NEW ROMNEY CHUFFED AS PECKHAM RUN OUT OF STEAM

With a few of last week's players absent, Mary Phillip brought only a 13 man squad to the seaside for this 1st v 3rd clash. Elton Romaku partnered today’s captain Charlie Egleton in central defence in the absence of Adam Carrick. Kieran Dowding dropped back into his more familiar winger role as Nicky Meta was also unavailable, and David Gabor started up front. Tidi Barry started on the bench alongside debutant Jordan Shoroye.

The sun was shining as the game got underway in this beautiful Kent seaside town. Both teams wanting the spoils to maintain their push for the title. So it was no surprise that both teams were attacking at every opportunity. Equally both defences did the jobs asked of them. The Menace had a great chance after a free kick was awarded just inside the hosts half. A beautiful ball was floated into the box, which Joe Thomas failed to connect to, but it fell to Joshua Montella who hit it straight at the keeper. Again Joshua Montella went close twice on 23 minutes and 27 minutes, both times shooting inches wide. For a striker in the form that he is currently in, surely it would only be a matter of time before he hit the target.

New Romney had a shout for a penalty as their striker went down on 29 minutes. The referee had a perfect view and was having none of it. Three minutes later Norman Hong hit a beauty just over the bar, the host's keeper must have known it was heading over as he was rooted to the spot.

Again Joshua Montella came close on 38 minutes, his shot deflecting out for a corner. Charlie Egleton had the ball in the net from the corner, only for the referee to rule it out for a supposed foul on the defender, but in reality it was only Egleton who was attempting to reach the ball. Peckham were on top and the goal was definitely coming. If ever there was a better time to score, on the stroke of half time is that time. Who only but Joshua Montella in the 44th minute. Latching onto a through ball he lifted it over the advancing keeper. It was no more than Peckham deserved and the players and supporters celebrated. Yet again Mary’s half time team talk would be just a little easier now, as Peckham have made a habit of scoring late in the first half of late.

With no changes at half time and limited resources on the bench, the second half was certainly going to test Peckham's resolve. Peckham were awarded a free kick just outside the hosts box after a cynical foul on David Gabor. This was a great opportunity for Elton Romaku to whip it in on his left foot. He opted to go for goal and unfortunately hit it straight into the keeper's arms.

The hosts were almost gifted a goal on 50 minutes when Peckham failed to clear their lines. The ball was given away on the edge on the 18 yard box, but thankfully the New Romney striker shot wide. Chances were coming thick and fast for both teams, the home team heading inches over from a free kick on 65 minutes. This should’ve been a warning sign for Peckham that this game was far from won. Mary opted for her only change of the game five minutes later, Tidi Barry, still not 100% fit after his injury replaced Joe Thomas on 70 minutes.

Kevin Dance had a great chance to double the Peckham tally on 76 minutes when he volleyed wide from 20 yards out. From the resulting goal kick the hosts attacked, their striker hitting a sweet shot low to George Legg’s right. The Peckham stopper managed to get his hand to it but it wasn’t enough to stop it creeping in at the far post on 77 minutes. The hosts were back in this, and were now on top. Peckham would need to step up a gear if they were to get anything out of this game.

David Gabor had a great chance to win the game on 89 minutes. New Romney couldn’t clear their area, and David Gabor hit his shot straight at the keeper. Anywhere else and it would have been game over. But it wasn’t game over, and Peckham had some late defending at the hosts pushed for a winner. They would have to deal with two corners in added time, but on both occasions defended them well. The referee called time, and the hosts must have been the happier side. Given the number of missed opportunities, Peckham must have felt this was two points dropped rather that one point gained.

Today’s draw now sees The Menace drop to second in the league on goal difference, level on points with Red Velvet. Both teams have 52 points but the leaders still have seven games in hand! The Menace will keep battling in what is one of their best seasons for some years. And as the saying goes, Menace Life Ain’t Easy.

Peckham Town (442): George Legg; Fidele Kassindi, Elton Romaku, Charlie Egleton (c), Mustafa Hashemi; Kevin Dance, Norman Hong, Joe Thomas, Kieran Dowding; Joshua Montella, David Gabor. Subs: Tidi Barry (on for Joe Thomas), Jordan Shoroye (not used).