Late Goals Sink Crockenhill - Seven Acre And Sidcup vs. Crockenhill

Good, Good Friday Crowd

As I was turning to the dark side and watching rugby at Twickenham on Saturday I was keen to watch a game on Good Friday. There were relatively slim pickings in and around London and I opted for The Kent Invicita League game between Seven Ace & Sidcup against Crockenhill. The only other time I'd seen a game in this league was Good Friday last season when I watched Eltham Palace host Bridon Ropes. This week it was announced that Seven Acre would be ground sharing at Thamesmead next season so it was an opportunity to see the ground in a senior football setting. Back to this season and the visitors were having a torrid season. They had only won league game all season and had lost the rest. The hosts were in mid table and won two nil at Eynsford Road earlier in the season.

Blue skies at kick off

Seven Acre create a chance almost immediately after kick off but the lofted through ball is just too heavy and the keeper is able to claim the ball. They create another chance shortly afterwards as the winger skies the ball after cutting in from the wing. Crockenhill almost gift the home side the lead as the centre midfielder puts the Seven Acre forward through on goal and he is relived as the forward puts his effort is straight at the keeper. Crockenhill then have their first chance as a shot from distance goes well wide. Crockenhill appear to be in a generous mood as the keeper gives the ball away cheaply but the midfielder puts the ball over from quite far out. Seven Acre then waste another chance as the substitute blazes over from about a yard out. The Seven Acre forward is played in again and this time he pokes the ball just wide. Crockenhill come close again with a long range effort and Seven Acre force the visiting keeper in to another save as the first half ends goalless.

The stand at Oxford Road

At the start of the second half both teams get in to good positions but both of the moves come to nothing. Seven Acre then believe they should have a penalty but the referee thinks that the Seven Acre attacker went down a bit too easily. The Crockenhill keeper is again called in to action as he makes a low save at his near post. He is left untroubled from the next Seven Acre attack as the ball is put high and wide of the goal. The Crockenhill keeper then nearly undos all of his hard work as he spills a weak shot but he is able to get to the ball before it trickles in. Seven Oaks come even closer shortly afterwards as a header from a corner is headed off the line. Despite Seven Oaks having most of the chances in the second half, Crockenhill are seeing more of the ball and looking more threatening offensively. Seven Acre come close yet again as a looping heading hits the underside of the bar. The home side do finally score with a near post header and the goal is harsh on a much improved Crockenhill. Seven Acre then make the game safe as the keeper gives the ball away with a weak kick and this time the forward buries the ball from distance. He is then booked for celebrating the goal with his mates in the crowd.  

Picturesque Oxford Road

This one of the shortest journeys I'd made this season. The closest station to the ground is Sidcup which is a twenty five minute journey from Cannon Street (the first time I'd ever travelled from this station). The ground is then a twenty minute walk from the station. Alternately there are several bus routes which travel from the station to Oxford Road. If you do get the bus you will miss out on The Alma which is a great pub a short walk from the station. Closer to the ground on the High Street is The Portrait which is a decent enough pub with Sky Sports. As with Havant, the clubhouse is a separate establishment to the ground and again is one of the better clubhouses I've drank in this season. Seven Acre only have the two league games at Oxford Road this season and I thoroughly recommend visiting if you get the chance. 

The programme was great for this level. There were comments regarding recent games and the general tone of the articles reflected the relaxed, welcoming nature of the club in general.

Yet another view of the stand