Isthmian League Premier Division
The Saffrons, Eastbourne
Admission: £8.00
Programme: £1.50
Attendance: 187
Match Rating: 2
At the conclusion of my earlier game at Eastbourne United, I headed from the east to the west of Eastbourne to take in this Isthmian League clash. Although it would mean another revisit for me, my previous visits were many years ago and I recalled what a pleasant ground The Saffrons is.
The Saffrons is about a five minute walk from Eastbourne train station, and to access the ground, one enters through an attractive turnstile building dating back to 1914. Entering in one corner, there are a couple of uncovered steps behind one goal and stretching along one length, with a small covered area from the corner where one enters and four wooden benches placed within. Behind the other goal is a stand with two rows of seating, a tea bar and the changing rooms. Along the remaining length is just hard standing. The imposing town hall, whose bell strikes every quarter hour, makes a very attractive backdrop behind one length, and the ground generally has a very pleasant, almost quaint feel to it. The programme was really excellent. Priced lower than at most other clubs at this level it has a very professional look and feel, was very informative, and even contained a four page insert with updates from Saturday's games.
Eastbourne Town have had a poor start to their season, picking up just one point from their opening five games, scoring just two goals in the process. Having been promoted as champions from the Sussex County League last season, and have had a reasonable start to their season, winning one, losing one and drawing the other three of their opening five games.
With the game played under very warm sunshine, the match started in very competitive fashion, but with Peacehaven doing most of the attacking. They took the lead on 15 minutes when the ball was driven in from the right and then Jamie Brotherton drove in a powerful shot across the keeper and into the net. The game continued in much the same vein up to half time, Peacehaven looking much more likely to score and Eastbourne having nice cutting edge whatsoever.
Into the second half and Eastbourne came out much more purposeful and dominated the early stages of the second half, but still never convinced that they could score and as the half wore on, they lost a little impetus again. Four minutes from time though and Eastbourne were awarded a penalty when there was a coming together in the penalty area. Reinforcing the view that the home side wouldn't score if they played until midnight, the penalty was struck at a good height for the keeper which saved well to his right. Into injury time Peacehaven put the result beyond doubt when the ball broke to Brotherton, who ran towards goal before cooly slotting low past the keeper and into the net. It looks like being a very long season for Eastbourne, as it is hard to see them scoring enough goals, whilst Peacehaven look set to have a comfortable first season at this level.
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