HAWKS SWOOP LATE ON TO BREAK PECKHAM HEARTS

A crowd of 130 filled the Menace Arena for the new look Peckham side’s season opener against Hawkinge Town. Manager Mary Phillip had a full squad of 16 which included seven of the new signings, with six making their debuts in the starting elevent. Nikoli Krimer started in goal with Raymond Agyemang and Elton Romaku at right back and left back respectively with Hassan Omar and Jeremiah Duah Danso in the centre of defence. Tidi Barry and Malachi Brissett were the central midfield duo with captain Nicky Meta behind the front three of Camilo Andres Nieva, Chris Weber and Kieran Dowding. Joe Thomas, Ben Whittaker, Fareid Yassein, Rashane Wilson and Yeison Arizmendi made up the substitutes bench. A minute's silence was held before the game to remember another young life lost needlessly to knife crime in our community last weekend.

Mary Phillip’s side showed their intent early on with Nicky Meta coming close from some 40 yards out in the second minute of the game. A goal was all that was missing from a move that started from a Nicoli Krimer goal kick. The ball was initially headed back towards the Peckham area but was easily picked up by Jeremiah Duah Danso. The defender then went on an amazing run before laying the ball off to Kieran Dowding and after some great link up play involving the winger, Chris Weber and Tidi Barry, the ball eventually fell to the skipper whose effort missed by inches.

The official then showed no mercy as Elton Romaku went into the book on seven minutes, the resulting free kick coming to nothing. Peckham continued to threaten Hawkinge with both Kieran Dowding and Camilo Andres Nieva causing them problems down the flanks. Hawkinge looked well organised at the back and their defence thwarted any threats from the Peckham front three.

The visitors had their chances too and it took a great save from Nikoli Krimer in the 13th minute at the feet of their striker to deny them the opening goal. Seconds later Hassan Omar and Raymond Agyemang did well to prevent another attack down the left, the right back eventually clearing the ball to safety.

Hawkinge were then awarded another free kick over on the far side some 20 yards from goal but the Peckham wall did its job in blocking the attempt, but the danger wasn’t over yet. In came another shot but it was easy for the Menace keeper who gathered with ease and thinking quickly he sent the ball up field eventually falling to captain Nicky Meta, who after a few touches sent it wide to Kieran Dowding out on the left wing.

The winger then played it back to Elton Romaku who sent a high ball into the Hawkinge area. Continuing his run the Peckham captain collected the ball on the edge of the 18 yard box after a poorly headed clearance from a Hawkinge defender and skipping over one challenge he struck the ball towards the goal with his left foot only to be denied by the crossbar. The rebound fell kindly for Peckham as the open goal beckoned, but a mix up between Camilo Andres Nieva and Chris Weber kept the score line blank and left the winger in a crumpled heap requiring treatment.

Peckham were then awarded a free kick some 40 yards from goal after Chris Weber was taken out from behind, earning the Hawkinge number two a yellow card. Up stepped midfielder Malachi Brissett with an ambitious effort which skimmed off the crossbar. Peckham came close again from a Kieran Dowding free kick just after the half hour mark as Malachi Brissett out jumped his marker but headed over from 5 yards on 33 minutes.

Chances for both sides were now coming thick and fast, but both defences held firm keeping the game goalless. As the first half entered added time Jeremiah Duah Danso went into the officials book, and with four additional minutes played the whistle was blown. So far this was anyone’s game, so tactical team talks by both managers would be key for the second half.

With no changes from Mary Phillip during the break the second half was underway. With ten minutes played Peckham made their first change, Rashane Wilson replacing Chris Weber in attack. Kieran Dowding came close again shooting inches wide on 56 minutes before a let off for Peckham seven minutes later when the visitors shot wide when it would’ve been easier to score!

Peckham’s second change came in the 65th minute, Ben Whittaker replacing Jeremiah Duah Danso after the defender took a knock and limped off. As the game entered the last twenty minutes Peckham should have broken the deadlock after some great work on the right wing from Kieran Dowding. Sending the ball deep into the Hawkinge area, the winger’s cross found the unmarked Rashane Wilson on the 6 yard line. Unfortunately the Menace striker couldn’t get his full body behind the ball and he volleyed it over the Hawkinge goal with 72 minutes played.

