VCD Athletic’s disappointing start to their Ryman Premier campaign continued as Tony Russell’s men were defeated 2-0 at Oakwood by bottom of the table AFC Hornchurch.
After losing last season’s play-off final, it was somewhat surprising to see the visitors without a win and bottom of the table but got the monkey off their back to pick up their first win and in turn ending their goal drought, having started this game going 373 minutes without scoring.
The Vickers’ Russell saw his side play a neat and tidy passing game although mostly in their own half and looked a forlorn figure on the touchline as the game wore on with his charges failing to test opposition goalkeeper Sam Mott.
The Vickers started positively with good possession albeit in and around their own penalty area. After host ‘keeper Nick Blue showed good trickery on the ball that you would ordinarily see from an outfield player from a back-pass to deceive the onrushing George Purcell, the ‘keeper was lucky when losing possession trying the same to Junior Luke – Fortunately the loose ball did not trouble the home goal.
The visitors soon capitalised on a loose ball on the edge of their hosts’ penalty area with Purcell crashing a well struck 20-yard effort against the crossbar.
Just before the quarter hour mark the visitors took the lead, ending their 387 minute goal drought. After being fouled 25yds out on the right side of the penalty area, the busy Purcell brushed himself down to strike the free kick low into the back of the net – ‘keeper Blue could perhaps have done better but may have been unsighted.
In a rare foray into Hornchurch’s half, after 18mins, The Vickers’ Karl Dent registered the hosts’ first shot at goal but from distance, it harmlessly went over.
With just under ten minutes to play until half time Hornchurch’s Chris Bourne pounced on a loose ball on the edge of the penalty area but his well struck effort was comfortably taken by Blue.
Moments later The Vickers advanced on goal but Leigh Bremner’s stooping header from Lewis Perkins’ right wing cross was deflected wide for a corner which subsequently came to nothing.
Hornchurch’s pressing game almost resulted in extending their lead five minutes into the second half – After a poor clearance by Blue straight to Tobi Joseph, the ‘keeper recovered, saving at the advancing strikers feet after a heavy first touch.
With just under twenty minutes remaining Hornchurch extended their lead – Centre back Omar Beckles rising highest inside the six yard box from an inswinging corner to head home.
Purcell had the freedom of The Vickers’ half one minute into added time running clear but, shooting low, Blue saved well with his legs.
Moments later James Duckworth found space on the left side of the penalty area, put through by Dent, but his curling effort went just over the crossbar and shortly before full time Dent headed wide of the right hand post from close range six yards out.
VCD Athletic: Blue, Cox (McDonagh, 75), Dean, Reeves, Payne ©, Smith, Dawson, Dent, Bremner, Duckworth, Perkins (Green, 61)
Subs Not Used: Powell, Penfold
AFC Hornchurch: Mott, Starkey, Bentley, Styles ©, Beckles, Curley, Luke (Homans, 84), Davis, Joseph (McKenzie, 61), Purcell, Bourne (Dadson, 90)
Subs Not Used: Marshall-Katung, Griffin
Goals: Purcell (14), Beckles (72)
Referee: Mr Stuart Cheek
Assistants: Mr Ray Wells and Mr Oliver Roquez
Att; 124