Menace Worth a draw

On a scorching hot day, the Menace took on Worthing United, a tough proposition given their higher league status. Three trialists started for Peckham , giving them an opportunity to impress before the start of the season, with a fourth player looking to make an impression from the bench.

With temperatures expected to reach as high as 27 °C, there were agreed drinks breaks scheduled in both the first and second half.
Understandably, given the conditions and circumstances, both teams started slowly with the visitors dominating possession in the early stages. Clear cut chances were few and far between, with both defences more than capable of holding off any early creative moves. The debuting trialist Peckham keeper did a worthy impression of George Legg when he made a solid save after a dangerous break from the visitors.

As the first half progressed, Peckham began to take control of proceedings. A mesmerising run from Joshua Montella had the Worthing defence on the ropes, but he placed his shot agonisingly wide of the post. 20 minutes into the game, the Menace grew into the game and the intensity of play increased. Jay Virgo fired just wide from 20 yards. Peckham began to find more space out wide with a series of crosses just failing to reach their desired target.

However, there was a heart in mouth moment when the Peckham keeper was unable to control the ball from a cross and for a split second it looked certain that Worthing would take the lead.

The Menace continued to press for an opener with Montella getting closer to finding his range with another shot skimming just wide of the post.

At the same time, the intensity on the pitch was increasing, the weather was also reaching boiling point. There was a worrying moment when striker Jay Virgo fainted on the pitch due to the heat. Fortunately, he made a swift recovery and was able to support the Menace from the stands.

Despite the early concerns about their teammate, the players did not let it affect their performance. A brilliant move from the Menace midfield slotted in Kieran Dowding, whose explosive shot flew just over the bar.

At half time, both sides knew that they would have to improve to come away with the win.

The second half
Whatever was said during the team talks at half time clearly had the desired effect. Both sides came out of the blocks quickly. A wicked cross found Joe Thomas in space at the edge of the area, but the midfielder could not control his volley, which sailed over the bar. At the other end, the visitors went close from a free kick. A fantastic delivery dipped and clipped the crossbar with the keeper beaten. Worthing reminded the Menace of their quality again when a devastating counterattack led to a thunderbolt of a strike which was just off target.

Peckham also continued to threaten. A free kick from Captain Nicky Meta was initially blocked, but the attempt from the rebound had the Worthing keeper scrambling to make a smart save.

Despite both teams having their chances, it was the visitors who would strike first. A pinpoint cross found their centre forward unmarked, who was able to place a powerful header right past the keeper.

Things went from bad to worse, when a rapid counterattack breached the Peckham defence. Despite a heroic save from the first effort, the Menace keeper was powerless to prevent the visitors from bundling home the rebound.

At two-nil down, Peckham looked down and out. However, the Menace showed exceptional spirit and tenacity to regain the initiative.
After some slick play around the Worthing penalty area, Joshua Montella unleashed a sublime strike from the edge of the box that no keeper in the world could have saved. With the fans sensing the shift in momentum, the atmosphere was intensifying. Further Peckham attacks were thwarted, and it looked like the visitors might just escape with a victory. However, they couldn’t stop Kieran Dowding from stamping his authority on the game for his first goal for the Menace. After finding a dangerous position in the penalty box, all he needed was one chance. He produced a cool, composed finish which sent the Menace faithful into rapturous applause.

At full time, a draw felt like a fair result. Both teams could be satisfied with a testing challenge ahead of the new season.

Peckham Town Manager, Mary Phillip, said after the match ‘ We showed great character today, we went two goals down… we have proven that we can do it. This was great preparation for our season’.

Peckham Town: A Trialist, A Trialist, A Trialist, Adam Carrick, Mustafa Hashemi (replaced by Elton Romaku), Nicky Meta (c), Joe Thomas, Tidian Barry, Kieran Dowding, Jay Virgo (replaced by A trialist), Joshua Montella.
Attendance: 77