Herstmonceux dig deep to secure first league point

JC Tackleway were held to a 1-1 draw by a resolute Herstmonceux side at Lime Cross on Saturday afternoon.

Man-of-the-match Shane Radwell was in outstanding form for the home side, pulling off a series of fine saves in both halves, to secure the first league point of this season's campaign. The game was laden with chances, mainly for the away side, as Herstmonceux battled for the full 90 minutes, but in the end could have won the game after good work from Haffenden set Jack Sutton up for a 1 on 1 which the visitors cleared off the line.

But to return to the first half, the game started at a lively pace and it was clear that Tackleway were keen to secure the early goal, as they pushed forward and put pressure on the home defence. Luke le Beau had his usual composed game at the heart of the back 4, supported by Archie Guest at full back, who refused to be intimidated by a series of niggling fouls from the Tackleway winger, and as Herstmonceux weathered the early storm, they came into the game more.

Billy Hobden scrapped for every ball in the middle of the park, and Dave Green was a tower of strength in the centre, as Herstmonceux attempted to gain a greater share of possession in midfield. The size and strength of the opposition, however, meant that a times this matched degenerated into a midfield scrap, with the common denominator being both sides ability to mix it in the centre of the park. At half time the 0-0 score line was probably fair.

In the second half we were treated to more of the same. Tackleway continued to press, Herstmonceux defended deep and looked to break. Manager Duncan kept the same formation but had to make a change as Hobden received an injury and was replaced by Haffenden. Aymen Finch also made way to be replaced by Connor Liron. Then after an hour's play disaster struck as Radwell was unable to claw a close range shot from out of the corner of the net, after having already parried the first effort. Many of the Tackleway bench thought that the floodgates would now open, and they would be returning home with all 3 points, but Mendes and the midfield continued to keep their opponents at bay, and with the back 4 clearing up anything loose in the box, they looked to even the score. And with 20 minutes remaining the goal came. An attack from the home side saw the ball hit towards the Tackleway goal, where it was cleared, only as far as Artur Mendes, who unleashed a savage shot into the top left hand corner. 1-1 and 'ceux were back in the game.

Then it was business as usual, with the defence clearing up after Radwell had continued to keep them in the game with more blocks from close range. The back 4 mopped up every corner, and can be satisfied with their performance on the day. Unfortunately lone striker Bennett, with 4 in 2 games for the -23's received very little service and was unable to add to his tally. Indeed, at some parts of this match, the home side seemed unable to do more than play close control football in the middle. This is pretty to watch, but without that final ball, or the ability to release players early, we may struggle for goals this season.

The manager, Carl Duncan, has conceded this point, and recognises the need to bring in new players. But today was a good day, and the players on the pitch showed a spirit that earned them their reward. Luke Russell, who came on as a late substitution for Le Beau, epitomised the attitude of the team. He has only just returned from holiday, but was able to put in a good shift for the team. However, it will need more than just spirit and stamina to lift this side up the table in the weeks to come.