Bexhill College Men’s 1st team, in association with Chelsea Football Club Foundation and in partnership with Eastbourne Borough Football Club, fell to defeat in their home National League U19 Alliance fixture against Maidstone United.
It was a fast start from Eastbourne in the opening ten minutes, seeing most of the ball and causing problems for the Maidstone defence. In the 11th minute, they had the goal their start deserved. Some lovely link-up play between Walsh, Pollitt and Scullion saw Walsh get played through on goal and dispatch expertly. The rest of the half belonged to Maidstone, after a drop in tempo and intensity from Eastbourne. This led to errors being made by the home side and in turn giving the visitors opportunities to level the game. This was something they failed to do despite the chances they had. A few shots ended up off target when really, they should have at least hit the target, if not scored. The home dressing room would have been the happier of the two at the break, going in one goal ahead.
The second half began in similar fashion with Eastbourne starting fast but this time unable to take advantage. Conditions had taken a turn for the worst and a swirling wind was causing issues. 9 minutes into the second half, the scoreline was level. Eastbourne lost possession in midfield and a ball clipped in behind wasn’t dealt with, and after some link-up play on the edge of the box, Maidstone worked an opportunity with the striker getting to the ball just ahead of Hobden in goal, making it 1-1. Eastbourne looked to respond and created good moments, especially in wide areas, but conditions were proving to be a problem as every ball into the Maidstone box was being cleared by the wind.
Midway through the second half, Maidstone got their second, some nice link-up play from the two attackers ended with one shifting onto his left foot before smashing past Hobden inside the box. Chasing an equaliser, Eastbourne made the changes with Gibson, McManus and Owen all coming on. Eastbourne did have their chances to level the game with two efforts from Walsh both saved well from the Maidstone keeper. As the minutes slipped away, Eastbourne kept pushing, even seeing goalkeeper Hobden going up for a corner, but Maidstone stood firm and held out for the 3 points.
Eastbourne coach Shane Lovell said “A really disappointing day at the office, we never backed up our really good start and gave them too many chances from our own errors. Two poor goals to concede and didn’t do enough going the other way. On the balance of the game, Maidstone were deserving of their win.”
Player of the Match
Sonny Walsh – Took his goal really well, linking up well with his teammates in the first half. Full of effort and endeavour.
Eastbourne Team
Hobden, Thomas, Marchant, Rivers, Scullion, Corbin, Cuison, Pollitt, Groombridge, Karapetyan, Walsh.
Subs
Gibson, Owen, McManus, Latuske.
For more information about the Football Academy please visit: https://www.bexhillcollege.ac.uk/sports-clubs-and-academies/football-academies/
