Beckenham Town 1 v 2 VCD Athletic

Kent Football League Premier Division

VCD'S battling victory at Beckenham was marred by Danny Edwards' broken leg.

The fullback had opened the scoring at Eden Park Avenue before being strecthered off.

An x-ray revealed Edwards had broken his fibula in four places, dislocated his ankle and had suffered severe ankle ligament damage.

VCD boss Martin Ford said: "Danny had an operation last night (Wednesday) and we're waiting to see how it went.

"He was a bit late going into a tackle and caught his studs in the ground and twisted over badly.

"He knew he had done damage straight away and will be out of action for a very long time."

Beckenham had started the match looking to end a run of two defeats while VCD, who drew at Slade Green on Saturday, were also looking to get back to winning ways.

The first half was a battle of wits in midfield with few chances.

Only a good clearance at the far post by veteran Terry Barry from a cross by Nick Curran kept Beckenham out followed shortly after by a-shot-on the-turn by Ashley Carew which went inches over.

Town's debutant keeper Alan Brooks had to be lively to keep out a cross from VCD which was eventually headed off the line by Billy Hughes.

From the resulting corner, the unfortunate Edwards forced the ball over the line at the far post.

Right on half-time Edwards suffered his break and the indignity of being booked for the tackle while being stretchered off the field.

Following the delayed resumption of the second half, Becks worked tirelessly to get back on level terms.

Wave after wave of Beckenham attacks were repelled by a very organised VCD defence and on three occasions they rode their luck.

Carew hit the post and the defence scrambled the ball clear following a great cross from Tony Sinclair.

In one of the few forays into the Becks half, VCD were awarded a free-kick from 25 yards.

While Brooks was organising his wall, Danny Penny placed the ball over the keeper's head and into the top corner of the goal.

To add to a miserable evening for Brooks, he managed to talk his way into the refereee's book.

Becks continued to push forward and their endeavours were rewarded when Carew scored direct from a free-kick.

Towards the end, VCD had a couple of chances to add to their lead and a shot by Mark Greatorex was well saved.