No Deal for E&B (From News Shopper)

No Deal for E&B

3:15pm Wednesday 23rd January 2008 in

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Erith & Belvedere 1-3 Deal Town

THE Deres saw their six-game unbeaten league record come to a halt last Saturday when they went down at the hands of Deal, writes Stephen Libretto.

They squandered a sixth-minute chance to go ahead when Matt Johnson was dispossessed before pulling the trigger after being put clean through on goal.

Erith paid the price four minutes later when the unmarked Roy Godden headed home from a free-kick to put Deal in front.

The Deres dominated possession, but struggled to prise a way through a disciplined and determined defence.

However, an equaliser seemed inevitable and duly came in the 34th minute as Lee Benevente found himself unmarked in the box and coolly applied a finish from six yards out.

Deal Town looked the more likely to score after the break and it was no surprise when they restored their lead on 53 minutes with a wonderful far post header by Mark Pollard.

The Deres were being ripped apart by the fluent passing of the visitors and it became clear wing play was the key to winning this game.

Benevente turned from hero to villain in the 63rd minute, but his blushes were spared when Erith keeper Matt Bromby produced a superb double save to deny Michael Cassar and keep the Deres in the game.

Following this reprieve Erith & Belvedere came back into the game and should have levelled, but Ashley Dunkley spurned two glorious opportunities from close range.

Deal sealed victory following a mix-up in the Deres' defence which was punished by Danny Smith, who simply could not miss with an empty net at his mercy.

The defeat sees E&B slip down to sixth ahead of this Saturday's derby meeting with Thamesmead Town.

Erith & Belvedere: Bromby, Bedford, Scowen, Morgan (Browne 75), Holder, Hill, Hammond (Dunkley 60), Johnson, Benevente, Pursglove, Friskey (Bell 60). Subs not used: Radbourne, Gibson. Att: 83