Sutton Common Rovers first team got in some much needed match pratice ahead of their FA Vase 4th round tie away at Bowers & Pitsea, writes Gary Brigden
The high flying division 1 side bought a strong side to the Lane, including former SCR forward Michael Campbell. The visitors started brightly but were unable to make the break through, and it was SCR who went closest to opening the scoring when a shot by Liam Holden was saved by the keeper, but pushed back into the danger area, and from the loose ball Francois Gabbidon was denied by a good save.
Some feisty tackles were flying in, and the game was a proper contest. Campbell fired an effort wide for Bedfont & Feltham, before SCR opened the scoring midway through the half. The ball dropped to Holden 35 yards from goal and he hit a stunning effort over the keeper for 1-0.
Gabbidon went close to increasing the lead shortly after but his low drive cannoned against the post and away to safety. At the other end there Keiran Wright and Dave Burton were doing well to keep the prolific Campbell fairly quiet.
SCR increased their lead shortly before the break when a corner by Holden was bundled home at the back post by Dave Burton, giving SCR a 2-0 half time lead.
Salmon made changes at the break, introducing Danny Fernandez, Nemo Adams, Kobe Botwe and Arnie Okiror into the fray, whilst their was a first appearance for SCR for new signing from Chatham Town, Omari Hibbert.
Bedfont again started brightly, and Harvey Cheadle did well early in the half to turn a low shot wide of the right hand post, and Botwe really should have made it 3-0 following a great cross to the back post by Okiror.
The visitors were back in the game on the hour, when some sloppy play let them in. Cousins let a ball run out, it didn't and although SCR tried to play out Monan was caught over-playing and the forward clipped the ball over the advancing Cheadle for 2-1.
The response was immediate, neat play in the middle of the park released Hibbert down the right. His low cross found Botwe and although he didn't connect properly with his shot, it reached Fernandez who fired home for 3-1.
Again there was an almost instant response and similar to the SCR goal in the first half, Bedfont bundled one in from a corner for 3-2.
SCR restored their two goal cushion on 66 minutes. A foul on Botwe led to a free kick on the right. Fernandez whipped a dangerous ball into the area, and a flick off the defender made it 4-2.
Shortly after a mazy run by Okiror saw him drift passed several players, only to drag his effort wide of the post.
With 20 minutes remaining Salmon made his final change, introducing 15 year old youth team keeper Alfie Elsey into the fray for his first taste of senior football, and the young keeper made several brave saves, and a couple of good pushes wide, in an experience he won't forget.
Full time came with SCR running out 4-2 winners.
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