Two minutes later, and somewhat controversially, Mary Phillip’s side found themselves down to ten men. Elton Romaku went in for a tackle and appeared to be stamped on by the Hawkinge number 17. The Peckham left back reacted angrily, kicking out at the Hawkinge player sending him crashing to the ground. Had the officials seen both incidents then both players would have been in trouble but it was the Peckham player that received a second yellow and was sent off for an early shower. This resulted in a reshuffle with captain Nicky Meta slotting into the left back position.

The resulting free kick however was cleared with ease and immediately Peckham went on the counter attack. Kieran Dowding played the ball from inside the centre circle to Camilo Andres Nieva who travelled into the visitors 18 yards box. Bearing down on him was the Hawkinge number 2 who proceeded to run across the Peckham winger before dragging him to the ground. The official had no option than to point to the spot and give the Hawkinge player a second yellow card, both teams now down to ten men within the space of two minutes.

The home crowd were ecstatic at the decision but their joy wouldn’t last long. Up stepped captain Nicky Meta on 76 minutes, who seemingly took it from Raymond Agyemang who was expecting to take it. However, his resultant spot kick went high over the opponents goal! A let off for the visitors but a massive chance for Mary Phillip’s team gone and possibly the turning point of the game.

Three minutes later Tidi Barry went into the book. He called the attention of the assistant referee to an incident that was missed and then immediately pushed his opponent, who went down theatrically clutching his face. Perhaps not the wisest of choices to draw the attention of the officials and then commit an offence! Seeing that his frustrations could get the better of him, manager Mary Phillip opted to bring him off three minutes later with Joe Thomas coming on in the 82nd minute. Hopefully the fresh legs of the versatile midfielder could swing the game Peckham’s way as full time loomed. It was however the visitors that took advantage of a defensive mistake that finally led to the deadlock being broken in the 86th minute.

Winger Camilo Andres Nieva gave away a cheap free kick 40 yards from his own goal. Up stepped the Hawkinge number seven to loft the ball deep into the Peckham area with his left boot. As the Peckham keeper came off his line to punch clear the Hawkinge number 4 out-jumped two Peckham defenders and headed the ball into an empty net, much to the delight of the handful of travelling supporters. The debutant ‘keeper was a long distance from claiming the cross and would have been far better served staying on his line.

With time running out instructions went out to pile everything forward at the visitors goal. The Hawkinge team had to try every trick in the book to keep their lead intact, their number 16 going in the book for a rash challenge on Joe Thomas in the 89th minute. More controversy followed as, with three added minutes played Nicky Meta was left in a crumpled heap after a late challenge went unpunished. The captain looked in some discomfort and required help from his team-mates as he left the field, Fareid Yassein his replacement. Time was running out for Peckham and with six added minutes played the official blew his whistle for full time.

Not the result anyone associated with Peckham wanted on the opening day of the season, especially at home. However, this was a tightly fought game that either team could have won. Had the Peckham penalty had been scored it could so easily have been a different result, but that is football for you, and we win as a team and we also lose as a team. There were plenty of positives to see amongst this new look Peckham side, along with a few negatives too. It is obvious that there is still some gelling and understanding to be done amongst Mary Phillip’s players, but this hopefully won’t take too long to iron out. Focus now turns to Wednesday’s away game at Stansfeld O&B, where hopefully Peckham can pick up their first points of the season.

Peckham Town FC (4-2-3-1): Nikoli Krimer; Raymond Agyemang, Jeremiah Duah Danso, Hassan Omar, Elton Romaku; Tidi Barry, Malachi Brissett; Camilo Andres Nieva, Nicky Meta (c), Kieran Dowding; Chris Weber. Subs: Rashane Wilson (on for Chris Weber), Ben Whittaker (on for Jeremiah Duah Danso), Joe Thomas (on for Tidi Barry) & Fareid Yassein (on for Nicky Meta), Yeison Arizmendi (not used).