Thamesmead Town 2 Beckenham Town 1

Beckenham Town came unstuck against a resilient Thamesmead Town side and missed a golden opportunity to go clear at the top of the Kent Premier Division on Saturday, writes Ian Muir.

Despite going a goal down in the first half hour Beckenham fought back to dominate this match only to be caught on-the-break.

All three points were needed on an afternoon that saw leaders Maidstone beaten at home by Whitstable.

Beckenham made several forced changes to the side that beat Tunbridge Wells last week. The bitterly cold swilling wind and the bumpy pitch made conditions difficult for both side all afternoon.

It was Beckenham who took the game to Thamesmead and produced several chances in the opening few minutes constantly trying to get their passing game going and pushing forward.

Green caught the attention as he twisted and turned and got to the by-line to deliver crosses into the box that flashed past the goal mouth.

Thamesmead as ever were commanding in the air in defence. With ten minutes gone a goal looked certain as Adeniyi weaved his way through but was prevented by a last ditch tackle.

To frustrate matters Thamesmead caught Beckenham going forward and broke away leaving only Tolfrey in goal to face the oncoming forward, as Tolfrey came out to narrow the angle he stood helpless as the ball was brilliantly floated over his head into the empty goal.

Three minutes later Beckenham were back on level terms as Ahwan powered a far post header in from a Kadi corner.

However, a chance to take the lead was squandered five minutes later when Green was put through only to shoot wide with only the keeper to beat.

Beckenham Town continued to dominate the play but could not force Thamesmead out into the open as they did in a previous League encounter when Becks produced eight goals.

The second half presented the visitors with more chances but once again failure to capitalise kept the scores level.

With 20 minutes gone a neat one-two between Rose and Martin produced the best chance of the afternoon but Martin’s snap-shoot went wide with the keeper well beaten.

At this stage it appeared that another goal for Beckenham would be enough as Thamesmead had began to look tired.

With 20 minutes left on the clock Beckenham’s Vines replaced full back Kyezu and Beckenham went 3-at-the-back in an attempt to take maximum points but as they were adjusting to the new formation Thamesmead broke away once more to take the lead.

More substitutions followed and Beckeham were now playing with 4 forwards. Vines put an end to Thamesmead’s aerial dominance to spearheaded the the attack.

However, as always when sides chase games time is never on your side, when the final whistle blew Beckenham were mounting yet another attack.

Thamesmead defended well but Beckenham did have enough chances to win this match.

It will not go down as a classic but both sides produced some good football in difficult conditions.

Beckenham Town entertain Tunbridge Wells at Eden Park Avenue next Saturday (3pm) in the Semi-Final of the Kent Senior Trophy.

Beckenham Town: Rob Tolfrey, Aliy Kyezu, Cedric Meeko, Errison Ahwan, Tony Sinclair, Junior Kadi, Gavin Rose, Peter Adeniyi, Ryan Martin, Ellis Green, Jamie Cheeseman . Subs: Asher Hudson, Dean Lodge, Ohran Stewart, Paul Vines, Carlton Price