Beckenham 0 v 0 Slade Green

Kent League Divisional Cup Group D

A DRAW was enough to see Beckenham Town through to the knock out stages of The Kent League Divisional Cup, writes Ian Muir.

Manager Gavin Rose has in the past used this cup to rotate the squad and it was no surprise to see, after the physical exertions required to overcome VCD last week, him use the same tactic again.

On paper the stalemate appears a boring game but this match was far from it as the visitors constantly pushed forward and at times were matching Town for skill.

However, the scoreline remained blank thanks mostly to poor finishing from both sets of strikers.

Town began by playing keep-ball and carving out clear-cut chances only to fall at the last hurdle.

Slade Green were playing attractive, attacking football and it was only a fine save by Town keeper Rob Tolfrey which prevented them taking the lead on 20 minutes.

As the game switched rapidly from end to end Daniel Morris saw a shot blocked before Ohran Stewart drove the rebound just wide from the edge of the area.

James Cheeseman, playing wide on the left, was constantly being shadowed by two defenders but still managed to deliver telling crosses.

On the other flank Ellis Green was getting the same attention which restricted the home side as far as attacking was concerned but they constantly changed their style and adapted well on the heavily sanded pitch.

In the second half Beckenham's Ryan Martin and Peter Adeniyi replaced Cedric Meeko and Cheeseman.

With 20 minutes remaining Slade Green, who needed the win to progress in the competition, went for broke but they found Town's well-organised defence too strong.

Beckenham now face a trip to either VCD Athletic or Maidstone United in the quarter-finals.

On Saturday they travel to Whitstable in the Kent League while the Surrey Senior Cup home tie against Leatherhead has been rearranged for January 31, kick off 7.30pm.