Petts Wood & Holmesdale were knocked out of the Kent Senior Trophy on penalties, after a fiercely competitive tie in Strood

Rochester wasted no time asserting themselves and in the 6th minute their early pressure told, as Logan Thomas met a low cross and guided it into the corner for 1-0 to the hosts.

Armani‑Jordan Martin injected life into an otherwise slow Dale start with a couple of incicive runs, with Joel Wakefield and Lewis Heywood combining neatly soon after to threaten an equaliser..... It wasn't to be though, as Rochester struck again in the 17th minute, with Mack Reilly guiding a half‑volley into the net to make it 2-0.

Dale though, as is so often the case, refused to fold. Wakefield chased down a lost cause to make it 2-1 in the 28th minute from short range, despite Rochester protests that the keeper had control of the ball. Reece Hobbs then produced an unorthodox, but vital save with his foot, keeping the deficit at one goal going into the half-time sheds.

Half-time: Rochester United 2-1 PWHFC.

Dale began the second period with real fire, creating a string of chances and in the 61st minute were awarded a penalty for holding at a corner. Lewis Heywood stepped up with trademark composure, burying his second spot kick in as many games, to level the match at 2-2 and send the travelling support wild.

The impressive Jesse Rowe was introduced midway through the half and quickly began tormenting his fullback, producing a series of dangerous contributions that almost led to goals. A sin bin for the Rochester captain added further momentum to Dale’s resurgence.

Rochester did threaten late with two close chances, but it was Dale who nearly stole it at the death...a ball flashed across the box in the 93rd minute, just ahead of two waiting players and bounced off the inside of the post. Agonisingly close to a winner.

With the match finishing 2-2, the tie went to the cruel lottery of penalties.

Penalty Shootout - Rochester Utd 4-2 PWHFC

Despite two excellent penalties from Rowe and Akanni and a big save from Hobbs in the goal, Dale fell 4-2 in the shootout.

A truly tough way to exit the Kent Senior Trophy, especially after such a spirited fightback and long spells of dominance, but with an historic FA Cup run behind the side and strong individual performances emerging across the squad, focus now shifts to the League and the London & SCEFL Cups.

Next up Snodland Town at home....

Written by Jay Underwood
PWHFC Fixture Secretary