Herstmonceux 1st team go down 7-0 at Northiam

In the second of two matches played on Saturday, Manager Carl Duncan saw his battling team succumb to a well-organised Northiam side.

This was never going to be an easier game because of the nature of the opening round of matches. On a day where temperatures were well above average for the time of year, Herstmonceux were forced to field a side with no lesson than 5 players and two of the substitutes who had already played a full match.

Keeper Dan Russell had no time to rest or recoup his energy as he was plunged straight back into the action against a lively Northiam attack. An already weakened Herstmonceux side, were always going to find the going tough, but to their credit kept the score to 0-0 for the first 15 minutes.

Gary Wren playing his usual steady game at left back, was ably supported by the rest of the back 4 as they strove to play a strong defensive line, throughout this match, but inevitably after the first goal, it was always going to be an uphill battle. Jack Sutton kept his head and showed some nice touches in midfield, and Carl Duncan exhorted his players continually throughout the first half, but they were unable to penetrate the home sides defence, and instead were caught out twice more to go into the break 3-0 down.

The second half was similar to the first in that for long periods Herstmonceux restricted the home side to long range efforts. thanks to solid defending from Liron and Luke Russell. Tutty replaced Dan Russell in goal at half time, and despite some good positional stops, was beaten on 4 more occasions. In between the goals, Herstmonceux demonstrated some fine one touch football in moves that again showed Stillwell, Sutton and Fraser Lewis at their best.

Unfortunately on several occasions, players were determined to run into trouble instead of looking up and switching the play. Several of Ryan Bennett's intelligent runs went to waste because of this. The lack of a playmaker in the middle of the park will also be a concern to manager Duncan, as for much of the game the home side were able to contain any threat that 'Ceux tried to mount.

So, 7-0 was the final score, but this was not a true reflection of this sides ability, although it did demonstrate the capacity of the Club to pull together and work as one against the odds.

Mark Stillwell had a fine afternoon

Mention goes to Connor Liron who played two full matches, as did Ryan Bennett, and Dan Russell, Mark Stillwell, Seb Olivier and Fraser Lewis both put in sterling work across the afternoon for both sides. The referee, Stuart McKenzie, also officiated both matches and should be commended, despite being let down by some poor decisions from the home team's Assistant referee. Unfortunately some things never change!