Petts Wood & Holmesdale’s first home game ended in a pulsating 2-2 draw against Tooting & Mitcham in the FA Cup, meaning the tie now heads to a replay.

Charlie Clover got this cross London cup clash underway and Dale started brightly, moving the ball around confidently. That early pressure paid off almost instantly. A corner inside the first minute was met by Michael Fenn, whose “Fenntastic” header powered PWHFC into a dream lead, his first goal since signing in the summer. The early strike stunned everyone, but the Dale faithful welcomed it with open arms.

Tooting & Mitcham responded quickly. Their fans roared as a corner of their own arrived less than five minutes later, but the header went just over. Full back Frank McCormack, already enjoying plenty of space, almost threaded in James Teodorescu, who was rewarded with a start after his impactful performance away at Phoenix Sports.

A dangerous Tooting break then saw their attacker crash a shot off the bar, thanks to a brilliant fingertip save from keeper Reece Hobbs. Dale’s defence stood firm again moments later, blocking a cutback that looked destined to cause trouble. Frank McCormack continued to shine, carrying the ball forward and winning every duel he entered with an opponent.

But set pieces were to be the story of the half. Tooting equalised in the 17th minute, when a floated free kick was met and headed over Hobbs by Sonny Harnett Balkwill. 1-1 and the game was only in the first quarter! After a much needed hydration break in the heat, Tooting struck again and this one was spectacular. Frank McCormack made a strong block from close range, but the ball looped into the air, and Timothy Obisanya rose highest to overhead bicycle kick it home. With Tooting now 1-2 up, their supporters belted out “Tooting’s on fire,” whilst PWHFC knew they needed to rally before the burn left a scar. Clover kept making clever runs and was eventually found in behind, but his effort was blocked.

Half-Time - PWHFC 1-2 TMU

The second half saw more long balls than in the previous half. AC and Pete Nolan turned to the same duo who changed the game last week, Ben White and Ollie Andrews, with Mecca Samuels also returning after his pre season injury.

As the clock ticked down, the Dalers threw everything forward. Mecca’s pace and trickery caused chaos for Tooting’s back line and the pressure finally told. Tunmise Akanni picked up the ball out wide, cut inside and curled a beautiful, dramatic late equaliser, sending the passionate Petts Wood & Holmesdale support into wild celebrations.

That stunning strike secured a replay, with our first ever FA Cup tie as Petts Wood & Holmesdale finishing 2–2 at the New Inn Stadium. A proper cup tie, full of drama and effort.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and we hope to see you again very soon.

Written by Jay Underwood
PWHFC Fixture Secretary & Website Contributor