East Dulwich Sporting Crabs 6 – 4 Brixton Town
Armstrong 2, Steffanini, Clarke, Montejo, Akinde
MOTM – Steffanini
There were fears that the new defensive minded manager James Coventry had made his side too rigid in pre-season. Solid defensive displays were often marred by a lack of chances created and too many draws not converted into victories. The first two games of the season didn’t do much to win over the sceptics with a 0-0 draw followed by a 2-1 defeat. Coventry kept faith in his 4-3-3 system and the attacking players that he has at his disposal though. Whilst Clarke, Oludapo and Montejo all showed glimmers in the early games it didn’t feel like the creative outlets had formed an understanding with the Crabs target Ian Armstrong.
Last week we watched The Crabs put in a confident attacking display, ruthlessly beating Wimbledon Town B 4-1 with the goals shared out amongst attacking and defensive players. Coventry told his side this week that if they won, they could push on up the table but if they lost…it could be a long season fighting for safety. Whilst this rallying speech might seem a bit premature seeing as we’re only four games into the season, Coventry was not going to let his side become complacent after one win. The ‘home’ side (the match was played at a neutral ground) added another six goals to this season’s tally making it ten in their last two – quashing any rumours Coventry’s system isn’t set up for goals.
Whilst The Crabs recorded another high scoring victory it didn’t start so rosy as the guns of Brixton came out firing with an early goal. The Crabs defence failed to push out in unison following a set piece and were left outnumbered as the Brixton forward placed the ball with pace past Dean Ashmore. The Crabs conceded early in pre-season on a couple of occasions and they had a chance to put that experience to use as Pongy rallied the troops – his Scouse frustration heard all over South London.
The Crabs have a good record against Brixton Town, a resounding 7-2 victory on a sodden morning in Dulwich was followed up with a professional 2-0 win in Peckham last season. Coventry was well aware Brixton’s side had undergone development much like the area itself and he was hoping the early goal was a wake up call for his side as he watched on from the side-lines nursing a slight knock. It wasn’t long before he was clenching his fist in celebration though as Pongy took the ball of Dan Montejo and hit a low hard shot towards goal. The ball ricocheted off a Brixton defender and ended up in the back of the net but just try taking that away from the striker.
The referee then dealt Dulwich a blow with a controversial decision, awarding Brixton a penalty shortly after the score was levelled. Skipper James Palmer pleaded with the official only to be sent away, the penalty had been given and whilst Ashmore did well to get his hands to the ball, it was struck with too much power and Brixton Town somehow were back in the lead. Pongy once again demanded that the Crabs show their character and that’s exactly what they did.
Curtis and Ric Montejo linked up brilliantly down the right while the midfield three of Dan Montejo, Steffanini and Cheatham began to get the better of their counterparts. A quickfire double saw The Crabs in the lead for the first time in the game as Pongy bagged his second of the game after some nice build up and then Pietro Steffanini hit a sweet left foot shot from outside the box to take the Crabs into the lead. The Italian’s homing missile of an effort was followed up by another shortly before the break as Steven Clarke provided the icing on the cake with an expertly struck free kick.
It had been a rollercoaster of a half and Coventry wasn’t getting carried away. He knew Brixton were going to come out with nothing to lose and it was important his side weathered the storm. And he wasn’t wrong as Brixton came out on the offensive, switching their focus down the right wing instead of the left. It wasn’t long before the deficit was halved as The Crabs’ achilles heel of defending set pieces was again their downfall. A free kick was whipped into the far post where the on rushing winger managed to stab the ball past Ashmore, once again the back line failing to keep a consistent line.
The next goal was vital and based on the first ten minutes of the half it was only going to be coming from the away side but The Crabs dug deep and found their feet again. Oladapo came off the bench and was a constant threat down the left but it was Montejo who got the all important 5th goal to put some daylight between the two sides. The forward had been in a dominant mood from the get go and it was another wonder goal to add to his collection as he thumped the ball from the edge of the box nearly taking the keeper’s head off.
The fifth goal seemed to knock the wind out of Brixton who had worked so hard to get a foothold back in the game and it wasn’t long before The Crabs put the final nail in the coffin making it 6-3. Brixton failed to clear their lines after a corner and David Akinde didn’t need a second invite to the party as he smashed the ball in from close range. The big centre back has been a popular figure since signing and it was good to see the centre back getting his first goal for his new club.
Brixton weren’t quite dead yet though and after The Crabs once again were caught napping, the away side clawed another one back but it was perhaps too little too late as the ref revealed only a handful of minutes were remaining. Coventry won’t be happy with The Crabs shaky defending but they managed to see the game out with no further issues claiming all three points in what was an end to end game.
So after two solid defensive displays lacking creativity and two high scoring victories what now for James Coventry? Well the next opponent is Championship side Emerson FC who will be no push over after boasting a 100% record in their first season – albeit in the lowest division. The Crabs will have to find the all important balance between defence and attack if they are to get anything from that game in the up and coming cup tie.
The Daily Crab 