Eleventh placed Greenwich Borough took on eighth placed Canterbury City in the Southern Counties Eastern League at Princes Park, Dartford on Wednesday night aiming to make up one of their many games in hand on the teams above them and despite resting a couple of players Ian Jenkins’ side ran out comfortable winners.
Canterbury playing their first game of 2015 looked a little rusty and were soon under pressure from a Borough side who looked fired up and played at great pace.
Jake Britnell forced an early save from Harris and Bennet shot wide before Borough took the lead on 14 minutes when Brtinell latched on to a Joe Vines through ball and slipped the ball under Harris for 1-0.
Britnell and Vines both went close soon after before the visitors rallied. Canterbury battled back causing Borough’s back three problems with balls over the top, Martin, Daniel Lawrence, Shearing and Robert Lawrence all went close before Martin equalised on 19 minutes converting a well placed cut back from Shearing.
Parity only lasted a minute though as Greenwich went straight up the pitch and went back in front when Britnell hit a powerful low drive from 20 yards and went in off the post.
Before City could regroup it was 3-1 when Mohammed Isa powered into the box and chipped Harris with a cool finish.
Isa was denied a second soon after as Harris saved his powerful low shot, but Isa was not to be denied on 29 minutes as he combined with Gary Alexander before finding the corner of the net for 4-1.
Jamie Wood had a free kick cleared off the line by Baker, before on a rare break Martin saw his shot saved by Holloway late in the half.
The second half was slightly more even, but Greenwich still created the better chances, Danny Phillips had an effort cleared off the line and he also hit the bar from distance while Robert Lawrence had one effort saved by Holloway and fired wide with another.
Lawrence saw a fierce free kick tipped over by Holloway and the keeper was also on hand to deny Graham, while Britnell had the home sides best chance when he finished off a great run with a strong effort that was saved by Harris.
In the end the game was won in twenty first half minutes where Borough looked fantastic going forward with youngsters Jake Britnell and Mohammed Isa proving to be excellent new signings.
Greenwich now entertain St Austell at home in the FA Vase on Saturday
Greenwich: Holloway, Day, Isa, Saunders, J Vines, Nico, Britnell (L Wood 85), Alexander (P Vines 85), Bennett (Borrowdale 69), Phillips, J Wood.
Subs not used: Edwards, Clack.
Canterbury: Harris, Kendall, Heffernan, Peachey, Hemmings (Jackson 53), Baker, D Lawrence, Shearing (Gonzalez 68), Martin (Lloyd 65), Graham, R Lawrence.
Subs not used: Lewis, Adams.
HT 4-1 FT 4-1, Att: 62
Goals: Britnell 14 & 20, Isa 21 and 29mins (Greenwich) Martin 19mins (Canterbury)
Referee: Mr J Guzman