South Saxons Mens 1's 4--v--3 Hailsham Men's 1's

South Saxons derby home game against the then league leaders was held with a back drop of high winds and driving rain. The home team had a much changed side with injuries and work commitments accounting for key players. Conversely Hailsham had managed to strengthen their team with two England age group players.

The away team scored on the break in the very first few minutes but Saxons came roaring back just a minute later as a pin point pass from Alex Coombs found skipper Jamie Busbridge who rifled the ball home. The Horntye based team dominated most of the play but were caught on the break to find themselves a goal down but still playing well.

A post surgery injury to club stalwart and dependable defender Toby Reed caused a reshuffle in the Saxons defence with Gavin Cload now playing alongside Paddy Cornish in defence.

Hailsham again scored on the break without dominating play to be 3-1 up. The character of the home team came through with man of the match Coombs tackling as if his life depended on it and Cornish having more and more influence on proceedings. Saxons won a succession of short corners, Coombs converting with a smart drag flick.

Although Saxons were 2-3 down they were definitely in the ascendancy going into the half time break. The second half started with Andrew Orr becoming increasingly effective in his new role in the center of midfield and James Riley having one of his best games in a Saxon shirt.

With Coombs and Cornish directing play in the middle of the park, scoring was inevitable. Coombs did score again from a short corner with one of the most powerful drag flicks seen on the ground. Unfortunately this resulted in some loss of temper from the away team and a home team player being hurt before play had restarted. Sadly, the only two people at the ground not to see it were the umpires.

However the run of play was still with Saxons and they got their fourth with a lovely passing move. Coombs threaded the ball through to Cornish who shimmied on the edge of the semi-circle, passed to Ed Hooton who in turn presented Busbridge, lunging in front of Chris Meredith, with the easiest of chances.

Hailsham threw everything at Saxons and in turn won a succession of short corners all of which Coombs and Cload ran down before a shot could be delivered. In a fractious game it was surprising that only two yellow cards were given.

One to a Hailsham player for speaking out of turn to the umpire and a soft one given to Orr as a Hailsham player made a meal of a tackle. The game ended with Saxons being the most likely to score with Olli Beal's pace causing problems to the away team who were pushing players up to try and draw level.

Saxons now become league leaders going one point above Hailsham and look forward to playing against fourth placed Southwick on Saturday.