Petts Wood & Holmesdale earned a hard fought draw against a strong Hollands & Blair side, producing a committed performance that showed real improvement after a difficult run of results.

The opening stages were physical and competitive, with Dale settling quickly and showing intent in possession. The first real attacking moment came when midfielder Joel Wakefield drove forward incisively, creating a shooting chance for Armani Jordan‑Martin, who just hesitated long enough for the opportunity to close. Martin tried his luck again in the 8th minute, but his long‑range effort flew high and wide.

Despite Hollands & Blair’s pace causing problems at times, the Dale defence stood firm. Tunmise Akanni attempted a cut inside and shoot, but his effort was blocked. A warning followed shortly after when a Hollands & Blair cross was headed in, only for the flag to go up for offside.

There were strong appeals for a PWHFC penalty when Lewis Heywood was pulled down in the box, but the referee waved it away. Blair's goalkeeper, carrying an injury, made an excellent save soon after, but a sign that Dale needed to test him more throughout the match.

Midway through the half, the Dalers were firmly on top. They controlled possession, ran in behind with positivity and created numerous openings without quite finding the final shot. Mo Diaby, making his first home appearance, produced a crucial goal line header to keep the game level. Moments later, Frank McCormack and Ryan Mahal combined brilliantly to halt a dangerous break.

Dale looked composed in midfield, with Mo Diaby making a big impact. But just before the break, a misplaced pass back to goalkeeper Reece Hobbs went out for a corner and from the resulting set piece, after ricochets and chaos in the box, Hollands & Blair scrambled the ball in.

Half time: Petts Wood & Holmesdale 0-1 Hollands & Blair

Hollands & Blair came out direct and aggressive in the second period, testing Dale early in the second half. Almost immediately after, Mo Diaby went close, glancing a Lewis Heywood cross just past the post. Moments later, Lewis smashed a brilliant finish into the top corner, but the flag was up for offside....a shame as it was a superb strike.

Tony Musoke, living up to his nickname Tank in the second half, powered forward through challenges and drove Dale up the pitch on numerous occasions. The pressure paid off in the 51st minute, when Mo Diaby struck again from a corner, One Mo Time, continuing his excellent scoring run and levelling the match at 1-1.

Michael Fenn soon found himself in the book after what could generously be described as not a Fenntastic tackle. Hollands & Blair responded with a moment of quality, a powerful looping header from the edge of the box, brilliantly held by Reece Hobbs.

The visitors, who had been second best in the first half, were much improved after the break, but clear chances remained limited. Armani Jordan‑Martin continued his excellent performance for Dale, working tirelessly in midfield.

On 62 minutes, Hollands & Blair forced another good save from Reece Hobbs. Two minutes later, Dean Grant went close for H&B at the other end.

Hollands & Blair pushed on in the latter stages, going close in the 72nd minute and having two goals ruled out for offside in the 85th and 87th minutes respectively. Frank McCormack also picked up a yellow card in the 84th minute.

In truth, Dale didn’t create much in the second half, while Hollands & Blair had the better openings. Over the full 90 minutes, a draw felt like a fair result.

Full time: Petts Wood & Holmesdale 1-1 Hollands & Blair

After a run of poor results in the league, this was a positive performance against a side near the top of the table. The team showed resilience and a renewed confidence, something to build on heading into next weekend’s derby away at Beckenham Town.

Written by Jay Underwood
PWHFC Fixture Secretary