Longhurst's inspired substitution pays dividends

7:32pm Sunday 5th October 2008

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Sevenoaks Town 1-1 Slade Green

AN inspired substitution by Green boss Matt Longhurst ensured Green a share of the spoils at Greatness Park on Saturday.

However, Longhurst was left disappointed as Green should have taken all three points following a dominant second half display.

With Green trailing 1-0, Colombian born forward Juan Ramirez a recent signing from local neighbours VCD Athletic was introduced to proceedings and within five minutes of his introduction the South American weaved his way into the box and after being hacked to the ground by Nathan Walcott the referee pointed to the spot.

Dan Westerman stepped up, sent the keeper the wrong way and cooly dispatched the ball into the bottom left corner of the goal.

It was a brilliant solo effort from 20 yards by the much travelled Andy Constable that saw Oaks take a 17th minute lead, and twice earlier Constable had gone close.

Both times set up Marcus Elliott crosses, Sevenoaks leading scorer saw his first effort saved by Jimmy Simpson and then his next strike deflected for a corner by Green defender Paul Springett.

At the other end Luke May's stinging drive forced a good stop by Jamie Williams, while Jack Baines planted his header wide from a Dan Westerman corner.

It was the home side though who ended the first period in the ascendancy when Dwayne Morris forced a good save from Simpson.

After the break Green stepped up a gear and put on a fine footballing display.

Sam May was desperately unlucky not to find the net, having connected with a Barnett pass, his shot was deflected over the bar while he then saw his brilliant strike from the edge of the box cannon back off the crossbar.

Luke May then drilled wide from Westerman's corner.

Despite heavy Green pressure it looked as if a goal would desert them that is until the 78th minute when Ramirez entered the pitch of play and won the penalty which Westerman polished off.

Regardless og Green's dominance, Sevenoaks so nearly snatched victory when in the closing stages, a high ball into the box left the Green defence wanting, and Constable was left with the goal at his mercy only to be thwarted by the agile Jimmy Simpson from point blank range.

Slade Green: Simpson, Springett (Beauchamp), Ozresberoglu, L.Woodyard, Long, Cunningham, Westerman, L.May, Barnett (Ramirez), S.May, Baines (A.Woodyard). Subs not used: Dabner, Willis.