The Park welcomed Dagenham United to the DPFC arena for our first Pre Season friendly of the 2020/2021 season - Our first Game of football for over 5 months.

Player/Manager Billy Densham confirmed in his pre match press conference that all players would recieve a minimum of 45 minutes football as he looks to get his new ideas across to his players with just over a month to go until our first game of the league season.

As spectators turned up in there hundreds to watch the new look DPFC side word broke out amongst the players that TalkSport Icon Tony Incenzo was in attendance and was seated in the West Stand - not far away from our potential new owner Fred Fursden. There was also a number of other notible journalists/reporters in attendance with London Football Association Division Chairman Kevin Wilmot also showing a keen interest in the game.

It was a dream start for the Park and new signing Dan Bryant as he pressed the Dagenhan defence from a Jono Crowder clearence with the forward nicking possesion from a lose pass and slotting home a very tidy finish after 90 seconds.

There was a slight moment of panic for the Park on the 20 minute mark as the Dagenham number 3 sent in a curling effort towards the back post of the Debden goal and it seemed that the number 12 for Dagenham went over very softly after a touch from Ryan Glover - the referee was having none of it and continued play from a Hiscott goal kick.

The Park then had a the fair share of possion keeping the ball well and frustrating Dagenaham into chasing the ball around the pitch. Dan almost got a second of the game as he latched onto a James Scully pass which saw the number nine cut in and drill a low shot which appeard to be blocked by a defenders arm but the referee waved away the Debden Protests. Jack Dainton also hit a poorly struck free kick straight against the Dagenham wall shortly after.

30 minutes played and the Dagenham 12 was at it again this time a through ball from the forward was over hit for the 12 who again went over very softly as goalkeeper Ben Hiscott looked to shield the ball out of play. Left Back Ryan Glover again telling the portugese international player what he thinks of his first half antics as to which the referee had to come over and calm the situation down.

Dan Grabbed his second of the game in the 35th minute as he again latched onto a Billy Densham lobbed pass to cut in on his left foot to curl another lovely finish past the Dagenham keeper.

Dagenham grabbed a goal just 3 minutes after as some poor defending from James Scully allowed the Dagenham forward to hit a volley past Ben Hiscott who should have done better with the effort - into the bottom corner. Debden Park legend and former Goalkeeper Bradley Bechtel was first to vent his anger at the way the goalkeeper delt with the goal.

There was a number of changes in the second half as the Park began to control the game from the offset of the restart. Midfielders Adam Young and Omari in particullar catching the eye with some good performances.

It took the park 31 minutes into the second half to get a two goal advantage back as Midfielder Rob Lindsell hit a perfectly placed free kick onto the head of defender Jordan Santos who flicked the ball into the net giving the Dagenham goalkeeper no chance.

The park defended well and controlled the rest of the second half with the only slight danger coming in the 85th minute as Goalkeeper Ben Hiscott made 2 routine double saves to deny the Dagenham number 14 with the goalkeeper fortunate that both shots were straight at him.

The park held on to finish the job and get a good solid win in there first game of pre season.

Our next game unless stated will be back at the DPFC arena as we welcome neighbours Loughton Lions. Please stay tuned to offical club channels as we may have another friendly arranged at short notice this week.

We look forward to seeing you all at the next one.

#UpThePark

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Match Report - Loughton Lions 5 - 1 Debden Park