Seaford too strong for improving Herstmonceux

Seaford vs Herstmonceux on Saturday

A dominant Seaford 1st team brought Herstmonceux back down to earth on Saturday, but manager Gaz Newton was satisfied with the continuing progress made by his side.

The key to this game was the Southern Combination side’s sustained possession, and for the first 15 minutes the home side struggled to find a way into the game. Seaford mounted a series of early challenges winning two successive corners, and it was from the second of these that they headed home for a 1-0 lead.

The pattern of play continued in this fashion with Seaford remaining ascendant, and it was not until the 20th minute that Herstmonceux mounted an attack of note with Ade Fermin producing a fine run down the right wing. Almost immediately after this however, Seaford hit Herstmonceux on the break and an incisive through ball saw their striker clear through and converting for 2-0.

Quick to respond to this the home team were galvanised by Charlie Shearing who had a sharp shot blocked by the Seaford ‘keeper, but just before the half hour mark Seaford stretched their lead to 3-0 which they held until the break.

Herstmonceux changed things around for the second half and Dave Chan was brought on for Eamon in an effort to establish a greater presence in midfield and this paid dividends in terms of creativity and muscle.  A more competitive ‘ceux now began to move the ball around quickly, and slowly the belief that has been instilled in this team began to return.

Shearing was now posing a greater menace in the final third and marshalled by Dan Gregory, the Herstmonceux back line pushed higher in an attempt to pressure the away side. Chan was now linking well with Artur Mendes and Connor Middleton and after 70 minutes the pressure reaped its reward as TC Johnston beat two defenders before slotting home for 1-3. The next 10 minutes saw a revitalised Herstmonceux battle to create chances against a Seaford side happy to soak up the pressure, then on 85 minutes Johnston doubled his tally for the game, after a sublime side step and finish saw him stroke the ball into the bottom corner. 2-3 and all to play for. TC now has 8 goals in 4 games.

Unfortunately the ‘ceux left the comeback to late, and the visitors were happy to absorb everything thrown at them, finally running out 3-2 winners. Manager Gaz Newton was left wondering what might have been but for a slow start to the game, but this was another good showing against a side 3 tiers higher, and it augurs well for the season.

Next week we have an away game against Ridgewood, 2 pm kick off at Freedom Leisure centre, Uckfield,  before our next home friendly against Willingdon on 20th July at Lime Cross, which is also a 2 pm kick off.