To see the match in pictures click here
Justin Luchford's Lilywhites dream start to the season continued with a 4 - 1 home victory against a strongly fancied Holmesdale side, Lee Shearer and Buster Smissen picking up two goals each in a spirited comeback after the visitors had taken the lead on eight minutes.
Luchford had the luxury of fielding his strongest side with, the much talked about, 'Buster Smissen' returning to the side following a month's absence.
From the start it was the visitors who had the hunger for a contest - putting the home side on the back foot in the opening minutes and when James Dadson slotted the ball into the Town goal on eight minutes few in the crowd of 124 were surprised.
The visitors continued to dominate as the game progressed although Damian Abel went close for the Lilywhites on two occasions.
Town had a serious call for a penalty on 18 minutes although neither Referee Dave Harnett or his assistant appeared to see the handball that much of the Salters Lane crowd had witnessed.
The match officials were, luckily, on the ball to see Abe, unceremoniously, brought down inside the area - Lee Shearer stepping up to calmly slot the ball into the bottom left of Dean Rose's goal to level the score on 26 minutes.
The goal proved to be the impetus that the home side needed as they fought back in the remaining 19 minutes of the first half.
Town continued in the same vein after the break and took the lead on 65 minutes, an Ashley Brown trademark long throw into the box finding the head of Smissen who confidently headed home into the top right of Rose's goal.
Eight minutes later and Smissen doubled his haul for the afternoon as he received the ball on the right side of play, cutting in to beat his defender before driving the ball home into the bottom left of Rose's goal to give the home side a deserved two goal cushion.
Still celebrating his second goal Smissen made way for Craig Thompson on 74 minutes as Town continued to push for goal.
The scoring was completed on 78 minutes when Lee Shearer out jumped everyone to head home from a Town corner kick to wrap up all three points.
Holmesdale continued to battle despite the score line and were unlucky not to reduce the deficit when Dadson was denied by the woodwork.
At the final whistle it was 4 - 1 to the Lilywhites to make it three wins from three as they topped the Bulmers Cider Kent Premier League for the second time in a week.
The league plays second fiddle for the next week as Town prepare to travel to Ryman outfit Merstham this coming Saturday in the F.A. Cup - kick-off is at 15:00.
The Lilywhites have a coach leaving Salters Lane at 11:00, spaces are limited so, to book your space call 07709 3950001.
|