Punnetts win local derby

Punnetts Town ran out 4-1 winners in an entertaining pre-season friendly at Lime Cross yesterday.

Herstmonceux fielded a number of new players who acquitted themselves well against a well-organised Punnetts team who look likely to at least hold their own in division 3 this season.

After an even first 15 minutes it was Punnetts Town who broke the deadlock, beating stand-in 'keeper Jack Tutty with a shot than went in off the post. Herstmonceux continued to battle for control of the midfield, and some enthusiastic challenges from Jack Sutton showed that the home side were not going to be pushed around.

Billy Hobden, in his first match of the season, showed some nice touches in midfield, and Ashley Coley again impressed with his composure at the back, as the 'Ceux tried to get back on terms. Dave 'Greeno' Green, showing his usual ability to hold up the ball in the middle, was unable to set up any meaningful attacks on the Punnetts goal, and despite working extremely hard the home side went into the break two goals down.

The second half saw the introduction of Ryan Bennett and Josh Funnell for Mark Stillwell and Luke Russell, and the former soon made an impact on the left of the pitch with some strong runs. Frazer Lewis came into the game more in this half and was able to set up a number of attacks from the back four. Unfortunately a defensive error saw Punnetts score a 3rd, and although the 'Ceux scored from a shot from Funnell, the visitors almost immediately restored their 3 goal cushion., finally running out 4-1 winners as the referee blew the whistle in the gathering gloom.

Herstmonceux can take heart from the performance of the back four and both Luke Russell and Seb Olivier turned in solid performances. The lack of attacking options will need to be addressed in the next match as for long periods Sam Haffenden had little support and so the Punnetts defence were able to nullify the Herstmonceux front man.

More pleasing for me was that Herstmonceux were represented by 4 local players, with Tom Wickens coming on for the last 20 minutes at left back. With the -23 side still looking for new players the performances of Hobden and Bennett did not go unnoticed and with Funnell scoring on his debut the future of Herstmonceux is beginning to look rosy.