Eastbourne Town v Bexhill United on a cold Friday night was the type of game that everyone missed over the summer and my first one back did not disappoint. Eastbourne started the quicker of the two sides (trying to score the opener early) and created a few chances with their long balls over the top of Bexhill’s back four. However, the first big chance came when the home side’s number 6 was given space to carry the ball up the pitch and find a through ball to his left winger. The wide man took a touch and fired a low cross into the box but on the stretch the striker tapped his shot wide of the post. An early let off for the Pirates. After an early scare, Bexhill started to find their feet in the match but strong blocks from Eastbourne denied Bexhill the opportunity to go ahead. Seemingly, the game was going to be played on the wings and that suited Charlie Curran, who already had the better of the fullback after two cheeky nutmegs on him and his centre back partner. As I said, Eastbourne did start much quicker than Bexhill, so they were also creating chances, most notably a dangerous long-range effort from Eastbourne’s number 2 but a superb save from Fin Holter kept the score at 0-0. 30 minutes played and that game remained the same. Bexhill were riding their luck a little bit with some last-ditch challenges, but they should’ve been ahead after great work from Jamal Labanga create space for a cross. As soon as the ball left his foot it looked destined for James Hull’s head but somehow his marker managed to flick it away. The next 10 minutes were all Bexhill, and they should’ve scored at least two from the brilliant crosses being delivered into the box, but it just wouldn’t go in for them. Many blocked shots and a headed inches wide of the post was enough for Eastbourne to keep their clean sheet intact. On the stroke of half-time Eastbourne had a great opportunity to deliver the ball into the box. The low cross was a dangerous one and after a slight touch from Fin kept the initial shot out, it wasn’t enough to stop Eastbourne’s number 9 from smashing the ball into at the back post. 1-0 to Eastbourne as the referee blew the whistle and all of Bexhill’s hard work was undone in seconds. A big half was coming for the Pirates.
Usually, I wouldn’t add this in, but I must say the chips that I had at half time were amazing and brilliantly priced along with the drinks so well done to Eastbourne Town on that. The second half started, and Bexhill needed to come out strong and get at Eastbourne but immediately disaster struck. Straight from the kick off Eastbourne looked to go forward, and they did it excellently. A few quick passes and a fantastic strike from the number 9 again put the home side 2-0 up after less than a minute. The worst possible start for Bexhill. The Pirates needed to push forward (thankfully they did) but Eastbourne Town just remained organised and solid to limit Bexhill to only a few crosses. They managed the second half brilliantly a looked to catch them on the break and they should’ve had a third goal, but the volley was dragged wide of the near post. As the game progressed, it started to become more open due to fatigue which meant Bexhill had a chance to drag themselves back into it. Once again, they just couldn’t seem to score. Another header over the bar. James Stone was class for the entire game and had run his socks off to try and find his team a way back into the game. The number 9 managed to win his side a free kick just outside the box with some beautiful hold-up play. The resulting set piece was strongly tipped over by the goalkeeper. Unfortunately, that was it for Bexhill and the game ended in a disappointing 2-0 less as they still look for their first points of the season, but there’s plenty of positives to take into the next game.
Louis Selling – Bexhill College