Bexhill College Men’s 1st team, in association with Chelsea Football Club Foundation and in partnership with Eastbourne Borough Football Club, had to settle for a share of the points in their National League U19 Alliance fixture against Dover Athletic.
Both teams looked to make a fast start in a sun-kissed Priory Lane, and after 5 minutes on the clock both teams were fortunate to have not conceded. After a bright and dominant start from Eastbourne, Sonny Walsh converted well from the right-hand side of the box to give Borough a well-deserved lead after 12 minutes.
However, that lead was to be short lived. Just 2 minutes later, a square pass across goal was cut out by a Dover forward who with some quick footwork, worked himself an opportunity and drew the away side level. The goal gave Dover confidence, and a combination of sloppy Eastbourne play and intelligent play from the away side created chances for them to take the lead but some smart stops from keeper Alex Hobden kept them at bay. Stanley Ketchell was forced off after 27 minutes through injury and was replaced by Noah Rivers and the remaining 18 minutes of the half offered little in terms of goalscoring chances despite Eastbourne regaining control inside the last 10 minutes.
In the second half, it was Eastbourne who once again started brightly. It took just 4 minutes for the first golden chance to arrive, which through on goal was unable to be taken by the home side. With the pressure mounting, another golden chance went begging. 2 minutes later after a corner from the right wasn’t cleared by Dover, it fell 3 yards out from goal which looked set to be put home, but a strong connection was missing and Dover were able to clear.
After the early scares, Dover once again grew into the half and had a few good opportunities of their own. Through a mixture of defensive blocks, Hobden saves and some off target efforts, Eastbourne’s goal remained unbreached. In a second half which was becoming a carbon copy of the first, Eastbourne regained control in the last 10 minutes and on 82 minutes came the next chance. Latuske found Walsh who played strike partner Will Harley through on goal, who from a tight angle saw his effort crash against the bar. With 2 minutes of the 90 to go, the chance to win the game wasn’t taken by Eastbourne who again were denied when through on goal.
Eastbourne coach Shane Lovell said; “It’s a result which on the day was probably a fair one, although there’s certainly an ounce of frustration on our side given the number of good chances we missed and the manner of their goal. It certainly feels like a missed opportunity to get 3 points”.
Player of the Match
Ash Latuske – A solid display constantly looking to get us on the front foot and create opportunities.
Eastbourne Team
Hobden, Collins, Ketchell, Marchant, Scullion, Cuison, Corbin ©, Latuske, Thomas, Walsh, Harley
Subs
Rivers, Porter, Karapetyan
For more information about the Football Academy please visit: https://www.bexhillcollege.ac.uk/sports-clubs-and-academies/football-academies/
