team in the premier, suddenly had something to cheer and it came from nothing.

A strong challenge by Read lead to a free kick although a very contentious decision as he played the ball first, with the ball placed out by the left touchline the home side loaded up the penalty area, the ball was delivered in and Lee Gibbs (GK) called, came but failed to collect. The ball slipped out of his hands and lead to a mealy that saw Shane Hamshare scramble the ball over the line.

1-0 34mins

The goal was somewhat against the run of play but a set piece was most likely the best hope of a goal in such a scrap.

In the second half it was to be more of the same for both teams and it started with a bitter blow for the Daler’s hopes with Dadson not coming out after the break due to an injury.

A good start was required to hopefully kick start a comeback. It was not to be after some early pressure Faversham had the visitors camped in the penalty area. After not dealing with the situation well another cross was delivered from the right. No player took charge and Whelan headed home from inside the six yard box.

2-0 51mins.

It was set to be a real uphill struggle from there however the Dalers still had most of the play. They were to regret the two crosses that they failed to defend and that ultimately cost them the game. Gibbs managed to make an excellent save with his feet late on which spared more blushes.

Too be fair 2-0 already flattered the Lilywhites although they certainly had fought hard for everything.

Hughes missed a chance which might have been no than a consolation and truth be told a goal from open play never really look likely.

Plenty to ponder with the upcoming visit of Sporting Bengal on 26^th January. Unfortunately the lights stayed on during this game but no one managed to shine for Holmesdale.

Holmesdale: Gibbs, Broome, Bushell, Nicoli, Tolfrey, Read (Roots), Dadson (Hughes), Simon, MacDiarmid, Strotten (Beckett), O’Rourke. Unused: Prime & White