Report

After back to back defeats, Darkside visited a Chessington  K.C. side who had recorded the full set of results in their first three games of the season. Despite recent score lines going against them, Darkside had been creating a lot of chances and playing some good football, so  went in to the game confident of picking up points against the established KDFL Premier Division outfit.

Kieran started in goal for his second Darkside appearance after an impressive debut in the cup against AFC Watermans. Hector, Szil, Steve Ashcroft and Ben S made up the back four, with midfield trio Paul, Nick and Abel reuniting in midfield. Richie and Woody lined up either side of Ben M in attack.

Darkside, playing in all blue but eagerly anticipating the switch to tango, started brightly and dominated early possession. Their early swagger was brutally stunted though after 10 minutes when a looping shot from deep in the visitors half gave Chessington the lead. Darkside were stunned and struggled for while to establish themselves back in the game.

Chessington’s possession rised but the chances came few and far between.  The pattern of the game changed again after two early substitutions for the home side allowed Darkside to get a foot hole back in the game.  Their best chance of the first half followed, when Woody saw his flick from a Paul free kick cleared off the line.

The second half started much as the first ended with both sides sharing possession but neither creating any clear cut chances. As the game wore on though, Darkside increased the pressure and momentum started to shift their way. Steve L and Nick T’s were seamlessly introduced just before Abel snatched the goal that would see Darkside leave with a point.  After winning the ball outside the Chessington area, Abel powered through before unleashing a shot that squirmed under the out-rushing keeper.

Chessington were rattled and Darkside had chances to win it; the best falling to Ben M after Woody played him in but his shot was straight at the keeper. In the remaining 20 mins Kieran earnt himself the man of the match award with a string of fine saves and Darkside held on for a well earned point.