Menace hit four at Otford

The Menace secured their second win in a row away from home to continue the strong start to the 21/22 season. Pecks were forced into four changes from the team that won the opening match of the season. A couple of injuries, a broken down car and a late arrival due to work provided opportunities for Mustafa Hashemi, Adam Carrick, Norman Hong and Herve Mbongue to make their first starts of the season.

Peckham were gifted the lead on the 6th minute when a cross from Nicky Meta was misjudged by the home goalkeeper and Herve Mbongue probably had the easiest chance of his career to roll home into an empty net.

Otford were given space to break towards the box in the 13th minute forcing Charlie Egleton into a last ditch tackle on the edge of the box that was judged by the referee to be a foul. The resulting kick did not trouble George Legg between the sticks as it sailed over. The home side had their best spell of the game in the following fifteen minutes when they put pressure on the Menace defence, but the defensive unit held firm and George Legg was largely a spectator, other than a couple of punches clear and claims from corners.

Peckham regained the upper hand in the final fifteen minutes of the half. David Gabor had the ball in the back of the net, but was harshly adjudged to have won the ball unfairly. Kevin Dance had a strong claim for a penalty turned down when he was brought down in the box, but there was no missing the handball in the box shortly after and Peckham were awarded a penalty. The usually reliable Joe Thomas placed his shot to the right, but it was saved by the home ‘keeper. However, the referee ordered a retake due to the stopper moving off his line. Remarkably, he saved the retake from Nicky Meta, this time low to the left, and in doing so perhaps made up for his earlier mistake.

Town were awarded a second penalty early in the second half, as David Gabor was fouled as he broke into the box. This time Charlie Egleton took responsibility, and he calmly fired home into the bottom right corner to put the Menace 2-0 up and provide some much needed breathing space.

Gabor, Romaku and Barry, who had come on for Dance on the right, had chances to extend the lead for the Menace, but without luck. Adam Carrick was alert at the back towards the hour mark as he got back well to clear off the line. Herve Mbongue made the match safe in the 74th minute when he was put through on goal, and he made no mistake by slotting home into the left corner. Ayo Morgan replaced Joe Thomas, and shortly after David Gabor made it 4-0 in the 88th minute when he capitalised on a mix up in defence to slot home.

Peckham Town Manager, Mary Phillip, said after the match “It’s been a good opening for us. Today, we were forced to make a few changes. We have got a great squad here, we have managed to move a few players around and everyone has done their job. We know how we want to play, and nothing changes from game to game. The game was a bit scrapy at times, but we pulled together, and when we get the ball down and play, we are a force to be reckoned with. That’s what it’s all about at Peckham Town. Now, we are looking forward to our first home fixture on Saturday, and hopefully we can...give our home fans something to look forward to.” Entry is just £3 for adults and children are free for this match. See you there!

Peckham Town (4-4-2): George Legg; Mustafa Hashemi, Charlie Egleton, Adam Carrick, Elton Romaku; Kevin Dance, Joe Thomas, Norman Hong, Nicky Meta (c); David Gabor, Herve Mbongue. Subs: Tidian Barry (on for Dance), Ayo Morgan (on for Kevin Dance), Handerson Suarez (unused - broken down in layby!)