It was a Friday Night Football special last weekend at The Saffrons and it did not disappoint. Once again, Town took on local rivals Bexhill United who have had a poor start to the season by their standards, having not registered a point in their opening four league games. Despite this, The Pirates were certainly up for this one, as they always are, and looking to kickstart their campaign with a win against Town.
The game started with Town the dominant of the two sides. Jack Murphy was managing to get up high and whip dangerous balls into the Bexhill penalty area. The Pirates defended well and on one occasion, after a clearance from one of those crosses, Leon Greig struck a sweet strike from twenty-five yards but Fin Holter got down to his left well and parried it away for a corner.
We did not have to wait long for tempers to flare but it was a surprise to see the cool and calm, Harvey Greig, in amongst the action. After a late and rather heavy jumping challenge from Ollie Hull on Leon Grieg, causing the full-back to land uncomfortably, chaos ensued. Thankfully no silly actions during the mayhem but the blue touch paper was well and truly alight!
Half-time was fast approaching, The Corner Flag burger bar was waiting and the tea bar kettle had just boiled but there was still time for one last chance. Tom Vickers stood over the dead ball ready to pump a sweeping long ball to the far post. Ollie Davies steamed in at the back post and somehow managed to nudge the ball back across the goal from the byline for Evan Archibald to slam home the opening goal. Town lead at the break.
After a delightful half-time snack, it was back to the football and Town fans did not have to wait long for the next goal. Jack Murphy started the second half much like the first, whipping in another teasing cross for, you guessed it, Evan Archibald, who up against two defenders managed to nod a looping header over Fin Holter and into the back of the net! Two-nil Town and Archibald’s fourth goal in three games.
Despite being two goals down, Bexhill started to show their character. Former Town player and under-23s graduate, Jack Samways, tried to leave his mark on the rivalry with a well-struck shot from twenty yards but temporary signing, Toby Bull, replacing the injured, Chris Winterton, had it covered.
There was time for a few more efforts including a half-volley from Olle Davies but despite the winger being very much in-form, he could not find the target. We also got to see two exciting young talents from our promising under-18s squad. Matthew Myall and Sonny Walsh both got some minutes and showed the bumper Friday night crowd what they can offer. Pace, power and passion for the yellow and blue!
Full-time and Town took all three points in what is becoming a healthy and thoroughly entertaining rivalry between the two clubs.
Att: 305
Next Home Fixture: Tuesday 5th September vs Saltdean – 7:30pm