There’s an old saying about ‘never kick a man when he’s down’, but oh boy does it feel like Peckham are in this situation at the moment. Had Mary Phillip’s team put in a bad performance then defeat wouldn’t have been such a bitter pill to swallow. For the best part of an hour this was a pretty even game played on a pitch that, let’s be honest, would be better put to use as a swine pasture, from which the town of Tenterden gets its name from.
Nelson Nunes continued in goal with Adam Carrick returning from injury at left back, and new signing Jude Harris starting at right back. Jeremiah Duah Danso and Ismaila Doumbia continued their partnership in the centre of defence. With Raymond Agyemang unavailable, Peter Tarrant took the anchor man role in midfield with Jacob Kemp and Tidi Barry just ahead of him. The front three consisted of captain Nicky Meta on the left, Camilo Andres Nieva on the right and Evaristo Mendes as the striker. On the bench were David Gabor, Mohamed Bah, Ales Cap, James Armes and Michael Desta.
Peckham got the game underway and within two minutes were ahead after Evaristo Mendes kept his composure to slot the ball home. The goal came as Peckham dealt with some early pressure, Ismaila Doumbia bring the ball down before finding Jacob Kemp in the middle of the park. The midfielder then spotted the run of the Peckham front man before playing an inch perfect ball over the Tenterden defence, allowing the striker to take a touch before opening the scoring. The lead however, barely lasted a couple of minutes before the hosts were level. Peckham were under immense pressure and after winning three corners on the bounce, Jeremiah Duah Danso’s headed clearance at the near post found the unmarked Tenterden number 2, who volleyed home from 8 yards on 6 minutes
Mary Phillip’s team almost restored their lead five minutes later from a Jacob Kemp’s volley from 25 yards out. Nelson Nunes took a free kick from just inside his own half which Tenterden headed clear but only as far as the midfielder just outside the area. The Peckham midfielder didn’t hit it cleanly and it bobbled through the crowded area, the keeper looked beaten but the post came to his rescue and the ball was eventually cleared with 11 minutes played. Three minutes later Nelson Nunes denied the hosts a second with a low save to his right as the Tenteden number 14 broke the offside trap. Running onto a ball over the top from deep inside the Tenterden half, the quick thinking keeper rushed out to narrow the angle as the Tenterden man attempted to poke the ball home from 20 yards out. Peckham’s rhythm was then broken when Evaristo Mendes went down injured on 17 minutes. Taking the ball full pelt in his face the Peckham man needed lengthy treatment which resulted in nearly a five minute pause to the game. And with Peter Tarrant then going into the book just after the halfway mark for a late challenge, the hosts were looking like they would use this to their advantage to take control of the game. Peckham however, continued to defend well and frustrate their hosts and after five added minutes the first half finished honours even.
After a shorter than usual break, the hosts got second half underway and what a second half this would be, with some key incidents that would prove pivotal to the out come of the game. It didn’t take the hosts too long to double their tally after winning a corner on the near side. The ball was sent deep into the Peckham six yard box, finding the head of the unmarked Tenterden number 9 who powered the ball past the helpless Nelson Nunes at the far post to make it 2-1 on 57 minutes. Manager Mary Phillip then made two changes, firstly David Gabor replaced Tidi Barry on 62 minutes before Mohamed Bah replaced captain Nicky Meta three minutes later. The first turning point of the half came five minutes later when Adam Carrick was shown a straight red for dissent. The defender was getting ready to take a throw in when comments towards the crowd were misconstrued by the assistant and after consulting with his official, the defender was given his marching orders.
Now down to ten men this was going to be a tough ask from Mary Phillip’s players but within four minutes they were level. Again the goal came from inside Peckham half, Nelson Nunes sending a fee kick deep into the Tenterden area from just inside his own half. As the ball came down it was headed goal wards by a Tenterden player and as the keeper came out Evaristo Mendes ran through and took a touch before poking the ball home on 71 minutes to make it 2-2. Three minutes later, and after a decent debut, Jude Harris made way for Michael Desta as Mary Phillip made her third change. Against the odds the game then swung in Peckham’s favour, as with eight minutes of normal time remaining Evaristo Mendes was dragged to the ground in the penalty area. The official had no option other than to point to the spot, Jacob Kemp kept his cool to tuck the ball home to make it 3-2 to Peckham much to the dismay of the hosts’ et al.
Mary Phillip then made her fourth change with 86 minutes on the clock, James Armes replacing Camilo Andres Nieva, who looked to have taken a knock. With some fresh attacking legs on the pitch, Peckham weren’t giving up a possible victory just yet. However the momentum then began to sway in favour of the hosts as they equalised with two minutes of normal time remaining. Winning a throw in on the far side the ball was sent long into the Peckham area. Michael Desta attempted to head clear under pressure but the ball fell kindly for the hosts and their number 16 powered home from 20 yards out. Not settling for a draw Peckham continued to push for the winner and as the game entered added time, they were denied a stonewall penalty that could’ve changed the whole outcome of the game.
James Armes brought the ball under control on the edge of the area before looping it back towards the far post. Evaristo Mendes attempted to head back towards the goal only to see the ball hit the raised arm of the Tenterden number 16 before it was cleared to safety. Despite the shouts from the Peckham players, bench and supporters the official waved the protests away and the game continued. With three added minutes played the hosts won a free kick just inside the Peckham half. The ball was launched deep into the Peckham are with three players all intent on making contact. Nelson Nunes made the punch but a Tenterden player clattered into Jeremiah Duah Danso who was out cold before he hit the ground. Despite calls to stop the game due to seriousness of the injury it continued and the hosts bagged the winner. With concerns now turning to the prostrate defender, the Peckham physio raced onto the field.
With a five minute delay, the Peckham defender was eventually brought back to his feet and helped off the pitch looking extremely dazed and confused. Ales Cap was then brought on to replace the stricken defender but the game was gone, and after twelve added minutes it was over. With other results on the day going against them, Peckham now sit third from bottom. However, with games in hand on the three teams above them, one win will see them rise three places up the table. Every game for Peckham is now a cup final, and they will need the support of the Menace faithful to get them over the line.
Peckham’s next game is another away day across South East London as they face Sporting Club Thamesmead Reserves next Saturday. Kick of is 2pm and as always, please keep an eye on our socials for all the details.
Peckham Town FC (4-3-3). Nelson Nunes,; Jude Harris, Ismaila Doumbia, Jeremiah Duah Danso, Adam Carrick; Peter Tarrant, Jacob Kemp, Tidi Barry; Camilo Andres Nieva, Evaristo Mendes, Nicky Meta (c).
Subs. David Gabor (on for Tidi Barry 62’), Mohamed Bah (on for Nicky Meta 65’), Michael Desta (on for Jude Harris 74’, James Armes (on for Camilo Andres Nieva 86’) & Ales Cap (on for Jeremiah Duah Danso 90’+8). Sent off, Adam Carrick 67.