East Peckham Juniors 4-2 Ashton Prime

Prime kicked off the New Year with a trip to East Peckham to face a side who had a 100% record so far this season.

The visitors were without Mazurkiewicz, Mellors, Leigh and Sturmey, whilst Goldsmith left himself out, as he seeks full fitness.

Skovborg-Hansen took the gloves with Carl Barker, who had impressed in the previous outing against Valour starting up front. Ellis also returned to midfield, meaning Rob Matthews joined the returning Walsh and new signing Goulding on the bench.

The home side started brightly and took the lead after 10 minutes after a slick build up left their striker with space to slot a finish low beyond Skovborg-Hansen.

In front of a large crowd, Juniors doubled their advantage five minutes later as Prime struggled to get a foothold in the game.

Skovborg-Hansen did his best to keep Prime in it, producing 2 excellent saves, one of which drew admiration from the Prime support and the home side alike.

But a third goal soon followed with less than 30 minutes on the clock and Prime feared the worst.

But Prime started to play their football with Kneebone influential down the right-wing. It was from his run and cross and Flamank's pass inside that Prime found a way back into the game as Carl Barker's deflected effort rolled into the net.

At the break, Prime sensed an upset and started the second half in positive mode.

Rob Matthews and Walsh entered the fray and their fresh legs helped Prime gain control of the game. Ellis, who had moved out to the left-wing produced an exquisite through ball for Carl Barker who was denied by a last-ditch tackle.

Goulding replaced the tiring Ellis with 25 minutes to go, as Prime continued to press, and they got their reward with 10 minutes to go.

The tireless Smith-Foreman charged down a clearance and kept his head to slot home for 3-2.

But no sooner had Prime hopes been raised, they were dashed as the hosts scored straight from the kick off as they cut the otherwise excellent Prime defence to ribbons and left the keeper helpless.

The final whistle was greeted with relief by the home team who had been given an almighty scare by The Numbers, who head into their home match with Frant full of confidence.

Man of the Match: Smith-Foreman - The stand-in skipper ran tirelessly and thoroughly deserved his goal.