In a match up between two of the league’s early pace setters it was the home side who came out on top with an impressive performance at Oakley Road on Saturday afternoon.

Dale started the game on the front foot and after early pressure they went 1-0 up on nine minutes when Nathan Palmer’s cross was headed into his own net by a Greenways defender.

Lee Roots’ side continued to press from there with Greens defenders making goal saving blocks on the line twice, while Shameek Farrell, who was superb all game, was involved in so many attacking threats for Dale, firing one chance over and having a free kick saved before also setting up Dan Carpenter who shot narrowly wide.

James Sheid went close to putting the home side further in front when his run into the box ended with a powerful drive over the bar.

Then on 30 minutes Dale finally mad it 2-0 when Farrell held off the challenge of Rob Jeffery before sliding the ball past Josh Kelman and into the corner of the net.

Farrell went close again soon after after latching on to a great ball from Nad Nwita, but as the half came they had to settle for a two goal lead.

The second half saw Holmesdale press again and they went 3-0 up on 49 minutes when Camden Bhordal was judged to have handled the ball when slipping into the box and Palmer smashed the resulting spot kick home.

Dale carried on making all of the play from there, Rory Ward and Farrell had efforts saved by Kelman and Palmer shot over after a great pass from Farrell set him free.

Greenways went close when Magara curled a shot from distance just wide, before Ola Rabiu missed a good chance at the other end following good work by Farrell and James Tedorescu.

Late on Josh Taylor hit the post for Greenways as he slid in the the far post connecting to a free kick, but Dale were still on top and Palmer went close once more just before the final whistle.

This was a superb display from Holmesdale as they look to continue their challenge at the top of the table, carrying on the good work from last season, playing some football that deserves a bigger audience.

Dale- Edwards Carpenter Teodorescu Nwita Eels Sheid Britnell Ward Rabiu Palmer Farrell.

Greens – Kelman Saxton Pierce Jeffrey Taylor Bhordal Donaldson Magara Redblon Kloman Cross

Att: 72
Ht 2-0 FT 3-0