North Kent Dons Football Club

NK Dons FC vs Longfield Athletic FC

By Jamie • January 10, 2012 • Filed in: match report


Guest Post by Jamie Swain

The NK Dons Christmas break was cut short as their rearranged game with league leader, Longfield Athletic, took precedents. The rivalry between these two clubs dates back to their founding years. Both Clubs were founded in mid 2010, during a period of economic downturn both nationally and globally; when you consider both originated from the same part of Longfield also, you begin to see the similarities in the make up of the clubs. Their first season in the league produced two 1-1 draws, and a semi final meeting also mustered the same result (with Longfield winning by virtue of a penalty shootout). Longfield finished the season above NK Dons on goal difference as the rivalry continued to develop on the pitch.

Following promotion, both teams relocated North of the A2 into bandit country. The teams were originally scheduled to meet in late November, but with the new facilities deemed unsuitable to cope with such a bitter rivalry the County League took the unprecedented steps to postpone the game whilst work was carried out to stadium. With the game ultimately rescheduled for the 8th day of 2012 players for both teams cut their Christmas breaks short, this allowed Gravesend Spartan Manager Brian Nash the opportunity to watch over one of the division’s most intense games.

With chairman Swain eager for his team to record their first victory over their rivals a message of support and encouragement was sent out. Prior to the game there was a feeling among the Dons squad of a will to win. Despite Top Scorer Wade still being sidelined, the Dons were able to call upon J. Fairbairn.

Top Scorer Wade remains 'injured'

The first 10 minutes caught the Dons by surprise as Longfield retained possession, however the Dons rode the storm and came out the over side better for the experienced. As the tide changed Kyte delivered a free kick into the danger area but unfortunately Vint was unable to make the proper connection he had hoped for. Not long after though Vint would get a second chance. Menzies delivered a free kick from the centre of the pitch and as the ball dropped behind the Longfield backline Vint was on que to header passed the flapping keeper.

 The game restarted and the Dons were in the ascendancy Kyte came closest when he cut in from the left only to see his curling effort go just wide. Vint and J Fairbain also had good opportunities as the midfield 3 continued to work tirelessly in their quest to boss the midfield. A second goal for the Dons was beginning to feel like it was a case of when, rather than if. And sure enough a second came prior to half time when Chick threaded a ball between the Longfield centre backs, who had been holding a high line. Vint stormed onto the end of it to find himself one on one with the keeper and slotted calmly to claim his second of the match.

Confidence was high at half time and the Dons started the second half how they finished the first. Lonfield’s players were beginning to feel the pressure; arguments with the referee led to two players getting booked. Their players were left feeling further incensed when they deemed that Kyte used his hand to control the ball on the right wing; but the ref waved play on and Kyte pulled the ball back to Vint who rolled the ball into the back of the net passed the stranded goalkeeper. Vint was clearly ecstatic to have claimed his first hat trick of the season.

Nash had the opportunity to put the Don’s 4-0 to the good when he found himself one on one with the Longfield keeper. The incident is said to have angered his chairman and Nash was forced to explain to his chairman what was going through his head (via twitter).

Exclusive Pictures! Nash forced to explain his actions through a social media website

To the dismay of Team mates and Supporters alike Nash thoughts and actions were #CompletelyDifferent.

Sloppy defending from the Dons cost them a goal but the Dons were able to gain control of the game once more and the chances kept flowing. However as the game entered the last 10 minutes, Longfield’s persistence began to reveal a light at the end of the tunnel. More sloppy defending meant that only an unpunished handball by Sargeant let the Dons off the hook. With time running out Longfield had slung 3 upfront and were now looking to merely pump the ball into the area at any given opportunity; and as one ball in particular came in, and out stretched leg by M Fairbairn caught the ball at the wrong angle. The ball flew passed keeper Sewell into the back of the back of the net.

For the first time in the game Lonfield had real belief of getting something from the game. Unfortunately for the Dons the pressure now showed. They had lost all shape and when a long throw was delivered into the heart of the Dons box they were unable to deal with the pressure. Having played 3 short passes in the congested box Longfield were able to slide the ball into the far corner. This would prove to be the final goal and the deflated Dons left pitch with another draw entered into the record books against the Longfield derby.

Result: 3 – 3 (D)

MoM: Vint



 

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