East Dulwich Sporting Crabs 0-2 South London Football Network
MOTM – Daughtry
Last Sunday, The Crabs looked to build on their last minute win over Wheatsheaf with another home victory over South London Football Network. The visitor’s sat one place ahead of The Crabs in third and a win for Pearson’s side would’ve left the two teams equal on points with the Crabs remaining fourth on goal difference. However, it wasn’t to be as The Network reproduced a carbon copy of the result earlier in the month, beating an uninspiring Crabs side 2-0.
First-half lineup
Whilst Pearson was able to welcome Dan Cannon and John Martin back to his squad, he was lacking in attacking options with Dalman still injured, Bodkin training for a marathon and Armstrong unavailable due to family commitments. The Crabs welcomed back Colombian striker Riccardo Montejo who the more eagled eyed fans will recognize from a few cameo appearances over the past couple of years. There was a lot of pressure on his young shoulders as he was expected to lead the line against one of the league’s sturdier defences.
It was to be a frustrating day for both the lone striker and his supporting midfielders as The Crabs just didn’t create enough as they now go 360 minutes of football with no goals against the former Division 3 champions.
The away side took an early lead after a deep cross was met by the forward from six yards out. Even at 1-0, The Crabs didn’t look in the game and the deficit was doubled mid way through the second half.
Second-half lineup
There was further woe for Crabs full back David Gibson who picked up his second yellow card in as many games for a late challenge deep in the South London half. Gibson’s recent ‘heel turn’ has seem join Ben Swindells in the two consecutive yellow cards club.
The Crabs now have four games left to make something of their first season in Division 2, whatever happens they won’t be going down which is an achievement in itself.
However, Pearson is a little more ambitious than that and knows his side can challenge for a top four finish – something The Crabs have became experts of in recent seasons.
With three of their final four games against teams lower than them in the table, the ball will be in their court but a tricky away game with title contenders Wimbledon Town also awaits them.
The Daily Crab 