In the harsh winter cold, wind and rain, Holmesdale tasted defeated against a familiar opponent, their first in four meetings against Tunbridge Wells this season.

When the ref blew for kick off, Tunbridge Wells immediately showed some intensity (which they would keep up throughout the game), with a very early cross into the box which our brilliant keeper Charlie Wealands claimed.

Enoch Muwonge, who was so lively against Hythe, again showed his quality, with an outside-of-the-boot cross, which unfortunately just slipped past our onrushing forwards. Mecca Samuels, who got a well-deserved start, then had a nice turn which then a Tunbridge Wells defender forcefully cleared.

Tunbridge Wells put another cross into the box, clearly showing how they would be creating their opportunities in this game. The early possession belonged to Tunbridge Wells, who decided to kindly warm up our Holmesdale players by making them run after the ball, in conditions which felt like they came from Siberia.

In the 8th minute, Tunbridge Wells showed their set piece specialty by launching the ball into the box from a throw in which was headed away. Callum Keeble then had an opportunity to add to his hot streak of goals, getting his toe on a cross. which led to a phenomenal reaction save from the Wells goalkeeper Martin Grant. In the 10th minute Nathan Palmer whacked a volley from a clearance which led to another great save from Grant. Then a Tunbridge Wells midfielder had a dig from range which went straight to Wealands.

In the 14th minute, the Tunbridge Wells number 7 D’armando Lawrence then showed skilful feet to beat his man. His shot from just inside the box skidded into the bottom corner to put the opposition one up. Immediately after this, our physical centre half Will Bell blocked a cross with Tunbridge Wells trying to quickly increase their lead after Wells number 9 Trevor McCreadie whipped in a fizzing cross.

In the 19th minute, a drop ball was given after the linesman flagged for a handball by the Tunbridge Wells number 11 Regan Corke, with the referee initially giving it, but then overruling it. McCreadie then shot from a tight angle which led to a corner. Following the goal, Tunbridge Wells were very much on top, having a spectacular shot from distance which sailed over the bar. In the 29th minute Nathan Palmer was fouled, which led to the first booking of the game for Mo Alaka.

A Tunbridge Wells set piece after a handball by Bell led to a block from Keeble after the shot was struck with absolute venom. The Tunbridge Wells number 7 then showed his quick feet again with another attack, before a good run from Mecca opened up space for a good opportunity which Tunbridge Wells defended. A good combination from Muwonge and Kevin Dance showed Dale’s serious desire to get back in the game. Then we saw another handball awarded, this time Jude Jeffreys being penalised. In the 40th minute Tunbridge Wells broke Dale’s defensive line with a great ball in behind which Wealands cleared. Palmer then had a curling effort which went close. In the 44th minute Keeble was taken out , showing the physicality wit3h which Tunbridge Wells were playing. Following a corner, we managed desperate shots from AJ Morrison and Dance. This was the last act of a somewhat frustrating first half.

At the start of the second half, Tunbridge Wells attacker McCreadie won the ball and took on our team. Muwonge picked up a booking for pulling a shirt. In the 49th minute the same player got on the of a great pass out wide from Bell. Another great dribble from Samuels showed his quality. McCreadie then ran in behind the Dale defence, which led to another dangerous cross.

Tunbridge Wells kept creating dangerous opportunities and were well deserving of their lead so far. They could have even increased their lead from a freekick, but fortunately Holmesdale kept it out. There was another lucky escape for Holmesdale, following the ball being headed past the post from a free position. But then somewhat against the run of play, substitute Malachai Hudson finally got the equalizer which was smashed into the top corner following a flick on from a long throw in.

Tunbridge Wells clearly disappointed about the equalizer. They attempted to stun Holmesdale by pressing for another goal and they would have managed it, if not for a great double save from keeper Wealands. At this point, the weather turned even worse, and suddenly everyone, players and supporters included, were drenched, leading to a downturn in the quality of the game. In the 73rd minute Tunbridge Wells got a well-deserved winner with a follow up header after the ball came back off the bar. This appeared to knock the steam out of Holmesdale. The game then turned incredibly scrappy in the wet conditions, although Holmesdale had some nice build up which led to a couple of good opportunities from distance.

Unfortunately, the game ended in defeat, but Holmesdale have a quick opportunity to bounce back next week in our first away game in a while, as we travel to Bearsted next Saturday.

Come on Dale!

Holmesdale: Charlie Wealands, Jude Jeffrey (Marcus Elliot, 76), AJ Morrison, Tony Musoke (Reelwa Lugboso, 79), Will Bell, Ali Mansaray, Kevin Dance (Malachi Hudson, 57), Mecca Samuels, Nathan Palmer (c), Enoch Muwonge (Kayden Turner, 57), Callum Keeble (Vinnie Medhurst, 49).
Tunbridge Wells: Martin Grant, Joshua Nolan, Muiz Alaka, Jonathan Shea, Thomas Penfold, Christian Lawal, D’Armando Lawrence, Jack Gallagher (c), Trevor McCreadie (Thomas Murrain, 79), Rhys Bartlett (Matthew Dunmore, 64), Regan Corke (Deshon Carly, 87). Unused Subs: Matt Burjak, Teddy Munday.

Jay Underwood
Holmesdale 1956 FC Contributor