Petts Wood & Holmesdale produced a stunning FA Cup performance on Saturday, sweeping aside Raynes Park Vale 1-5 away to reach the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup for the first time in the club’s history.

Having won the coin toss, Dale chose to play down the slope in the first half and the opening exchanges were fiercely competitive. Raynes Park Vale pressed high and flew into tackles, but Dale settled quickly keeping possession and moving the ball well. Ben White set the tone in midfield, physically imposing himself and breaking up Vale’s early momentum.

The breakthrough arrived in just the sixth minute. Armahni-Jordan Martin’s initial strike looked to be spinning out for a corner, but Ben White showed brilliant determination to keep the ball alive and square it across goal for Charlie Clover, who tapped in from close range to make it 0-1.

The game became an end to end contest, with both sides attacking with intent. Vale drilled a chance over from close range, then forced Reece Hobbs into a superb fingertip save around the post. Moments later RVP flashed a dangerous ball across goal and soon after struck the post following an excellent piece of individual play.

The Dalers responded in ruthless fashion. In the 32nd minute Conor Evans, last week’s match winner, saw his effort take a deflection and fly into the net for 0-2. Barely a minute later, Dale struck again. Charlie Clover stayed composed inside the box and rolled home his second of the afternoon, completing a double whammy that stunned the home crowd and put the vissitors 0-3 up.

Half Time Raynes Park Vale 0-3 Petts Wood & Holmesdale

Mecca Samuels replaced Paul Lee at the break, but RPV started the half sharply and pulled one back within two minutes tapping in from close range to make it 1-3.

Dale regained control from this point on, with Tony Musoke and James Teodorescu delivering excellent crosses from the flank. Hobbs produced another strong save at his right post on 58 minutes and Clover went close to a hat trick shortly after.

The Dale’s fourth goal arrived in the 68th minute. A loose ball fell kindly and midfielder Joel Wakefield reacted quickest, steering home the rebound to restore the three goal cushion.
Three minutes later came one of the moments of the afternoon. Mecca Samuels burst forward with pace and slipped a perfectly weighted pass into captain Ryan Mahal, who arrived from deep and produced a delightful dinked finish over the keeper, to make it 1-5 and spark jubilant celebrations from the travelling support.

Charlie Clover made way for Lewis Heywood and Amanni Okunbor came on for his first team debut soon after. Dale managed the closing stages professionally, keeping the ball and controlling the tempo. Vale’s frustration boiled over late on when their goalkeeper, was sent off for clattering an on rushing Lewis Heywood. Even with ten men, the hosts still struck the post in stoppage time, but the Dale saw out the remaining minutes comfortably.

Full Time: Raynes Park Vale 1-5 Petts Wood & Holmesdale

A magnificent FA Cup performance, full of quality and clinical finishing. Credit to Raynes Park Vale for their hospitality and competitive spirit, but Pete Nolan and Andy Constable’s side were outstanding from start to finish.

Attention now turns to last season’s play off finalists Rusthall next Saturday in the league. Back to the bread and butter.....

Written by Jay Underwood
PWHFC Fixture Secretary and Contributor