Thamesmead Town 2-1 Erith & Belvedere

Wednesday 25th October 2006

THAMESMEAD TOWN 2-1 ERITH & BELVEDERE
Kent Senior Trophy First Round
Tuesday 24th October 2006
Gary Dillon reports from Bayliss Avenue

Thamesmead had to overcome a lacklustre first half performance and come from a goal behind, before setting up a second round meeting with Slade Green.

The Deres buoyant from Saturday’s win at Herne Bay started the brighter and had three good chances within the first ten minutes.

Austin Berkley took early command of the midfield and it was his through ball that saw White over run a one on one and allowed Danny Kemp to save bravely at his feet.

Mead struggled to match Deres pace and movement. Daryl Wilson was to be the next culprit when good flank play saw him in space inside the area but he fired well wide.

It wasn’t until the 27th min when Mead created there first clear chance Curtis Williams burst down the wing and his cross was met by Pedro Knight and though well placed he blasted over.

Mead came more into the game towards the end of the half and a corner saw panic in the Deres defence when ex Mead stopper could only punch clear. First James Brown then Rikki Cable saw shots cleared from the line.

The second half saw a much more dominant Thamesmead with Danny Beszant a constant threat against his old club.

But it was his error that cost dearly when in the 55th minute he was left stranded up field. His poor cross was cut out and Deres broke fast through Daryl Wilson who ran 40 yards before releasing White this time he easily beat Kemp to give Deres the lead.

Mead bounced back within 6 miutes, when Rob Tarrant won the ball in the centre circle. He looked up his pass split the visiting defence allowing Williams to chase down Arnold, although the managed to block the shot it fell to Cable who with work still to do calmly side stepped one defender before finding the net.

Next to threaten Arnold’s goal was John Paul Collier when once again a through ball caught the defence wanting and he chipped both the keeper and the bar.

His next chance was not wasted Mead broke down at Deres attack and with the visitors appealing for a foul on White, Knight’s pass found Collier wide on the right his pace took him inside the defender and he shot across Arnold into the far corner.

With Berkley tiring Deres ran out of ideas and Mead controlled the remains of the game.

Manager Keith McMahon was delighted that his side booked a second round date with local rivals Slade Green.

He said: “After a poor first half we got it right and the lads have something about them, that when we go behind they are able to step up a gear and get the result.

“Slade Green will be another tough match but we now need to focus on (our home game against) Erith Town on Saturday first.”

Thamesmead Town: Danny Kemp, Danny Beszant, Scott Saunders (Tyrone Sterling 73), Tony Gallagher (Scott Mulholland 81), Dean Kearly, Rob Tarrant, James Brown, Pedro Knight, John Paul Collier, Rikki Cable (Sam Thomas 87) Curtis Williams.
Subs: Adam Woodward, Lee Loveridge

Attendance: 51