Holmesdale 0-0 Croydon

Attendance: 79

Scorers:

Holmesdale:

Croydon:

The Dalers played their penultimate home game of the 2007/08 season against local rivals Croydon. Going into the game the fortunes of both sides had seen significant change with the Dalers taking 6 points over Easter and Croydon without a point in 2008.

As can often be the case with derby matches though form some what does not apply and the first half saw very little action worth noting. Despite again having key players missing the home side started the first half slightly better and Croydon struggled to get out of their half in the first 15 minutes. Once the Trams had settled they grew in confidence and held there own in the game.

t was clear that neither side looked like scoring from open play and the Dalers failed to take advantage of the 3 corners they forced. Croydon’s best hopes also came from set pieces and the home side looked slightly nervous at the back. Croydon did have a penalty claim in the half that was not given and their striker felt hard done by when he was cautioned for diving.

The second half saw the pattern continue and it looked as if a mistake was the most likely way either team would score. There was a brief spell where the Dalers look to be retaining procession more effectively and they played through the crowded away team midfield. The move from back to front saw O’Rourke released down the right and his cross was floated nicely to the back post. Macca (MacDiarmid) could only head straight at the keeper as the ball was slightly behind him.

The attack that followed saw procession given up however it still lead to the key moment in the game. Waters turned to play the ball back to his keeper from the right, inside the Trams half. He would not have notice that the goalkeeper was already on the move to show for his team mate.

The pass was over hit and the keeper lost his balance for a second trying to adjust. As Croydon hesitated Hughes had gambled to close the ball and he race towards the keeper, he was not only favourite to get there first he had a gaping goal to hit from the angle. He made the ball but lost his composure.

This and the cruellest of bobbles saw him strike the ball into the side netting and the chance was gone. All looking on in disbelief knew this was a sign that it was to be one of those days.

Croydon fought hard to secure their first point this year and the home side will see that as two points dropped. Not being aware of other results at the time the point did confine Sporting Bengal United to bottom in the table.

With four fixtures remaining The Dalers still have the chance to, not only climb the table but to finish above Croydon, who just have two games left.

Whilst key players like Tolfrey and Dadson will not return this season, Hart and Creasy should play again and that may make the difference that was missing against Croydon.

Holmesdale: Harwood, Hardie, Matthews (Sands), Nicoli, Broome, Read, O’Rourke, White (Crofts), MacDiarmid, Hughes, Morrison (Lloyd-Bennett), Unused: Prime, Baker