Peckham Town were forced into several changes to the team that won the London FA Trophy the preceding week. Joshua Montella, Abdullah Ali and Alhassan Ali made their debuts for the club at left back, up front and right midfield respectively. Tidian Barry also made his first start for the club in the middle of the park, having stepped off the bench and scored the winning penalty in the Cup sudden death shootout. The substitute bench also contained three debutants.

The first half was mostly a cagey affair with both teams keen to keep it tight, and neither team was able to provide any sustained pressure on the opposition goal. George Legg prevented the Menace falling behind when he pulled off a save with his legs midway through the half. The best chance for Peckham fell to Marcus Black shortly before half-time, but his header was put just wide of the upright.

The half-time break gave both sets of management teams time to take stock of the first half’s exchanges and to make changes. It also provided an opportunity for the Menace U10s who were acting as ball boys and mascots for the afternoon a chance to have a kick around on the pitch. The bumper crowd were also making the most of the warm weather and rehydrating with many cans of Brick Brewery beer, which were flying out of the fridge. This clip posted on Twitter summed up the atmosphere off the pitch well.

The intensity grew throughout the second half as both teams sought to break the deadlock. The Menace should have taken the lead on the hour mark when a cross by Nicky Meta on the left wreaked havoc in the box with an initial header saved, follow up shot blocked and then a third shot put over the bar on the turn. It was heroic defending on the line that prevented Town going behind shortly after when Youssef Bouimane flung out a leg on the line, when Borden had finally got the better of George Legg in goal who had another assured performance between the sticks. A flurry of substitutions ensued, but neither team were able to apply a finish, and it was probably fair that the spoils were shared when the full time whistle was blown.

Peckham’s manager, Mary Phillip, commented after the match “We have come away with a draw, which is slightly disappointing. However, when you take into account [the enforced changes] since our Cup final, then we played some pretty good football and gelled together in little bits and pieces. A little bit to work on, but it’s two games and two clean sheets and we created chances, so it’s all to look forward to.”

Peckham Town will be in action at home again next Saturday, when Ide Hill visit the Menace Arena. If you enjoyed your afternoon with us, then why not buy a season ticket for just £30, which can be ordered here.

Peckham Town (442): George Legg; Youssef Bouimane, Elliot Hardisty, Marco Almeida, Montella Joshua; Alhassan Ali, Jay Virgo, Tidian Barry, Nicky Meta; Marcus Black, Abdullah Ali. Substitutes: Bigna Das, Mustafa Hashemi, Alvin Mupere, Joe Thomas

Photos - Gavin Powers set of the match action and Mike Urban of Brixton Buzz with a fan's eyes view.