Sussex County League Division 2
The Rotherfield, Easebourne
Admission: £3.50 (including programme)
Attendance: 51
Match Rating: 4
This game did not appear to have the makings of a classic. Having lost most of their players and their management team over the summer, it's fair to say that Midhurst has been a club in turmoil this season, and that has been reflected in their results so far this season, with the unenviable record of having lost every one of the 11 league games so far, having scored just six goals and conceding 53, and exiting all four cup competitions they entered at the first hurdle. There would have been a hint of optimism given today's opponents, Rustington, were fifth bottom having played more games than all teams below them, but still it was hard to look beyond an away win from this game.
The Rotherfield is a ground I've wanted to visit for some time, given that is situated amongst some beautiful Sussex countryside, and with the old-fashioned and peaceful local towns and villages a real joy to spend time in. The ground is situated in Easebourne, about a half a mile north of Midhurst, although it not one that is easily accessed by public transport - the nearest train station being seven miles away in Haslemere. The Rotherfield is a pleasant, old-fashioned ground with a small stand providing covered seating and standing, and a new wooden clubhouse is situated some way from the pitch, with the old changing rooms laying derelict much closer to the pitch. Another noteworthy feature is the undulating nature of the pitch. No floodlights are in place, meaning that Midhurst's future in senior football would appear to be in fairly imminent danger even if they were a remarkable on the pitch transformation to avoid the relegation places this season. A programme is included with the £3.50 entrance fee, although it was just a 4 page insert of information inside a glossy publication of adverts.
The game itself was very different from what would have been expected, as Midhurst took an early lead with an excellent strike from outside the box on 7 minutes. For the rest of the half, it was quite remarkable what a strong, cohesive unit Midhurst looked, carving out a number of good chances, and allowing Rustington only a very occasional sniff at goal. The second half was much the same, although with just a one goal lead, there was always a chance that Midhurst could have been denied a thoroughly deserved first win of the season. However, finally Midhurst did make sure of the victory with a very well taken goal on the break five minutes from time, a second goal of the game by Ashley Holloway, as he sprinted clear of the last defender and cooly slotted the ball under the onrushing goalkeeper. On the evidence of this game, things are surely looking brighter for Midhurst, although they are still in a desperate position, some 7 points behind the next team in the table. It also looks like being a tough battle against relegation to intermediate football for Rustington, who offered very, very little today and were outplayed by a team who had previously lots every game they have played in the last four months.
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