Bexhill College Men’s 1st team, in association with Chelsea Football Club Foundation and in partnership with Eastbourne Borough Football Club, secured an impressive 3 points against 2nd placed Ebbsfleet United in the National League U19 Alliance.
The result does not tell the tale of a dramatic afternoon which saw Eastbourne finish the game with 9 players and also give away a penalty. Eastbourne went into the game low on confidence following last week’s humbling 8-2 defeat to Worthing and without key players Delwin Duah and Franz Cuison through injury but did not show any frailties which have affected recent performances.
Enjoying good spells of possession whilst remaining well-organised in defence, Eastbourne took a deserved lead when Leo Groombridge turned in from close range. Buoyed on from the goal, Eastbourne remained on the front foot and Noah Rivers added a second goal following a Malachy Scullion cross, bundling home at the back post.
Following an Ebbsfleet corner, debutant Alex Hobden produced a stunning save before conceding a penalty trying to smother the follow-up. Ebbsfleet converted the spot kick to take the teams to half time with Eastbourne 2-1 ahead.
Ebbsfleet started the 2nd half like a steam train and pressurised the Eastbourne goal with Hobden rarely troubled. The drama started when Charlie Collings was dismissed for a professional foul with an Ebbsfleet player through on goal outside the box. Eastbourne adapted well and soaked up periods of pressure with Hobden dominating his box well under the high ball. With 15 minutes to go, Dom Corbin started a flowing team move which began in their own penalty box and Leo Groombridge turned provider for Sonny Walsh to all but finish the game, or so all those in attendance thought.
Eastbourne manager Sean Noble reflected; “The players were absolutely fantastic from the first whistle to the last and showed tremendous character in the face of such adversity and displayed just how good a team we can be. I must add that I thought when the game was 11 v 11 we played some outstanding football, creating some excellent chances but the most pleasing aspect of the performance was the way we limited the mistakes we had been making in previous games to give ourselves a chance to compete with the opposition.
Player of the Match
A joint award between Calum Pollitt and captain Dominic Corbin who were outstanding in midfield. However, the whole team require great credit for a superb performance.
Eastbourne Team
Hobden, Rivers, Collings, Ketchell, Marchant, Scullion, Corbin, Pollitt, Karapetyan, Groombridge, Walsh.
Subs
Gibson, Williams.
For more information about the Football Academy please visit: https://www.bexhillcollege.ac.uk/sports-clubs-and-academies/football-academies/
