15 September 2007 - League
Darkside 4 v Malden Manor 1
Team: Adrian, Andy, Andy M, Ben M, Craig, Cullum, Dave, Jim, Kia, Mike, Phil B, Steve L
Goals: Mike x2, Ben M x2 / Assists: Ben M, Kia x2, Craig / MOTM: Dave / MM: -

Darkside’s long anticipated KDFL Div 3 debut arrived and the fans packed the Victoria rec ground. The home team were looking to carry on where they left off last season, as were the ground staff who casually arrived 15 minutes before kick off; it would never happen at Motspur Park. In pubs across Surbiton this summer, the hot topic was how manager Tanna would be able to pick a starting 11 from his strong squad. His task today however was made easier with an injury list as long as a Phil Neill speech, resulting in only 12 being available. Wright, Cook and Dixon took their places in the stands, while Saunders, Bansept, Harris, Neill and Saul were also absent. Fortunately for Darkside, last seasons top goal scorer, Masuku, passed a late fitness test and it was the striker who would take his place in DFC folk law not long after kick off.

Darkside flew out of the traps determined to make a dream start to life in Division 3 and dominated the early stages of the game. With less than 10 minutes on the clock, Masuku latched on to a lofted through ball from Ben Mole on the right and drilled the ball into the bottom right leaving the Manor keeper with no chance. With it, Masuku got the first Division 3 goal in DFC history and the crowd did not have to wait long for the second. Kia Sadza, partnering Masuku up front, out jumped the Manor defence and cushioned a header down for Masuku to half volley Owen-esque style over the opposing keeper. As the half went on Morden Manor began to increase their possession but the Darkside defence stood strong. Boyd and Brannelly won everything in the air, while Tagg and Andrew Mole, making his DSFC debut, cut out the supply to wings reducing Manor to long balls. As the visitors pushed forward, DFC were able to hit them on the counter. Resulting corners saw Boyd go close and Masuku almost grab his hat-trick, while Tagg went close after a speedy break from a Manor corner. With the half drawing to a close and Tanna working on his half time speech, the home side grabbed a third. Kingston’s ball over the Manor defence was missed judged by their keeper and the bounce fell nicely for Ben Mole to tap in his first of the campaign.

The second half started as the first finished, with Manor attempting to claw their way back into the game, but were unable to break down a stubborn Darkside defence protected by Kingston and debutant Dave Adamsin the centre of midfield, while Austin and Ben Mole aided the full backs. As this pattern continued, Manor began to get frustrated and Darkside began to increase their possession and create more chances. Austin thought he had scored only to see his finish ruled out, while Dave Adams went close with a few long range efforts. Steve Loren replaced the injured Masuku up front with 20 minutes to go and not long after, DFC got the fourth goal that they deserved. Kia Sadza worked his way in from the right hand side to tee up Ben Mole who grabbed his second and put the game beyond any doubt.

Morden Manor nicked a consolation to deny DFC what would have been a well deserved clean sheet, but it did not put a dampener on a perfect start to life in Div 3 for Darkside.

Match report by: Ben M