Report: Newhaven U23s 1-1 Eastbourne Town U23s

Town’s Under-23s headed to Fort Road on Monday evening to face league leaders Newhaven. With two games in hand, a win would bring us within three points of the top spot, setting the stage for a high-stakes clash.

After a delayed kick-off due to a prior training session, we finally got underway. Jack Hammond and Jake Prodger made an immediate impact in midfield, with Hammond winning multiple battles. One of those battles would result in a perfectly executed through ball to set up Ellis Shehu. Although Shehu’s speed took him past the defender, the linesman raised his flag to kill a promising opportunity early in the game.

Town began strongly with good possession, but Newhaven gradually took control of the ball as their teams so often do on their home pitch, showcasing the form that has kept them atop the table. Mufaro Huchu’s lively pace and quick footwork created problems, but Lee Connolly stepped up to the challenge, effectively neutralising Newhaven’s top goal threat and the league’s top current goalscorer. Despite their control, the hosts never really threatened The Town goal.

Our first shot on target came through Ellis Shehu, who challenged the Newhaven goalkeeper for a lofted ball. Shehu came out on top, but a last-ditch goal-line clearance from a scrambling defender kept the scoreline at 0-0.

Just before halftime, a confusing moment saw a late challenge from a Town player who seemed set to earn a caution. However, the referee hesitated due to uncertainty over the player’s identity, and after a lengthy delay and some justified protests from Newhaven, we went into the break goalless.

The second half began quietly, prompting Town manager Giuseppe Lombardelli to make some attacking changes, bringing on Matty Myall and Elliott Poole. Unfortunately, the timing of the substitutions seemed to open up space for Newhaven, who took advantage with a quick counter. Gerson Guillermo made a solid save, but Newhaven reacted quickly and pounced on the rebound to take the lead.

Town’s frustration was clear, but it didn’t last long. Matty Myall stepped up with a moment of brilliance on the right wing. Collecting the ball, he faced down his marker, nutmegged the fullback, and surged into the box. Knowing the defenders were wary of conceding a penalty they eased off, Myall shifted onto his left foot and curled a shot into the far corner, levelling the score with style.

The final 10 minutes were wide open, with both teams pushing for a winner but ultimately unable to find the decisive goal. In the end, it was a well-fought match where a draw felt like a fair result.