SDFL Division five

Dittisham United 3,

Harbertonford 1

 

On an overcast but relatively dry Saturday afternoon, Shinners Meadow played host to the Plums' opening league match of 2013.

The Plums faced tricky opponents Harbertonford FC, who in the return fixture six weeks' previous had held the Plums to a goalless draw.

The Plums needed a win to continue their push for honours at the end of the season, and were buoyed by the return of captain Deano Martin to the defence.

 Ditts won the toss, took the kick-off and looked to put Fords on the back foot from the off.

However, as in the reverse fixture, it soon became apparent that Fords were not an easy outfit to break down. Ditts did carve out the intial chances and throughout most of the first half with close efforts from Fisher, Rowdon, Blamey, and Bruckner, but they all found the Fords goalkeeper in fantastic form.  

Ditts seemed to be coping valiantly with any threat posed by the opposition and the tactical changes made by manager Paul Rowden. Joe Blamey seemed to be relishing his new role in the centre of midfield as he broke up attack after attack and distributed the ball faultlessly.

Chris Collett was unflappable at the back with a real understanding with his back line partners Martyn, Bastin and goalkeeper Darch. 

After the interval the Plums looked a different side as they started to apply consistent pressure that eventually Harbertonford could just not repel.

After 10 minutes Chris Fisher finally broke the deadlock when Ditts won a free-kick 25 yards from goal after a cynical foul on Rowdon. The in-form Bastin whipped the free kick into the box and the ball fell to Fisher, who made no mistake in finishing low past the 'keeper. 

Ditts extended their lead within five minutes of the restart when Bruckner robbed the ball from a Fords centre-back, played a one-two with Fisher, and finished for his 20th goal of the season.

Dittisham continued to heap pressure on Harbertonford and went close through two fantastic set pieces, with Copeman seeing both his efforts saved by the Fords 'keeper.

Ditts did further extend their lead after a good move from front to back, Fisher found himself clear and he made no mistake in finishing low past the 'keeper.

   A foul late on on forward Fisher saw Dittisham awarded a penlty and the defender red carded. Fisher stepped up confidently but saw his effort come back off the crossbar.

With a matter of minutes to go Harbertonford managed to get a consolation after a defensive mix-up allowed the forward in to finish. 

Tomorrow Dittsham are at home to Ashburton, 2.30pm kick-off.