We set off for Bromley in good spirits looking forward to our game against Holmesdale FC in the FA Vase. We knew we would be in for a tough match as they are a decent outfit and like us pushing for promotion this season from step 6. Travelling to the South London and trying to get a win is always difficult and so it proved.

The ground is tucked away off the main road and is a tidy set up with a pitch in excellent condition looked after by the Chairman, Ray Tolfrey. We met several of the committee including Hugh Sullivan and Mark Hayes who were very welcoming and a pleasure to meet.

After the first five minutes of shadow boxing the teams got to grips with each other and it's fair to say for the first half hour we had the lions share of possession and also the better chances. Holmesdale are a young energetic side and utilised their pacey wingers but our full backs Luke Akehurst and Alfie Proto-Gates were a match for them. We were making better inroads going forward, with Dom on the right causing particular problems and Jamie Hillwood jinking runs also causing their defence to panic. We created three clear chances in the first half hour but failed to convert any of them as Jamie took one touch too many when he had a clear shot on goal, Arnie who was one -on-one only to tamely shoot into their keepers arms and our best chance was after a flowing move which ended up with Jamie unfortunate not to notch as their keeper deflected the ball from the goal with an outstretched leg.

The old addage that you have to convert your chances sprang to mind especially as Holmesdale began to get their passing game together, they had given the ball away far to easily in the early stages, and they started to assert themselves more on the game with their Number 6, who I thought was their POM, not only marshalling the defence well but also making driving runs forward. Their increasing pressure resulted in Dom giving away a needless free kick on the edge of our area and alarm bells rang as the shot was whipped against our post with a thump, only to rebound out. A warning signal.

The game was ebbing and flowing when we won a free kick on our left with a minute to go. For the first time in the match we let our guard down and instead of being happy with 0-0 we decided to overload up front leaving our defence exposed. As Swet's pointed this out from the dug out, the ball was crossed and cleared and a quick counter attack ensued with us back peddling, out numbered, and out of shape. All credit to Holmesdale who took advantage and showed their quality as the picked the right passes and found forward Samuel Adenola who opened his body and clinically despatched the ball into the bottom corner. A very good finish for 1-0 and with the whistle immediately blowing half time we really had shot ourselves in the foot but credit to our opposition for taking advantage.

Holmesdale started the second half positively and began to force us back into our own half but we defended well and limited their chances. Andy Pearson questioned a ref's decision who retorted 'You should google that law.' 5 minutes later we had a good shout for a penalty as a crossed ball hit an oustretched upper arm which the ref didn't give. Andy again questioned the ref who indicated the upper arm wasn't handball to which Andy said 'I think you should google that law.' SIN BIN for dissent. This sort of decision is frustrating and with our centre half sidelined for 10 minutes Holmesdale scored a second and then hit our woodwork twice. This killed the game and despite our best efforts to get back into the match Holmesdale had a stranglehold on the game and created another couple of chances which Harvey did well to save, so no complaints as Holmesdale ran out deserved winners.

All in all a frustrating game as we had started strongly but missed our opportunities which cost us in the end and while we are dissappointed to be knocked out we wish Holmesdale all the best in the next round at home to Uckfield FC which will be a tough game. A very friendly and well run club (despite a couple of idiots in the crowd of which I will say no more) and with the young team they have I'm sure they will make the top 4 of their division and get promotion.