We started well, applying plenty of pressure to the Beckenham back line from the start. After some good chances it was Matthew Warren who put us ahead with a fantastic strike from range right into the top right corner, giving the keeper no chance. Despite more great attacking play the rest of the first half was quite quiet, with the only other event of note being Abraham Udofia having to leave the pitch due to a head injury, replaced by Odane Smith.

In an unusual turn of events the ref too had to leave the pitch just before half time, with the linesman coming on to replace him and various volunteers helping to fill the vacant linesman’s role until a replacement could be drafted in.

Beckenham came out at the break seeming stronger than before, but we were still in control of the game, having several chances before Beckenham countered and scored through Walker. Though disappointed we instantly bounced back with another chance and Ryan Edwards came on for Curtly Shallow to try and find another goal.
We continued to create plenty of chances but it was Beckenham Town that struck again, again on the counterattack. We barely had time to replace Dan Adjei with Beau Wheeler before they scored another, the defence allowing Walker to run through and lift the ball over new Lingfield keeper Callum Hampson to make it 3-1.

We worked hard to try and grab a goal back with several attempts blocked but it was not to be, as Beckenham eventually grabbed a bizarre fourth to seal the game. The ball was sent through to the striker but the linesman raised his flag for offside. Our side stopped playing but Beckenham didn’t running through and scoring, and much to the distress of the home fans the ref gave the goal. It was an unfortunate end to a game that had looked at half time like a Lingfield victory, but the first half was as good as it got for us. Hopefully we can replicate the great play of the first half against Cray Valley next week.

Sam Freebody