Holmesdale suffered a derby defeat to Beckenham on a wet and windy afternoon at Oakley Road, but despite the worst possible start there were signs of promise for Byron Beard’s work in progress side.

It was credit to the groundsman that he game survived the weather, with the pitch holding up very well and allowing an entertaining game.

Beckenham got off to the best imaginable start when they took the lead on 23 seconds, Harry Draper hit the post with the first shot of the game and Adam Allen was first to the rebound lobbing the keeper from the edge of the box.

Holmesdale responded to the early blow creating chances of their own, but never quite showing the composure required in front of goal.

Josh Froggatt who was at the heart of everything the home side did going forward went close twice, Giorgio Fullone and Adriano Lawson also tested the keeper, but with no luck.

When Becks did attack they looked more dangerous and after Allen had sent one effort just over the bar they went 2-0 up on 35 minutes when Harry Draper finished off a great move with a cool finish at the near post.

Holmesdale came out looking positive again in the second half, but after an early spell of pressure they fell further behind when James Marshall hit a well struck shot to make it 3-0 on 56 minutes.

Dale still kept going and creating chances, but again they were picked off on 66 minutes when Marvin Alobiosu finished well after another quick move up field.

Two minutes later the home side finally found the net when Froggatt headed home and they pulled another back on 72 minutes as Fullone turned in a deep cross that came back off the bar from close range.

With the game wide open for the final few minutes both sides had chances, but the closest Dale came to pulling another back was when Froggatt hit the outside of the post from a tight angle.

Despite Beckenham having a number of players out for the game, they saw this one out in relative comfort and moved up to sixth in the table just off the leaders, while Dale slipped to eighteenth as they look to find their feet under the new manager.

 

HT 0-2 FT 2-4

 

Goals:

Dale – Froggatt 68, Fullone 72 mins.

Becks – Allen 23secs, Draper 35, Marshall 56, Alobiosu 66 mins.

Att: 59