-23's cruise to victory over AFC Hollington

(L-r top row) Jack Tutty (Manager), Woody Willis, Kyle Welfare, Frazer Lewis, Rowan Johnson, Shane Radwell, Marc Soane, Tyler Greeves, Russ Blewitt, Malcolm York (Chairman)

(Bottom row) Josh Funnell, Harry Glenister, Den Donegan (Captain), Waylon Smith (Assistant Manager), Ben Catt, Bobby King.

Herstmonceux -23's continued their impressive start to the season with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Hollington. Manager Jack Tutty kept faith with the core of the team who secured the opening day victory over Northiam, but strengthened the squad with signings Curtis Eyres, Rowan Johnson, Marcus Soane and Shane Radwell.

The game started with 'Ceux seeking to stamp an early authority on proceedings. Fraser Lewis showed his intentions to get the ball on the ground and play football, linking up well with the midfield which was ably led by Russ Blewitt in the centre. Curtis Eyres made several foraging runs and it was no surprise when after beating two defenders, he was able to strike the ball into the corner for an early lead. Herstmonceux continue to press their advantage, and after some impressive work from Donegan on the right wing, his through ball was touched home by Ryan Bennett for the first of his two goals.

Josh Funnell had another impressive game at full back, battling for the full 90 minutes and both tackling and shielding the ball with a confidence that belied his 18 years. Tyler Greeves, too, dominated the back 4, winning everything in the air, and marshalling the defensive line. In fact had it not been for some good defensive work from the visitors, who successfully cut out several incisive cross field balls, Woody Willis and Bennett might well have added to the tally. Instead of which the home side went into the break leading by 2 goals to 0.

Tutty made one change for the second half, replacing King with Rowan Johnson in a like-for-like move, and the substitute made an immediate impact. After a warning move where he had the visitors frantically back-pedalling he again picked up the ball in his own half, strode forward, beating several players before sending Bennett clear to steer the ball past the Hollington 'keeper. Johnson was clearly a different class and showed the ability to both hold the ball and beat players without running into trouble. He will be a significant asset to the side.

Willis was replaced by Harry Glenister on the wing, and he too continued to worry the away team defence to the point where the defenders were resorting to some extremely late challenges in an attempt to intimidate rather than win the ball. The driving runs put together on both wings by both Willis and Glenister may in future weeks lead to Tutty using two strikers rather than leaving Bennett alone to lead the line. In the meantime these two young terriers will continue to snap at the heels of full backs and be a thorn in the side of many teams.

The game was to all intent and purpose over at this stage and Tutty was able to bring on Kyle Welfare at full back, for Marc Soane. Shane Radwell had looked comfortable all game, and tipped over an effort from midfield, before Hollington scored a late consolation from 20 yards. Shane will consider himself unlucky not to keep a clean sheet, especially as he got a hand to this goal but was unable to turn it around the post.

There was still time for Den Donegan to show some fine skills on the wing, as the home team cantered to a comfortable win, making it two wins from two for Jack's young tigers. The enthusiasm for playing good football was clear to see, but the back four were not afraid to hit the ball into row z when the occasion demanded either.

Special mention goes to Marc Soane, who put in a good shift at centre back. How his defensive header, which hit the bar and the post, did not go in mystified everyone. This was a solid performance and with a long trip to Wittersham next week the team can continue to grow in confidence.