sladegreen180904

Becks get the rub of the Green

Lady luck finally paid Beckenham Town a welcome visit at The Small Glen on Saturday afternoon.

Slade Green benefited from a secluded stadium otherwise there could have been a few lost balls such was the blustery conditions that did neither side any favours ensured throughout the first half.

Beckenham welcomed back from injury both Danny Vella and Tony Sinclair, whose absence at the previous game against Hythe were felt.

With Darren Hall absent with a work commitment the versatile Sean Cooney was slotted into an unfamiliar strikers role.

The game started with a very high tempo,  which is a testament to the fitness levels of Beckenham's players at this early stage of the season.

Once again, the visitors failed to captalise on early chances and had to wait until the 20th minute before Mario Celaire smashed home what was to become the winner.

The away support were talking of how the wind would help in the second half but when that came the gusts had died down.

To their credit, Slade Green pushed forward for the equaliser but outstanding tackling by the Beckenham midfield trio of Scholsy, Vella and Kvieu forced the home side back every time whilst up front the trickery of Danny Brazanti kept the Green defence busy throughout the game.

With the Town's travelling support looking at their watches and seeing that time was up they were left shell-shocked when a penalty was given away.

However, goalkeeper Gary Hopper did not need to save the penalty as the taker tried a cheeky chip that bounced off the crossbar.

There was no follow up as that was the very last kick of the game, and Beckenham could celebrate their first win in 22 games.

Meanwhile, Beckenham Town's second string beat Chatham Town 3-1 in the Kent League Second Division at Eden Park Avenue.

Beckenham gained revenge for their defeat at the hands of the Medway side last season.

Impressive wing wizard Craig Worall sent Darren Flatley on his way to score Becks' first goal after good work from debutant Dave Rose, who was awarded the man of the match award.

The skilful D.T. Boyle in midfield helped to create the opening as early as the fifth minute.

Frankie Heart made it 2-0 after more great work down the right flank but the home side could not kill of Chatham before the break and were almost made to pay later on. 

Chatham came strong after the break as the home side lost their way and their visitors took full advantage by pulling a goal back, which made the last 20 minutes very interesting.

There were more missed chances by the home side as the visitors pushed forward looking for a goal.

Heart's replacement, super-sub Smith scored the killer goal to send the visitors home empty handed and move the Eden Park Avenue club into third place, setting the theme up nicely for their top of the table clash next weekend against Sevenoaks Town on the impressive Eden Park Avenue playing surface.