25 March 2006 - League
AFC Kingston 0 v Darkside 1
Team: Adrian, Alan, Andy, Ant, Ben M, Ben S, Chris, Dan B, Dan S, Ian, Mark P, Steve, Tim
Goals: Ant / Assists: Adrian / MOTM: Andy / MM: ?

RARE CLEAN SHEET FROM DARKSIDE, AS AFC SLIP TO 5TH

The Darkside travelled to Tolworth for their first away outing since the end of January without the guidance of manager Tanna. A number of reasons for his absence were circulating through the press but no official comment was released by the Darkside hierarchy. Tim Gale was put in temporary charge for yet another must-win Darkside game against 4 th placed AFC Kingston.

The promotion hopefuls were robbed of the services of captain, Craig Kingston and top scorer Mike Masuku, but Alan Fletcher was back in the squad after his recent suspension, picked up against AFC, as was Steve Cook after a mid-season break. Darkside lined up with Mayes in goal, Harris, Bansept, Boyd and Saunders at the back. Wright, Gale, Cook and Fletcher in the midfield and Mole partnering Swain up top. Patton and Kidwell were the substitutes.

The kick-off was delayed due to the late arrival of the match official Steptoe, caused by a breakdown of his horse and carriage but after the game got underway, the first half was reasonably even. Neither keeper was called into serious action and the highlights revolved around some fairly dodgy referring decisions. There was some trouble on the touchline when Kidwell disgracefully stepped into the opposition half to fetch the ball, a rush of blood to the head that could have cost him deer. Thankfully for the Darksider the referee was lenient and just gave Kidwell a verbal warning; a lucky escape. Both sides major threats came from set-pieces but solid defending from both sides kept the game goalless at half time.

No changes from either side at half time and the game picked up pace after the break. Not long into the half Gale picked out a pin-point pass to set up Fletcher coming in from the left wing, but his shot was saved by the AFC keeper. Soon after Andy Mayes produced a fine double save that earned him the man of the match award. AFC's striker crept behind the Darkside back four and after Mayes saved his initial shot he then got to his feet quickly to parry the second, before the third then went whistling past the post and it kept Darkside level.

As the half went on Darkside steadily increased the pressure and finally got the goal they had been searching for. A long throw into the box, the 54 th of the match, was initially cleared by the AFC defence. But as the ball was put back into the box. Ben Mole got a flick onto Boyd who had made his way up from the back for the throw. His turn and shot fell to the feet of Anthony Wright who hit a low shot across the keeper into the corner of the net. A double substitution for Darkside followed soon after. Goal scorer Wright was replaced on the right wing by Patton and Saunders was replaced by Kidwell at left back.

The remainder of the game saw Darkside defending some heavy pressure by AFC (including a late free-kick given away by Bansept right on the edge of the DFC penalty area that was once again dealt with neatly by the defence) and trying to hit the home side on the break. The defence was solid throughout and restricted AFC to long efforts that never really troubled Mayes. Darkside created the better chances with Swain going agonisingly close to doubling the lead with only a few minutes to go.

Darkside held on through hard work and persistence keeping a clean sheet in the process, only their second of the season, coincidently both attained with the absence of Neil Tanna. A sixth straight win in the league for Darkside and the win saw them move up to fourth in the league. Two huge games against Hersham await for Darkside, with the knowledge that wins in the last three games of the season will see them finish at least third. They will need to use all the hard work and determination they showed in this game to achieve it but confidence is high in the camp with everyone focused on gaining promotion to Division Four of the Kingston & District league.

Match report by: Ben M