Whitstable Town 2 Beckenham Town 0

Monday 30th January 2006

Beckenham surrendered this seasons unbeaten away record against a strong Whitstable side that had managed to go without defeat since October 15th, writes Ian Muir.It was a game of chances, while the home side capitalised on their two clear cut ones, Beckenham squandered three open goals and despite a good period of attacking in the second-half never played as well as they could. Both sides playing good flowing football that was a credit to the Kent League.

Before the match started Beckenham Town's plans were thrown into disarray as defensive kingpin Ahwan complained of feeling unwell and did not manage the warm-up. Adeniyi was moved back from centre midfield to partner Hudson while Meeko slotted into midfield.

Early chances fell to Whitstable who were reduced to shooting from range and blasted high and wide.

Beckenham managed to break up the home sides advances and countered only to find five men behind the ball. As Lodge and Green twisted and turned a there seemed no way through.

Beckenham's passing was slick out of defence with Adeniyi head and shoulders not only in height but skill above everyone else.

After half and hour both sides had managed to get to know each other and the game settled into a predictable pattern.

In the opening exchanges of the second period Green found space three times behind the Whitstable defence. The first time the fullback recovered and overtook him before dispossessing him, the second he crossed behind the goal, and the third the fullback came across to concede the corner. Beckenham were now getting on top.

A minute past the half-hour Kadi received the ball just inside the opponents half and slid a magnificent ball in the path of Green who out-paced the advancing defenders leaving only the keeper between him and the goal but could only watch in agony as his shot sailed over the bar from three yards.

Beckenham were still pressing forward as a stray ball leaked into the area and should have been cleared but it fell into the path of a Whitstable striker who had the simple task of poking it into the net. At this stage it certainly looked as if the lucky talisman had been left at home.

Beckenham were having the edge on possession while the home side seemed to be standing off a little as Beckenham sprayed the ball around.

Another attack from the flank saw green spin a defender before floating over a perfect cross into the path of Vines who, instead of bringing the ball down elected to volley and missed the target from only two yards.

It looked inevitable that Beckenham would soon be on equal terms as attack after attack was mounted.

With 20 minutes left on the clock Town made a double substitution bringing on Cheeseman and Martin.

Within minutes some clever work by Martin saw a neat little one two and a step over by Cheeseman allowing the ball to roll into the path of Stewart who with only the keeper to beat fired wide.

As another substitution was being preparing the match was put beyond the visitors as they pushed forward in search of the equaliser only to be caught flat-footed by Whitstable to tap home an easy goal.

The home side having been beaten 6-2 by Beckenham in the first game of the season prepared for this match by leaving their top strikers on the bench and were prepared to hold and counter attack, a plan that paid dividends for them. Beckenham have, can and will play better this season.

Beckenham now stand 5 points above 3rd placed Whitstable with a game in hand and are currently 2 points behind leaders Maidstone.

The Eden Park Avenue club, have, however, issued the following statement regarding their appeal to the FA.

Appeal decision:

"Despite the club getting a coach to Erith Town, warming up for an hour and a half, offering to play in our warm up tops and having to make at least ten phone calls to get another set of kit to Erith that arrived minutes after the ref’s deadline; - It was assumed that we did not to want to play the match. This was contrary to the referee’s report that said we made every effort to play the game.

We are delighted with the FA’s decision."

Beckenham. Rob Tolfrey, Aliy Kyezu, Peter Adeniyi, Asher Hudson, Jake Daniels, Junior Kadi, Cedric Meeko, Ellis Green, Ohran Stewart, Ohran Stewart, Dean lodge,

Subs: Gavin Rose, Ryan Martin, Jay Roberts, James Cheeseman.