Relegated Holmesdale played their last home game in the SCEFL for at least a season as they took on sixth placed Corinthian at Oakley Road and despite a spirited display it ended up in another defeat for the home side.

The match got off to a lively start with play flowing from end to end, but it was the visitors who created the best chances, Connor Johnson had a shot saved and Luke Tanner saw his effort from the rebound cleared off the line by Dale captain Aaron Day.

From the resulting corner Corinthian hit the post and then went close again from a free kick soon after. With the majority of the play taking place in Holmesdale’s half it was a tough first period for the home side, but they held out to half time.

The second half began in similar fashion and Dale suffered a massive blow when Day had to be carried off the field after the former Cray & Bromley player bravely blocked a free kick on the edge of the box.

Tanner went close again for the visitors before the breakthrough finally came on 61 minutes. Johnson hit a goal bound effort that was only partially blocked by the keeper and Tanner was on hand to bundle the ball home from a couple of yards out.

Corinthian made it 2-0 on 73 minutes when Johnson broke through the home defence and coolly slid the ball past the on rushing keeper and into the corner of the net.

Dale didn’t give up though and four minutes later they pulled a goal back when Steve Kokari showed great footwork and persistence to create space on the edge of the box and blast the ball home from a tight angle to make it 1-2.

Any hopes of a comeback where dashed late on though when they were reduced to ten men for an off the ball incident late on and their momentum came to a halt.

Holmesdale now have to regroup and face up to life in the newly formed Southern Counties League East Division One next season after a difficult campaign that has seen three managers and a large turn over in playing staff.

The club still has fight and a spirit though and will be looking for an immediate return to this division next year.

 

Goals: Dale – Kokari 77mins Corinthian – Tanner 61, Johnson 74mins.

HT 0-0 FT 1-2

Att: 38