Holmesdale progressed through to the quarter finals of the league cup with in impressive three goal win over Tunbridge Wells at Oakley Road on Wednesday night in a thoroughly entertaining cup tie.

Wells started the game on the front foot, Bissett finding Lightfoot with a well placed long pass, but the visitors number eleven was denied by a superb one handed save from Edwards in the Dale goal.

The match was played at a frantic pace, but both sides tried to pass the ball well and hit on the break. Carlton hit the side netting for Tunbridge Wells soon after, before Holmesdale took the lead with their first real attack on 6 minutes. Hackshall played in Powell-Downey down the right and the Dale winger cut inside the box with some superb footwork before crashing the ball into the net from a tight angle for 1-0.

Wells continued to have more of the ball, but the home side defended well, Nurden crossed for Corke who headed wide of the target, before Edwards made another great save to deny Lightfoot again when he was one on one with the home keeper.

Lightfoot saw a free kick deflected off the wall for a corner and Edwards then made a great save to deny Well from close range after a series of corners.

Late in the half Holmesdale had a good spell and they doubled their lead on 39 minutes when a corner from the left was recycled and Hubbard set up Powell-Downey who spectacularly drove the ball home from 20 yards out. 

The second half saw Holmesdale start on top, before played evened out a bit more. It was Dale who extended their lead though, when Eels beat Wells keeper Wharton to a ball into the area and it span loose to Pope-Campbell who tucked the ball away for 3-0 on the hour.

Ward went close soon after as Dale looked for a fourth and Wharton did well to save from Punselie after more good work by Hubbard. Wells hit the side netting for the visitors after a quick move up field and then Lightfoot was again foiled by Edwards, who save the ball with his feet as the winger tried to go past him on the edge of the box.

Gething had a shot saved by Edwards who had a superb night in goal for the home team, before Holmesdale rallied again late on with Constable playing in Hubbard whose powerful drive was brilliantly tipped over by Wharton to keep the score at 3-0. 

Lee Roots’ side now look forward to the draw for the next round, while Tunbridge Wells prepare for their trip to Erith Town on Saturday.   

Dale – Edwards, Buiti, McCarthy, Ralisthorne, Eels, Shield, Powell-Downey, Hackshall, Pope-Campbell, Ward, Hubbard.

Subs: Foster, Constable, Punselie, Polius, Fallade. 

Wells – Wharton, Griffin, Nurden, Huggins, Cheek, Bissett, Corke, Wells, Phillips, Carlton, Lightfoot.

Subs: Pring, Froggart, Gething, Shea, Hope. 

Goals; Powell-Downey 6 & 39mins, Pope-Campbell 60mins. 

Ref: Mr W Donnell 

HT 2-0 FT 3-0

Att: 88