Thamesmead Town 1 v 1 Sevenoaks

Kentish Observer Premier Division Cup.

THE Mead finished top of Group D in the early stages of the League Cup ensuring a home draw in the quarter-finals against either Hythe Town, Erith & Belvedere or Herne Bay, writes Gary Dillon.

With qualification already assured Thamesmead took advantage to look at a couple of their reserve and youth team players.

The Mead got off to a great start opening the scoring within five minutes.

Sammy Thomas picked the ball up in his own half and ghosted past three players before releasing Rikki Cable who still had work to do.

However, an exquisite touch took him past the last defender and he calmly slotted the ball past the Oaks keeper.

For the next 20 minutes it appeared to be a matter of how many Mead would score but resolute defending and excellent goalkeeping kept them out.

Youth team player Reece Walker looked comfortable in central midfield and he went close on 28 minutes when Lewis Wood's clever pass presented him with only the keeper to beat but his shot went wide.

As the second half got underway Mead looked comfortable with the single goal.

However, the introduction of Sevenoaks' Ibroma Oruwari, freshly signed from Dulwich Hamlet, into the attack coincided with Mead's influential skipper Dean Kearly departing.

Oaks sensed a point was a real possibility and with only five minutes they got the equaliser.

Mead gave away a needless free kick on the half way line and Oaks' Mike Cook quickly released Dominic Websdale who cut inside Danny Evans to cross for Oruwari who easily beat Danny Kemp from 15 yards.

Sevenoaks were to be reduced to 10 men shortly after when Woods was needlessly pushed over by Oak's defender Andy Mills.

Mead manager Paul Blades said: "With Slade Green denying Beckenham a win we are really pleased to have a home draw in the quarter final and we just have to wait to see who we meet.

"I was pleased with the way our lads adapted to the changes we made and it gave us a chance to look at several players and one or two really impressed myself and Keith McMahon."

Next up for Mead is the visit of VCD Athletic on January 28, kick-off 3pm.