Bexhill College in association with Chelsea Football Club Foundation and in partnership with Eastbourne Borough Football Club contested a hard-fought 1-1 draw away to Welling United in the National League Under 19 Alliance.
Fresh from the Easter half-term, the team looked to continue their impressive league form since Christmas, losing only 2 out of 13 games. With both teams severely changed and the game taking place in blustery conditions and on a difficult pitch, both teams displayed high levels of energy and endeavour in an attritional contest.
Harvey Jack on debut was forced into action on a couple of occasions, saving smartly from a Welling United break. As the half drew to a close, both Luka Martinaj and Ethan Howard could have broken the deadlock when in good positions. Shortly after half-time, Conor McManus scored from close range following a goalkeeping error to put Eastbourne in the lead. This was short-lived however when Welling equalised from a mix-up in the Eastbourne defence following a long clearance from the Welling keeper.
The second half continued in the same pattern as the first, with both teams struggling to display any extended periods of quality play and both teams going close on the counterattack. The game finished 1-1 with Welling having the best of the chances as the game came to a close.
Eastbourne coach Sean Noble reflected; “The game was spoiled by the blustery conditions which both teams struggled to adapt to, however, I am delighted with the effort and work rate our players displayed in a tough encounter. The game showed how much the team has come together over the season through the character they displayed in securing a good away point.
Player of the match
Dominic Corbin
An all-action display in central midfield consistently breaking up play and providing a good attacking threat.
Eastbourne team
Jack, Howard, Tarrant, Duah, Moir, Martinaj, Cuison, Corbin, Prodger, Karapetyan, Mcmanus.
Subs
Heggie, Woolven, Simmons.
For more information about the Football Academy, please visit https://www.bexhillcollege.ac.uk/docs2/about/sports_academy.shtml
