Horndean completed a league double over local rivals Moneyfields with a hard fough 2-1 win at the Draper Tools Community Stadium.
Horndean opened the scoring when former Deans centre half Jack Lee turned into his own net, who later fought back with an equaliser. Connor Duffin came up with the goods after the hour mark as his spot kick proved the difference.
The Deans made the short trip to Westleigh Park, the new temporary home of Moneyfields with their new stadium currenlty under construction. The Deans would have to cope without boss Michael Birmingham on the touch line, who was absent due to illness, along with midfielder Sam Hookey.
Horndean made a good start with a chance in the opening minute as the ball fell to Willett in the box, who’s shot was cleared off the line by the head of Harry Birmingham.
The Moneys’ keeper was first tested on 13 minutes as Willett again tried his luck from the edge of the box, the strike took a deflection before being palmed wide by Kramer.
Horndean came close again after the 20 minute mark as a Rudi Blankson cross found Connor Duffin unmarked in the box, he could only guide his header over the bar.
However on 24 minutes Horndean broke the deadlock, as a right sided cross was met by Jack Lee, who turned the ball into his own net to give his former side the lead.
The Deans could have doubled their lead straight away as a Taw cross found Willett at the back post, his headed effort however was denied woodwork.
Moneyfields had little to offer in front of goal during the first half, however they came close to an equaliser in stoppage time, as a corner was headed narrowly wide at the far post.
Horndean were back on the ball in the second half as they looked to control possession in the second half. Skipper Ash Howes fancied his chances when he struck the ball from range, however Kramer was there to tip the ball over for a corner.
5 minutes later, Jack Lee made amends for his first half own goal, as he brought the Moneys back level after his strike from outside the box was fumbled by Cameron Scott as it found its way into the net to make it 1 a piece.
Lee was involved in the build up to a goal once again after the hour mark, as he brought down Duffin in the box earning the Deans a penalty. Duffin made no mistake as he blasted the spot kick past Kramer to put the visitors back in front on 65 minutes.
Horndean looked the more comfortable of the sides as the half progressed and continued to press for a third goal. Blankson came close after caressing an effort wide at the far post, before Willett was kept out again by Kramer.
Moneys hopes of a fight back took a blow 9 minutes from time, as second half substitute Jack Chandler saw red for an off the ball incident with Harry Jackson.
It would be the last real action as Horndean saw out the remaining minutes to take victory in their final league outing before Christmas.
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Photo: Dave Bodymore
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