Title contenders tested

Canterbury City

Ben Smith says he had mixed feelings after watching Canterbury City push Southern Counties East League titlecontenders Hollands & Blair all the way on Saturday.

Four goals in 12 minutes contributed to an entertaining contest, as City came from behind twice, before conceding a late winner to lose 3-2.

Brothers Rob and Dan Lawrence were City’s scorers, with league top scorer James Mcdonald getting two for Blair, before Brett Ince grabbed the decider 13 minutes from time.

City joint-manager Smith said: “It was a bit of a hard luck story again, the same as it was when we lost to Greenwich Borough and Ashford.

“We gifted them three goals when we were well in control which was disappointing because we had them on the ropes at times.”

He added: “They boast that little bit more experience and a never-say-die spirit that gets them wins and have done it throughout this season, that is why they are chasing the league title.

“I think a draw would have been a fair result.”

Mcdonald put Blair ahead after 12 minutes, evading the offside trap, cutting inside then beating a defender before scoring inside the near post.

City goalkeeper Shannon Harris denied them the chance to add to their lead, before setting up Rob Lawrence’s 65th-minute equaliser.

Harris’ long kick downfield set up a City break, Lawrence moving in from the left and unleashing an unstoppable finish.

Canterbury were level for only five minutes, before Mcdonald struck again for Blair, running onto a through ball to beat Harris.

City then made it 2-2 when Dean Grant, making his City debut, was fouledd in the box by Blair substitute Steve Dampier and Dan Lawrence stepped up to score from the spot.

“Dean was not as sharp as he would have liked after a few weeks’ break but certainly added something to us,” said Smith.

Ince then got the winner, shrugging off two or three challenges, while City’s Chris Webber cleared another effort off the line before the end.

One concern for Smith was conceding three goals for the third game running.

He said: “We are scoring a lot and had one of the best defensive records earlier this season but maybe we haven’t got the balance right.”

City were due host Corinthian last night (Wednesday) but are without a game at the weekend.

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Picture: Chris Davey FM4254083 Whitstable’s Craig Thompson loses this aerial battle against Worthing

Picture: Paul Amos FM4253266 Canterbury City debutant Dean Grant has an effort on goal during Saturday’s game against Hollands & Blair at Homelands

FM4253234 Canterbury battle for the ball in midfield on Saturday