SDFL Division Five

Dittisham United 1,

Newton 66 1

 

After some indifferent results as of late, the Plums slid to a disappointing home draw against Newton 66, a side residing in the bottom half of the division and who, in the return fixture, Ditts dispatched comfortably in a 9-2 win.

It's not the Plums' general play that has been letting them down, but their failure to take good goal-scoring opportunities.

However, this performance was what manager Paul Rowden described as 'the worst team performance of the season so far'.  

The game started incredibly slowly for Ditts as they struggled to get a real foothold.  66 played with the greater conviction and really pegged their hosts back.

Despite the pressure the defence of Bastin, Martyn, Blamey and 'keeper Darch dealt with the threat of the 66 forwards. 

 It was Ditts who had the early meaningful chances, with efforts from Bruckner, Fisher, and Rowdon all testing the 'keeper. 

Just before half time Dittisham did make the breakthrough when Chris Fisher drove into the 66 box. Fisher beat two defenders and pulled the ball back for Bruckner to slide in and finish.

At the interval the message was simple, everyone must do better.

The Plums regrouped and made all the early chances in the second half, but were still unable to capitalise and put the game to bed.  

 It took two excellent saves from 'keeper Darch to keep the Plums in the game and Dittisham's hesitation in front of goal eventually led to the inevitable equaliser from the opposition.

After a series of corners and some consistent pressure from the visitors, Ditts didn't clear their lines and the ball fell to a grateful 66 forward to finish from two yards.  

The draw was a deserved one from 66, who played well and constantly pressed Dittisham.

With games coming thick and fast, Ditts know they need to improve quickly if they are to continue their march towards promotion.