Holmesdale lose at the league leaders

Holmesdale failed to end Rusthalls unbeaten record as defensive errors in each half made the difference as they went down 3-1 at Jockey Farm

Saturday 12th November 2016

SECFL Division 1

Rusthall 3-1 Holmesdale

Holmesdale Scorer: Anthony Fenech (52mins)

Holmesdale suffered a 3-1 defeat as they went down to league leaders Rusthall who are now 16 unbeaten in the league.

The game started at a frantic pace with neither team able to settle down on the slick Jockey Farm surface which was in excellent condition considering the amount of rain throughout the morning.

First real chance came the way of Rusthall forward Fuller who shot straight at Alfie George after a mistake from the Holmesdale backline put him in one on one with the keeper. This seemed to liven the visitors up who began to settle down and created several half chances with a couple falling to Charlie Weedon but both his attempts on goal were well blocked by the Rusthall defence.

It was the home team who broke the deadlock on 31 minutes as a mistake gave Andy Constable the simple task of lifting the ball over Alfie George into the net. It was Constable again who doubled the lead 4 minutes later as a corner was only half cleared and the resulting ball into the box was expertly headed in by the veteran striker.

Half Time - Rusthall 2-0 Holmesdale

James Teodorescu came on at the break for Ishmail and it was the visitors who got themselves back into the game after 52 minutes. A free kick into the area was headed in by Anthony Fenech to reduce the deficit. Holmesdale had chances to equalize through Jamie Williams and Fenech but the hosts regained their 2 goal advantage after 63 minutes when another defensive mistake gave Danny Mitchell a simple task of rolling the ball under Alfie George.

Holmesdale almost got back in the game with 10 minutes to go when Reggie Yembra hit the post but the hosts also looked dangerous on the counter attack as Holmesdale looked to get back in the game. In the end Rusthall comfortably saw the game out and the defeat leaves Holmesdale in 10th place.

Full Time - Rusthall 3-1 Holmesdale