A match that will ultimately be remembered for the wrong reasons and will more than likely end up in a fine from the League ended in a hard fought draw as we were unable to beat Strood Crusaders in our fifth game in two Seasons against them.
Strange refereeing decisions and the opposition linesman were only two of the reasons we didnt win but we cant ignore our missed chances and poor defending whilst we make our excuses.
Strangely in a first half dominated by Medway Magic we went in 2-1 down and the two other chances Strood had in this half were clear cut and could have seen us being embarassed.
First we allowed their striker a clean early shot that luckily came back off the bar before, following a couple of missed chances by Issa and George, Jack made a good save to keep the score level. With the defence seeming unable to keep a decent line we were exposed shortly after as Anthony played their striker onside to pass across goal to leave our ex-player Mark Peters to tap in from close range into an empty net.
We were back in it shortly after however when Femi broke clear from midfield and though his shot was saved the Strood defender could only put the ball into his own net. It should have been the kick up the backside we needed to kick on but we succumbed again to our frailties, losing the ball in midfield, a porr offside trap and the ball looped up for Mark Peters to head a second over a feeble challenge from Alex.
For the Second half Mike Walker came on up front but the game began to deteriorate as the referee lost control. Having seemingly spent the first half with his arm aloft flagging offside regardless of the actual positioning the Strood manager continued and we began to get frustrated. With Strood committing more fouls as well their players was booked twice in quick succession - however the referee after talking with the Strood Captain put his card away and allowed the player to be substituted. How this can happen I dont know!
Strood then took a two goal lead with a goal of real quality the winger beating Dick and firing home into the opposite corner. We thought we were back in it within minutes Mike Walker releasing Issa who ran on towards goal and rounded the kepper to tap home. However after giving the goal and clearly seeing no offside he consulted the Strood linesman who had flagged again and the goal was disallowed.
The game now began to get dirty with challenges and threats getting more often but we brought ourselves back into the game as Mike Marter released Femi who ran in on goal to halve the deficit. Of course the Strood Manager flagged again but this time the referee over-ruled him and allowed the goal.
We brought the game level following a scramble from a corner - Mike walker's header hit my back, bounced for Anthony and his shot was cleared off the line but only to the six year box were Femi pounced the fired home.
Both sides pushed for a winner but the game was completely fractured now and it was a relief when the whistle went to signal a point a piece. But only for a few moments whilst we began to take the goals down.
Firstly Alex was warned by the referee for comments after the game, which could result in a disciplinary before the Strood goalkeeper started what turned into a 30 man game of push and shove. It stemmed from racist comments made to Femi and Issa which Issa reacted violently to and resulted in tempers flaring. The referee has informed me he will be submitting a report, though he did say of what he saw and HEARD, so we only hope that justice is fair.
Subsequently the threats and racist behaviour continued from their goalkeeper and we have submitted our own initial complaint against the player. Hopefully MMSFL and Kent FA take their Kick It Out and Show Racism the Red Card campaigns seriously and their players will be banned for a lengthy period. This is the only way the Campaign will be taken seriously.
Next week we face Park Regis, a top of the table team chasing a second promotion and another team we have yet to defeat. We will need to improve.
