Stansfeld FC v Crockenhill

   10-man Stansfeld/Eltham Palace suffered more controversy on Saturday, as they gave away a two-goal lead away at Crockenhill in a game that was played in thick fog on probably the worst pitch in the league. 
   A much improved performance saw them dominate proceedings from the very first whistle with Billy Shinners and Harry Gamble both going close with efforts in the first 10 minutes. Shinners had another couple of half chances before he eventually opened the scoring with a low drive through a defender's legs that nestled neatly into the bottom left hand corner off the net with the Crockenhill keeper fixed to the spot. The goal was the Stansfeld striker's 6th goal in 4 games.
   Charlie Burgess went close to doubling the lead when he headed over the bar unchallenged at a free-kick. At the other end James Bradley was rarely troubled, only having to make one decent block with his legs and a couple of punches at corners. Burgess and Shinners both wasted further opportunities to increase the lead and Ryan Hassan also had a shot well saved just before the break.
   The second half took on a similar theme to the first half, Burgess had another header at a corner cleared off the line and Shinners and Harry Gamble both wasted good efforts to extend Stansfeld's lead when clear in front of goal.
   Stansfeld eventually doubled their lead, after a brilliant 60 yard run by Casey Killilea ended with a perfect near post cross, where Hassan was left with an easy tap in.
   The Crockenhill keeper was the busiest player on the pitch for the next 15 minutes, as he pulled off a series of top saves to keep his side in the game.
   But Crockenhill were given a lifeline after Frankie Beale was caught in possession on the halfway line and a quick break ended with Crockenhill leading scorer Tulami Pama beating Bradley with a neat finish to reduce the deficit.
   The games biggest moment of controversy came in the 75th minute, when Stansfeld's Gamble was sent off for a dubious 2nd Yellow card by Referee Hawker Ahmed. The official who was being assessed had shown leniency throughout the game to players on both sides, decided that the unfortunate Gamble wasn't in titled to the same treatment. Even the assessor suggested that he was very unlucky to given his marching orders.
   The decision proved to be very costly for Stansfeld, as the extra man gave Crockenhill all the advantage they needed and with 8 minutes remaining substitute Paul Ibidapo grabbed the equaliser. Stansfeld managed to hold on for a point as Crockenhill threw everything at them. So again like the previous week Stansfeld let 2 points slip through their grasp.