Holmesdale extended their impressive unbeaten run to fifteen games with a controlled win over a struggling Meridian VP side at Oakley Road on Wednesday night. 

After an open start to the match Dale took the lead on 12minutes when a corner from the left was powerfully headed home by Jordan Eels.

The pace of Kameiko Pope-Campbell was a constant threat, combing well with Nathan Palmer. With Meridian struggling to create chances going forward, MVP went 2-0 down on 38 minutes when a free kick was headed in off the bar by Eels for his second goal of the game.

Holmesdale looked the stronger side and full of confidence and they went 3-0 up when veteran striker Andy Constable weaved his way round the visitors’ defence and placed the ball into the net from a tight angle.

The final goal of the half was the most spectacular when Dan Carpenter crossed from the right to Constable who hit the ball sweetly on the volley into the top corner of the net from 20 yards out right on the half time whistle. A goal worthy of a much bigger audience.  

With the victory as good as guaranteed Holmesdale were not quite as ruthless in the second half despite manager Lee Roots urging his side to step up their intensity.

Dale’s skilful Number 10 Palmer came info some very heavy treatment all game, requiring the physio on a number of occasions and there were some ill tempered exchanges as the half went on.

After a quiet spell Dale did grab a fifth in second half injury time when Eels had a header from a corner blocked on the line only for Nad Nwitu to turn home the rebound from close range to seal the win for the home team. 

The win moves Holmesdale into third place in the SCEFL Division One table, just two points off the leaders Rusthall with two games in hand prior to their meeting at Oakley Road this Saturday. For Meridian this was their third heavy defeat in a row and they now have a weekend off before trying to turn things around against Lewisham Borough in ten days time.                 

Holmesdale: Edwards, Carpenter, Teodorescu, Nwitu, Eels, O’Shea, Shield, Constable, Palmer, McGinty, Pope-Campbell.

Subs: Grant, Jeannoel, Rawsthrone, Muckle, Golding.   

Goals: Eels 12 & 38, Constable 42 & 45, Nwitu 88mins. 

Attendance: 31