An Eden Park Avenue record attendance of 2,135 watched on as the 2013/14 Kent Senior Trophy and SCEFL Cup winners Beckenham Town came out with much credit and many positives despite losing 4-1 to a skilful Crystal Palace youth development squad – The crowd was such that the kick off was delayed by 20 minutes.
The Becks started brightly and within the opening ten minutes forced a good save by the visitors’ ‘keeper David Gregory (7), saving low with his feet – Moments later visitors’ full back Kai Martin slid in well stopping another positive Beckenham attack.
From the resulting corner The Becks caused havoc with three snapshots in and around the edge of the penalty area which were well defended and eventually cleared.
The visitors took the lead against the run of play with their first foray into The Becks penalty area – An inswinging cross from the right wing found Sullay Kaikai ghosting in at the far post to head home from close range.
Within five minutes The Becks found themselves two down – Reise Allassani found space in the penalty area slotting home under the advancing home ‘keeper.
The visitors soon had ‘keeper Gregory to thank when coming to edge of his penalty area to claim the ball thwarting a swift counter attack by the hosts. The visitors counter-attacked themselves down the left with Kaikai’s impressive turn of pace but The Becks’ ‘keeper was equal to the challenge claiming the ball well under pressure.
The visitors were content to utilise the pace in their side and just before the half hour mark they once again counter attacked after clearing a Becks free kick with Kyle De Silva’s low shot well defended and put out for a corner, from which the hosts defended solidly and cleared.
The referee then called for a drinks break – Something approved and seen at the recent 2014 World Cup in Brazil – Giving both management teams the opportunity to discuss tactics with their chosen XI.
Soon after the restart The Becks got themselves’ back in the game, pulling it back to 1-2. Nathan Paul, 40yds out, struck the ball goal-wards from the right touchline in front of the main stand. Crediting Paul he must’ve seen Gregory off his line and the ‘keeper, frantically backpedalling, could only watch as the ball sailed over his head and into the back of the net.
The Becks continued their impressive display with ‘keeper Gregory again charging off his line to clear a dangerous ball behind the visitors’ back line. His poor clearance fell to a Becks player just inside the half way line whose well struck effort sadly missed the unguarded goal but nevertheless a good effort and good vision shown to see the opportunity present itself.
Shortly after, Paul, controlling the ball on the halfway line, ran unchallenged into the visitors’ penalty area before being tackled and the danger cleared.
As the first half came to a close, The Becks tested Gregory from range with a 30yd effort on the left hand side, the ‘keeper gathering it at the second attempt then shot narrowly over when well placed 20yds out.
Just before the half-time whistle the visitors’ Kaikai curled a 20yd free kick low and narrowly past the hosts’ left hand post.
The second half started with CrystalPalace making 10 changes at half time with ‘keeper Gregory staying on (although he was later substituted)
The weather also made a substitution changing hot and sunny weather with dark and threatening clouds – As the game developed resulting in periods of heavy rain and thunder and lightening.
The changes made and conditions altered including The Becks’ making several changes during the second half made for a quiet half of little goalmouth or penalty area action.
However with 15mins to go Palace tightened their grip on the game giving themselves a two goal cushion – Trialist Fehmi Akinwande got onto the end of a low cross on the right hand side to score from close range.
Akinwande then added to his tally with five minutes remaining with a 35yd strike low into the left hand corner leaving the hosts’ ‘keeper unmoved as it settled in the back of the net.
The Becks certainly impressed with their positive passing game and certainly tested their opposition. They should go into upcoming friendlies and into the new season with heads high. Tonight’s performance can certainly be a springboard for a successful 14/15 league campaign after their success in the cup last season.
Beckenham Town: (unknown)
Goal: Paul 34
Crystal Palace (1st half): Gregory, Egbo, Magri, Croll, Martin, Dymond, Sow, Allassani, De Silva, Kaikai, Ferrier
Crystal Palace (2nd half): Gregory, Henry, O’Dwyer, Chambers, George, Gabsi, Sow, Black, Berkeley-Agyepong, Akinwande, Fizz
Goals: Kaikai 14, Allassani 18, Akinwande 75, 85
Att; 2,135