South Saxons Mens I's 4--v--3 Canterbury Pilgrims

With the safety blanket of a very good home record in recent years, Saxons took to the field full of confidence that last week was a blip in form.

As expected the visitors started very strongly, as they are used to playing at a higher grade following their relegation to this league last year.

But the home side were not willing to bow over, from the first whistle this was going to be the battle of Hastings 2016.

It was to be the visitors who broke the deadlock when a rare lapse in concentration in the Saxons defence left a man free in the 'D' to beat the helpless Mike Sutton in goal.

The pilgrims were soon 2 up when a well saved short corner by Paddy Cornish on the goal line fell to the Canterbury forward who placed it well into the far corner.

Spirits were lifted just before the break when a well placed pass from Alex Coombs found the Saxons skipper Jamie 'lighthouse' Busbridge who turned the keeper to place it home reverse stick.

The second half started much like the first with both teams willing to show their cards early on. And the umpires joined in on the action showing a green to Will Orr and Jon Meredith.

Early on in the half Andrew Acott played in Coombs to make it 2-2, game on.

This must of hit a nerve with the travelling team as they soon regained their lead much to the defenders dismay as Cornish and Andrew Orr were dismissed for poor discipline following the goal.

Credit goes to the 9 players that remained during the 5 minute sin bin as they fought hard to keep the score line as it was. Meredith, Toby Reed, and Acott all worked tirelessly.

Once Saxons returned to full strength they were still under the cosh, luckily goalkeeper Sutton was on fire between the sticks.

Chances were squandered in the attacking section, highlight being as Acott tried to lob the keeper when a square pass would of been the easier option.

On the counter attack Acott fled into the attacking half and played a sublime one two with Meredith to lift the ball over the keeper.

The chips were down for the young visitors especially once Coombs broke into the area to calmly pass the ball to the free man Olli Beal on the back post.

The Hastonians finished the job professionally in the final few minutes. Man of the match went to the poor disciplined but hard working Cornish, Sutton was unlucky not to scoop the prize.

Saxons travel to Mid Sussex tomorrow (Saturday) with is another chance to pick up points.