MENACE EDGED OUT BY MINSTER

A season opening game saw a crowd of 154 brave the scorching weather to watch a much changed Peckham side play newly promoted Minster. Mary’s match day squad of 16 contained seven new signings, four of which were in the starting XI. For many it would have been the first chance to see Kai Smith-Reason slotting in at centre back, Jacob Kemp adding composure in the middle and Ethan Frederick displaying his raw ability out wide. The experienced Handerson Suarez started at right back following his return to the club.

With the summer sun blazing down on an already baked Menace Arena pitch the game was underway. The visitors got off to a flying start, winning a free kick 30 yards out from George Legg's goal. Fortunately the ball hit the crossbar and went over, but the Menace stopper had it covered all the same. Seven minutes later and the tables were turned, as Peckham were awarded a free kick just inside the visitors half on the far side. The ball was floated high into the visitors box, but as the keeper collected it the official awarded a free kick for the challenge against him.

Both teams continued to play attacking football, but neither defence was giving anything away. Even after the first half water break, it was still a very even game. The first real chance for Peckham came in the 32nd minute. New signing Ethan Frederick found some space down the right and tried a delicate chip from 15 yards, but it landed on top of the goal rather than inside it. Peckham came close again four minutes from the end of the first half. Another new signing, Jacob Kemp curled in a shot from 25 yards, and despite a slight deflection off a defenders head, it fell kindly for the Minster keeper.

Two minutes later on 43 minutes it was the Menace keeper’s turn to deny a goal scoring opportunity. A lack of concentration saw the ball slip through the defensive line, but George Legg pulled off a fantastic save low down to his left to prevent the visitors from taking the lead. As half time approached skipper Nicky Meta saw his effort go just over, and deep into added time Ethan Frederick came close again, but the first half finished honours even.

Time for Mary to give her halftime team talk, and for everyone to take on some much needed water. The Peckham manager’s half time discussions rarely fail to have an effect, and Peckham came out ‘guns blazing’ in the second half. Attacking from the off Ethan Frederick found space on the right wing and hit a low cross into the penalty area. The ball deflected off a defender and found Tidi Barry just outside the 18 yard box. He hit a low shot into the crowded area and a deflection fell to Keiran Dowding who tried an ambitious overhead kick which went just wide.

Mary opted for her first change on 50 minutes, Joe Thomas replacing Tidi Barry. Four minutes later Peckham were forced into their second change of the game after Elton Romaku received a head injury. On came Camilo Andres Nieva, another new signing to make his debut on the left wing, with Nicky Meta moving back to left back. Thankfully after 5 minutes off treatment, Elton Romaku managed to leave the field on his feet. Within four minutes of the restart Mary opted to introduce another debutant, on came Yusuf Dahir into the middle of the park to replace Handerson Suarez, with Joe Thomas moving to right back.

So far, after an hour or so of football, chances had been at a premium with two organised teams providing difficult to break down. It would either take a moment of magic or a lapse in concentration for the deadlock to be broken. Unfortunately for Peckham it was the latter as the visitors won a corner on 65 minutes. The ball found an unmarked Minster player who powered his header past the helpless George Legg.

The never give up attitude of Peckham kicked in immediately and they were unlucky not to have been level five minutes later. A very dubious offside that left supporters scratching their heads as to why it was given. The ball floated to the back stick to the onside Ethan Frederick who knocked it back to the unmarked Andres Nieva. He rolled the ball home into the open net, but the flag was up.

Peckham’s final change came as the last ten minutes approached. New signing Timi Adedapo replaced Ethan Frederick. Peckham were now in attacking mode and continued to push forward for the equaliser. However the visitors , despite looking a bit tired, defended deep and held out for the win.

Although it was a disappointing result, Mary would have seen many positives from her players, which hopefully will have an impact in the next game on Wednesday.

Peckham Town FC (4-4-2): George Legg; Henderson Suarez, Adam Carrick, Kai Smith-Reason, Elton Romaku; Ethan Frederick, Tidi Barry, Jacob Kemp, Nicky Meta (c); Kieran Dowding, David Gabor. Subs, Joe Thomas (on for Tidi Barry), Camilo Andres Nieva (on for Elton Romaku), Yusuf Dahir (on for Handerson Suarez), Timi Adedapo (on for Ethan Frederick), Charlie Egleton (not used)

Attendance: 154