Herstmonceux hold League leaders

On the day when Brighton's chances of staying in the Premier League nosedived, Herstmonceux took another step towards division 1 safety with a well-deserved 1-1 draw against high-flying Northiam. The visitors have only lost once all season so far, and are tipped for promotion at the end of this season. It is not stretching the imagination too much to say that but for a poor start Read's Herstmonceux would be challenging with them.

Above: Mark Stillwell had a fine game on the left of midfield.

But today was as much about nostalgia as it was about Ryan Read's fast improving side, as one of the Club's favourite sons, James 'Jarvo' Jarvis, returned after a series of injuries which looked to have ended his football playing days.

Playing at the heart of a 4-2-3-1 formation 'Jarvo' and Conor Middleton were responsible for ensuring that the team kept both shape and solidity for the full 90 minutes in a game which was always going to be a dour contest on a heavy pitch. Northiam relied heavily on their pace and wing play, and Archie Guest had to produce some of his very best form to keep the Northiam right sided player quiet. On the few occasions that he did manage to evade Archie's shackles, 'CJ' Liron was on hand to tidy up at the back. Russ Blewitt had his usual solid game in the centre back position, winning nearly every ball in the air, and throwing himself into challenges, even after sustaining an injury that needed treating on at least two occasions, and Ollie Brooks showed what a versatile player he is by putting in a very effective shift at right back.

Predictably, where two teams are well-matched, chances were few. Stillwell worked hard on the right, but was unable to turn effort and possession into clear-cut chances, and despite the best efforts of both sides, the first half ended 0-0. The pitch although heavy, was not hampering the flow of the game and Read elected to keep the same formation, with Josh Sheldon replacing Kyle Whittlesey in the centre midfield position.

The second half, however, was to turn into a war of attrition with much of the play bogged down in the centre as both midfields struggled to gain control of the game. Both sides seemed unable to turn attacking play into chances, although Northiam were able to win a series of corners, the pressure from which they converted into the opening goal.

Above: Sam Purvis kept the 'Ceux in contention with some good saves.

Sam Purvis, who was in fine form in goal, had pulled off two fine saves either side of half time, but he could do nothing about the opener as the ball came through a crowd of players to trickle over the line, via the post. 0-1. Undeterred by this Read replaced Stillwell with Dummer and far from dropping their heads, the home side doubled their efforts and came straight back at Northiam.

Toby Guest now began to come into the game more as he dropped back to receive the ball before working to create openings in the final third of the pitch. With Jarvis winning the aerial challenges and Middleton playing the ball out from the back, it was clear that Herstmonceux were not out of this game. Stillwell and Funnell changed wings in an attempt to drag the Northiam midfield out of shape, but with the away team winning a succession of corners, it was clear that something radical was needed.

Ash Mutter, making his first appearance for the 1st team, was brought on to replace Toby Funnell who had taken a knock, and immediately the play changed. His fast movement and driving runs unlocked the Northiam defensive bloc and stretched them wide, and suddenly there seemed to be more room in the box. Russ Blewitt seizing his chance challenged for the ball with the Northiam 'keeper and although it seemed to cross the line, the referee ruled that it had come off Blewitt's hand. Perhaps this was not going to be Herstmonceux's day. Then with the home side pressing hard, a cross/shot hit by Mutter from the right evaded everyone, including the 'keeper to hit the far post and go in. A goal straight from the Ollie Brooks text book, and Mutter's 3rd goal in as many games. (You've lost him now, Jack).

Not to be outdone, Northiam hit back, and forced two quick corners. Then in the dying minutes Purvis tipped a blazing effort from Northiam's top scorer onto the bar. The framework rattled, the net shook and as the ball bounced back onto the line it was gratefully cleared. The crowd held their breath, the linesman kept his flag down, and the referee ruled 'no goal.'

The last few minutes seemed to last an eternity but the final whistle left both teams feeling that this was a fair result. Barring an incomprehensible loss of form, Northiam will be playing Premier League football next year. Herstmonceux have now shown their credentials as being able to match them, and by definition, any team in this division.

Reflecting on the game in The Horseshoe Inn, James Jarvis hoped that with injury now behind him, he would be able to play a part in Herstmonceux's run in. And, indeed, with two Cup competitions to play in, we still have much to play for. As with any team, availability of key players will be the key as we now have a squad of footballers who can adapt to both formational and positional changes. The Manager has shown that he is not afraid to 'blood' players from the -23 side, which can only be good for the Club.

Next week we travel to Mountfield in a game which Read will be determined to win, after last year's debacle where the home side packed their team with County League players. With Herstmonceux in this form, they will definitely be looking to stretch their unbeaten run to 3 games.