Erith & Belvedere   2          Howe 7, Russell 60

Hendon                     2          Connell pen 11, Butler 14    

London Senior Cup 2nd round, 1 January 1972

 

Continuing the series counting down the 100 most memorable games in our history.  Today, a new year, a new boss and a very promising result, albeit with a painful sequel in more ways than one!

 

1971-72 saw the Deres newly promoted and taking on the Athenian League premier division.  The players wanted a little extra in expenses, but the board refused saying “the club has to run on its own income”.  A club meeting with company secretary Les Downer cleared the air, but only for a few months.  On 1 December manager Roy Dwight walked out along with seven players, who all joined him at Tooting and Mitcham.  Chairman Ken Whiskin described it as “a shock to all who expect from their manager a measure of loyalty and respect for the club that employs him”.  Whiskin also relieved Dwight’s ally Downer of his position on the board.  The team actually won three of the five games under caretaker manager Brendan Greatorex, but a steadying hand was still needed.

 

At Christmas 1971 E&B got a nice little present - a new manager who would become the club’s longest-serving boss ever.  And he began on New Year’s Day with a pretty big game…

 

DERES HOLD MIGHT OF HENDON

 

Gallant Erith and Belvedere, aided by a little luck, deservedly held Isthmian “aristocrats” Hendon in this London Senior Cup tie last Saturday and gave Peter Peters just the start he needed in his new job as manager at Park View.

 

Mr Peters saw Deres give a workmanlike and spirited display against one of the strongest amateur sides in the country.  Hendon, although without several of their stars, fielded a formidable line-up, but found in Erith worthy opponents.

 

This was a remarkable result for Deres, bearing in mind that just over a month ago they lost their manager and seven players in the same week.

 

The only disappointment of the afternoon was the poor attendance - 291.  And that figure was boosted by two coachloads of visiting fans.

 

Erith made a great start to the game when Junior Crooks, revelling in his new midfield position, cut in from the left and centred for Howe to volley a seventh minute goal.

 

But Hendon hit back in devastating fashion and seven minutes later were a goal ahead.  In the 11th minute Dennis was forced to handle on the line from Connell’s shot, and the same player netted the equaliser from the spot.

 

Three minutes later a brilliant ball from Butler to Connell split the Erith defence and from Connell’s accurate centre Butler completed the move with his head.

 

The match developed into an entertaining struggle which was refreshingly free from fouls and petulance.  Hendon always had a slight edge in attack, but found Erith’s defence in fine form with Willie Watson and skipper Brendan Greatorex outstanding.

 

Just before half-time Hendon were out of luck when Moore sent in the best shot of the match, only to see the ball swerve away at the last second and hit a post.

 

Seconds later it was Erith’s turn to suffer.  Hendon’s centre-half Phillips and goalkeeper Paisley collided as they went for the ball, leaving Crooks an open goal.  But his sidefooted shot rolled agonisingly against a post and was cleared.

 

Crooks made amends for his miss soon after the interval when he robbed a defender on the right in the 60th minute for Pratt to send over a cross which Russell had only to nod in.

 

Hendon stormed into the attack, but Erith, inspired by Watson and a fingertip save by Everitt, managed to hold out.  They had one slice of luck, however, when Connell’s header struck the angle of the goal.

 

Erith: Kevin Everitt; Geoff Dennis, Brendan Greatorex, Willie Watson, George Wakeling, Micky Watts, Laurie Butler, Brian Howe, Junior Crooks, David Russell, Del Pratt.  Sub: Paul Aikenhead.

 

 

David Russell was retaining a starting berth for the only time in his 13-game Deres career, and although he will have enjoyed the post-match celebrations, the day had a painful ending as he broke his nose in a car accident that night.  The replay at Hendon was a bit painful too, as we went down 4-0.  In between these two matches came an Amateur Cup meeting with Isthmian League Hitchin Town, a goalless draw at Top Field followed by a 3-1 defeat at Park View.  So Peters’ first four games were stiff cup ties, and taking both opponents to replays was a good start.