Sussex RUR Charity Cup
The Beaconsfield, Hailsham
Admission: £5.00
Programme: 50p
Attendance: 50 (estimate)
Match Rating: 4
Reasonable weather and an interesting looking cup tie inspired me to take in a rare midweek local game this evening, and my first visit to The Beaconsfield in almost two years.
There have been no obvious alterations to the Beaconsfield in the last two years, not there needed to be, as it is perfectly adequate for Step 6 football and remains a homely, friendly place to watch football. The programme also remains very similar to previous years and is exactly what programmes should be at this level, a very reasonable 50p for a interesting and informative read.
After enduring a miserable season last season, comfortably finishing bottom of the Southern Combination League Premier Division, accumulating just 8 points, they have not fared much better in Division One, with a win and two draws from their seven league games, and exited both national cup competitions and the league cup at the first hurdle. Littlehampton finished in 16th place in the 20 team Premier Division last season, and have won two and drawn one of their five league games so far this season.
On a dry, slightly chilly evening, this was an entertaining and enjoyable match, which was surprisingly even, and the final result was perhaps a little harsh on Hailsham. The hosts started on the front foot, but on 7 minutes, a Little game tonight forward surged into the box and struck the ball against the near post. But Like did take the lead on 12 minutes. A low cross into the box was fumbled, no defender could clear the ball and Alex Laing fired the ball home. On 15 minutes, a gentle looping far post header was tipped over by the keeper, but the reprieve lasted barely a minute, when the ball was curled from deep towards the post and Sam Divall headed the ball home to level the scores. It was Hailsham who created virtually all of the chances to take the lead, but the scoreline remained at 1-1 at the break.
Within a minute of the restart, Hailsham took the lead. The ball was crossed to the far post, was knocked down and Jack Divall took a touch before shooting the ball low inside the far post. The score was level again seven minutes later, the ball was floated in from deep over the defence, and Lucas Pattenden headed the ball past the keeper. On 61 minutes, the visitors retook the lead. Following some neat passed inside the penalty area, Shaun Charles slotted home. Although Hailsham kept on battling away, they seemed to run out of steam and ideas, and never looked likely to get the goal to force extra time. And so it was Littlehampton who progressed to the next round, where they will face another Division One outfit, either St Francis Rangers or Selsey. Although Hailsham lost, they can take great encouragement from this display, but have the look of a team that was concede and score plenty.
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