Champagne On Ice

The eyes of the world were on the most iconic ground in the country as the day finally dawned. Would the long-time leaders get the result that would see them finally, mathematically crowned deserving champions? Or would their London opponents, with their own troubles towards the wrong end of the league, cause an upset and delay the party?

Yes, the sporting world watched with bated breath to see whether Peckham Town could get a result at home to New Romney, and so delay the latter’s coronation for one more week. They’d probably prefer to win it at their own ground after all….

Stout Challenge Ahead

Peckham’s Easter weekend haul of four points from six had done much to boost their spirits – and that’s before you get into the Menace relegating Borden Village and their Tamplin-alike centre back at their own ground. For the first time in three weeks they would start a game out of the relegation spots.

Borden join Ramsgate Athletic and Ide Hill as mathematically relegated, leaving just one spot to “play” for. At the start of the day, that was occupied by Tenterden Town, on 35 points with 4 games left to play. Peckham, in 13th, had a point more (36) but one game fewer remaining (3). Bexley in 12th had 37 points with two to play. Above those sides on 39 points were Guru Narak, Sporting Club Thamesmead reserves and Snodland Town reserves. Peckham’s goal difference was markedly worse than everyone’s but Bexley. With Tenterden away to relegated Ramsgate while they hosted the table-toppers, Peckham’s task was a daunting one – their respite from the relegation zone looked like being temporary.

Lining up to prove the doubters wrong was the same side that began the Borden win. Nathan Gamester continued in goal behind a back four of Whizz Ettinger, Michael Desta, Jeremiah Duah Danso and Joe Thomas. A midfield four of Tidi Barry, Michael Agyemang, Raymond Agyemang and Camilo Andres Nieva supported the front two of James Armes and Evaristo Mendes.

Glass Half Full

The game kicked off with Peckham kicking uphill, and New Romney had the best of the early exchanges, dominating possession and territory as they used the slope to their advantage. They threatened to get in behind on several occasions, Nathan Gamester making a superb one-handed save on five minutes, and though not the tallest side offered a threat from corners with late runs from well behind the back post. That said, Peckham did have the odd opportunity of their own, including a great chance blasted wide by Tidi Barry on 13 minutes.

The half turned on a sending off, as the New Romney #6 saw red for a reckless, two footed studs up lunge on James Armes that made jarring contact with his ankle (see here). After several minutes of treatment the Peckham player was able to continue, but with a man’s advantage the game became more balanced. Happy now to sit and play on the break, New Romney ceded more of the ball and the territory to the hosts, who eventually made their advantage pay on 37 minutes. James Armes pounced on a loose back pass, advanced on the keeper, and buried his right footed shot into the corner of the goal.

Peckham pressed for a second, and just before half time a looping cross from the left from Nieva looked to have found Armes in the area. However, catching his footing in the turf he was unable to reach the ball and went down. Eventually stretchered off with a season-ending injury he was greeted by the Romney #6 who had earlier looked to hack him out of the game. “Karma’s a bitch” was his contribution this time. Stay classy, Kent.

A Tough Double To Swallow

Rashane Wilson replaced Armes for the second half, and he began brightly by almost lobbing the outrushing New Romney keep for a second. It went wide, and two minutes later the sides were level with New Romney’s pacy #9 blocking a clearance (possibly with hand) and rushing through to smash the ball past Gamester.

Peckham returned to their task, and arguably had the better of the match from there. Raymond’ Agyemang’s fierce drive from 30 yards was only just saved at the second attempt by the keeper, while Wilson and Mendes almost combined to free the latter only to be thwarted by resolute defence. Then on 82 minutes came an amazing chance for Tidi Barry; Camilo skinned his left back, and his cut-back from the byline was deflected towards goal only to be deflected out again into the path of Barry six yards out – sadly he blazed his shot over.

On 85 minutes, New Romney broke decisively and scored, again their #9 burning through the defence with his pace and burying the ball into the bottom corner. Peckham rallied again, and on 90+3 Michael Agyemang surged through midfield and into the area. His shot was just tipped away by the keeper, falling agonizingly behind Mendes following in, who could only scuff his shot. Leaving it to the onrushing Wilson might have been the better option.

And so the match ended in an away win. Elsewhere, results did not go in favour of either side. Minster’s win meant New Romney’s wait for the title goes on another week, but Peckham suffered the hammer blow of wins for Tenterden Town and Bexley.

Drinking In The Last Chance Saloon

It feels a very long time since the Menace beat New Romney away with a last minute Mohamed Bah winner to go top back in late August (although my feet still haven’t got fully dry yet). The fortunes of the clubs have moved in opposite directions since then, and New Romney can offer Peckham hope for next season, in that they actually finished 12th, two places below the Menace in the 23/24 season. Things can turn around quickly, and next season may be very different for Peckham.

Where that will be played is still to be decided. Frankly, Tenterden feel safe given they lead Peckham by two points, with a better goal difference and two of their remaining fixtures are against already relegated sides. Snodland Town reserves are three points and a better goal difference ahead, with two home games left (Minster and Kent United). Bexley are four points ahead with one to play, against Fleetdown. In other words Peckham almost certainly need to win both Bank Holiday weekend fixtures, at home to Hawkinge on Saturday 3rd and away to Metrogas on Monday 5th and hope for results elsewhere to go their way. Your support is always hugely appreciated, but it will be doubly so for those games.

Menace Life Ain’t Easy.

Peckham Town FC (4-4-2). Nathan Gamester; Whizz Ettinger, Michael Desta, Jeremiah Duah Danso (c), Joe Thomas; Tidi Barry, Michael Agyemang, Raymond Agyemang, Camilo Andres Nieva; James Armes, Evaristo Mendes.
Subs; Rashane Wilson (on for James Armes), Doumbia (on for Duah Danso). Not used: Oreoluwa Majekodunmi, Peter Tarrant