Rochester United lost at home to title chasing AFC Greenwich Borough 2-0 after playing 89 minutes with ten men.

Rochester United came into today’s match after a well-earned point away at SE Dons on Easter Monday, while AFC Greenwich Borough beat Tooting Bec 2-0. 

It was the worst possible start for the Spartans within the first 60 seconds they conceded a penalty and had a player sent off. Greenwich’s Sam Oguntayo was played through on goal and Spartans defender Tom Loynes brought him down and the penalty was awarded. Stefan Payne stepped up and scored the penalty to give the visitors the early lead.

Despite being a man down Rochester had slightly better of the possession but unfortunily Greenwich Borough looked dangerous on the attack. Stefan Payne wanted to double his tally for the day, but Spartans keeper Luke Watkins saved well. 

Rochester’s first big chance of the afternoon fell to forward Zack Jakobowski who had a shot on goal, keeper Javarm Pitterson saved, Jakobowski tries again with an overhead kick and was big shouts for a Spartans penalty for handball. Referee instantly waved away the claims at the home sides disappointment.

Greenwich forward Joe Taylor though he won his side a second penalty of the afternoon he tried to round Spartans ‘keeper Watkins and looked to be brought down but instead the referee gave it as a free kick to Rochester and gave the forward a caution for simulation. 

A few half chances for either side up until the half time whistle. 1-0 to the visitors at the break.

After a very comparative start for both teams in the second half the visitors added a second in the 69th minute. A long ball was played towards Payne, a nice flick on through to Abell Vendrells who ran onto the ball and fired home a rocket off the post past Watkins. 2-0 to the visitors.

The visitors looking to add a third to their tally with a couple of decent saves from Watkins to deny Stefan Payne. In the dying embers of the game Rochester United thought they had a constellation, but sadly the referee overruled his linesmen and disallowed the goal.

Full time Rochester United 0-2 AFC Greenwich Borough.

Rochester United

Watkins, Loynes, Lott, bray (Cutler 74’) Whitaker (C), Currie, Wilkins (Parker 89’), Akhazzan (Ngegba 88’), Jakobowski (Obasa 77’), Reilly (Medley. 68’), Adams 

AFC Greenwich Borough 

Pitterson, Panyi, Evans (C), Sesay, Penney, McNamee (Miles 45’), Obilana, Vendrells, Payne, Taylor (Page. 81’), Oguntayo

Subs

Sartori, Ryan, Williams

Attendance- 152

Images courtesy of Jason Stanley