Monday, February 2, 2009 21:05
Holmesdale 0 Faversham Town 0
By Tony Gray
Any of the 45 spectators who braved the bitter conditions at Oakley Road hoping for a repeat performance from an exciting first leg were to be dissapointed as these two sides, second and third in the league, battled out a dour goalless draw.
After 90 minutes of entertaining football at Salters Lane in midweek which saw the Lilywhites secure a three - two victory expectations were high going into the second leg.
With midfield duo Dave Soutan and Dave Botterill both on the bench Manager Justin Luchford was pinning his hopes on a containment strategy knowing that a draw would be enough to see his side through.
Luchford's gamble paid dividends as the Lilywhites efforts stifled any signs of creativity amongst the home side.
Town keeper Kevin Readings had little to do, his back four remaining solid throughout.
The best chances of the game both fell to the visitors, a powerfull header from skipper Lee Shearer going close as did a Sean Hetterley effort before the half time break - Hetterley's effort fired across the face of Danny Harwood's goal.
The second 45 minutes mirrored the first half with the visitors working hard denying Holmesdale any real scoring chances although a late strike from Joel Greaves did stretch Readings in the dying minutes.
Overall an uninspiring match although mission completed by the Town boss, "We took a bit of a gamble with the formation but my method was in trying to stop them playing football. Our keeper has had barely a save to make. Kris Richardson was man of the match and that is testament to a 17 year-old playing against a team that are second in the league."
The Lilywhites are back in league action this coming Saturday as Salters Lane plays host to the visit of VCD Athletic, kick-off at 15:00.
The draw for the semi-finals takes place next Saturday with Faversham Town in the hat along with Croydon, Erith Town and Hythe Town.
Town's Star Man - Kris Richardson, a mature and workmanlike performance.
Faversham Town: Kevin Readings (6); Jamie Sparks (7); Kris Richardson (8); Tom Hickman (6); Ashley Brown (7); Lee Shearer(c) (7); Shane Hamshare (7); Damian Abel (6); Steve O'Brien (6); Dane Luchford (6); Sean Hetterley (6)
Substitutes: Dave Soutan (for Luchford 70 minutes) (6);Unused: Carl Hodgson; Byron Walker; Dave Botterill; Chris Oyebanjo.