Holmesdale came out on top in this six goal thriller thanks to two late goals in this highly entertaining SCEFL Premier Division game at Oakley Road on Saturday afternoon, which also saw Lordswood, in Nicky Southall’s first game as manager, reduced to ten men for the final ten minutes.
The game got off to a lively start with Holmesdale pressing from kick off, they had an early chance cleared off the line before taking the lead on 4 minutes when Tony Musoke let fly from long range and found the corner of the net giving Tom Crump no chance to make it 1-0.
Callum Keeble had a shot saved by Crump, before Lordswood then drew level on 6 minutes when a corner from the right was headed home by Ryan Neal in a crowded area to make it 1-1.
Parity only lasted two more minutes though, as Holmesdale went back in front when Wale Odedoyin played a one two with Sam Bayford on the edge of the area and drilled the ball low into the corner of the net for 2-1.
Dale had the better of things for a while, Wale Odedoyin hitting the side netting with one effort and also heading over from a corner, before also having a goal rule out for a push.
Bayford volleyed just over as Dale continued to press and Manny Oshinowo also went close.
On a rare break, Lordswood had a shot for a penalty when Lucas Mvongo went down in the box under Toyin Odedoyin’s challenge, but the appeals were waved away.
Late in the half Wale Odedoyin went close from range again, but the home side had to settle for going into the break 2-1 up.
The second half saw Lordswood start looking positive and they equalised on 49 minutes when a deep corner was side footed home on the volley by top scorer James Jeffrey unmarked at the far post.
Tomy Adegbulugbe had a shot saved by Liam Northwood as the visitors pressed, but as the half went on it became more of a midfield battle and developed a physical edge.
Occassional chances came at either end with Bayford hitting the post for Dale, while Jeffery had a shot saved by Northwood after a strong run from midfield for Lords.
Kebble’s long throws were a real asset for Holmesdale all game and caused lots of problems for Lordswood in the area and Musoke’s hard work and running in midfield eventually saw him caught with a heavy tackle in the middle of the pitch with ten minutes to go, which saw Artem Kushkov receive a straight red card and be sent off.
Dale made their one man advantage count, moving the ball round and stretching Lordswood, creating more space. The home side took the lead again on 84 minutes when Toyin Odedoyin converted from a corner after a scramble in the six yard box.
His brother Wale went close having a shot skim across the face of goal soon after. In a frantic final few minutes there were half chances at either end, but Dale killed the game off right on 90 minutes when Bayford’s free kick found the top right hand corner of the net from 25 yards out to make it 4-2 and secure the three points for Andy Constable’s side.
The win sees Holmesdale move up to twelfth in the table two points behind Lordswood.
Holmesdale: Northwood, Savane (McKenzie 66), McLean (Lugboso 78), Toke, McCaulay, T Odedoyin, Keeble, Bayford, Oshinowo (O’Mara 72), Musoke, W Odedoyin.
Subs Not Used: Martin, Morrison.
Lordswood: Crump, Emptage (Kushkov 71), Mvongo, Elsom (Sama 78), Odeniran, Neal, Reid, Green, Jeffrey, Oliver, Peck.
Subs Not Used: Peters, Sama, Adegbulugbe.
Goals; HFC – Musoke 5, W Odedoyin 8, T Odedoyin 84, Bayford 90 mins. LFC – Neal 6, Jeffrey 49mins.
Att: 47
HT 2-1 FT 4-2