Contesting their first Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division match at their new groundshare, Stansfeld entertained VCD Athletic.

Last season, Stansfeld played their home games at Glebe’s Foxbury ground but they now host their games from Cray Valley PM’s Artic Stadium. Sadly for them, an early goal by the visitors dampened their return to an SE postcode.

Although they had the first goal attempt when a shot by Chris Alhassan rippled the side netting, the Vickers went ahead in the fourth minute. Stansfeld goalkeeper blasted a clearance that hit Manny Shoderu on the back and ricocheted into the empty net.

Ollie Andrews, Stansfeld’s captain had a shot blocked by his opposing counterpart, Ben Fitchett, before VCD’s Bethel Gboda cut in and drove low just inside the near post.

Harvey Mead missed his kick when a cute Stansfeld corner picked him out then the visitors went close when Connor Dymond’s glancing header from Gboda’s free kick flew just beyond the far post.

Shortly before half time the Vickers almost doubled their lead when an Arlie Desanges chip dipped just over.

After the break, Dymond went even closer when his header from another Gboda free kick flew back out off the post. At the other end, Stef Kempton hit a fierce drive for the home team that Andy Walker could only beat out as far as Archie Panji, but his follow-up was blocked.

Once again the Vickers created a great chance when Tom Cousins crossed to the far post but Lee Bird headed wide from inside the six yard box. Richard Jimoh and Bird were then both off target with shots as they tried to get the crucial second goal.

It was not all one way traffic though, and Mead chased a long through ball but was unable to get the lift or the power to get his header over the out-rushing Walker, and the veteran keeper claimed comfortably. Alhassan then hit a free kick well over. 

Deep into injury time, Jack Mahon’s shot whistled over before the referee brought the match to a close to continue the Vickers’ one hundred percent start to the season.

On Saturday, VCD are back in F.A. Cup action when they visit AFC Croydon Athletic while Stansfeld have a rest week before hosting Holmesdale seven days later.

Stansfeld OB: Pain, Kempton, McCormack, Andrews (Farmer 84), Miller, Mead, Garcia (Williams 60), English (Watson 79), Panji (Barrie 76), Alhassan (Mahon 79), Hughes. 

Goal scorers: None

Yellow cards: Kempton, Andrews

VCD Athletic: Walker, Lawrence, Cousins (Whitelock 78), Dymond, Fitchett, Fenn, Falade (Bird 55), Byron, Desanges (Odedoyin 76), Shoderu (Jimoh 55), Gboda.

Sub not used: Arnold. 

Goalscorers: Shoderu (4)

Yellow cards: Dymond, Fitchett, Gboda, Lawrence, 

Referee: Stephen Hughes

Assistant Referees: Daniel Wyatt and Adam Back

Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.