Herstmonceux -23's play their first match

Lime cross hosted the last pre-season friendly before the big kick off, as Jack Tutty took charge of his first match as -23 Manager.

This was always going to be a tough game for new manager Tutty against Sunday League side Arlington, but a fledgeling 'Ceux side acquitted themselves well, and the 6-1 scoreline did not reflect the full 90 minutes.

With many still players still not fully fit due to lack of match practice the home side took time to settle and fell behind after 10 minutes. Determined midfield work from Frazer Lewis with support from Woody Willis, however, showed the away side that this was not going to be an easy game, and although they were not able to create many chances, the home team were able to put together some smooth passing moves in the period leading up to the first half hour.

Tom Wickens, in his first start, showed promise at left back, and with 'CJ' Liron putting in a good shift at centre back, the remainder of the half saw Herstmonceux come into the game more. The back 4 were particularly impressive and the opposition's number 9 was caught offside numerous times as Arlington sought to capitalise on the long ball over the top.

Unfortunately for the home side, they did succumb once more before half time, after a breakaway move saw the defence split and Arlington doubled their advantage at the break.

Second half changes saw the introduction of Toby Funnell and Tyler Greeves who made an immediate impact winning a number of key balls in the air. This helped to nullify the away team's tactics and they were forced to be more patient in their build up. Toby Funnell gave Herstmonceux an added dimensions on the right and immediately after the break he was able to run at the defence and fire a shot across goal which was parried for a corner by the opposition's keeper.

Herstmonceux now sensed they were back in the game and after good work in midfield, Mark Stilwell fired in a shot to make the score 2-1. With Archie Guest and Willis both looking to set up chances on either flank this game could have gone either way, but, inevitably it was the referee who turned the match by awarding a dubious penalty which Arlington converted to make the score 3-1. Den Donegan added some spirit in midfield, and regular substitutions ensured that none of the players tired too much, but Arlington were able to add 3 more goals before the end to leave them comfortable winners, despite the home side having what looked like a good goal rule out for offside.

So, a defeat, but plenty to talk about. Herstmonceux were a little predictable in the first half, and although they tried to play the ball around, there was not enough use of the flanks, and far too often the midfield found themselves with nowhere to go. In the second half, the pace of Funnell, and the industry of man-of-the-match Lewis saw the home side create more chances, and despite tiring near the end there were promising signs for the future.

Saturday sees the first competitive football of the year, as both sides visit Northiam for 2 pm and 4 pm kick offs. This will give the new manager's a chance to assess the squad of players that we have signed so far, and give them the opportunity to decide what changes may need to be made for next week.

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