Mid Sussex 1s 4 --v-- 2 South Saxons Mens 1s

Saxons were competitive early on, and looked to pressure 'Middies' down the flanks, but two defensive lapses left them facing a 2-0 deficit inside the first fifteen minutes.

Mid Sussex's first goal came from a broken-down short corner. The first shot at goal was saved by Mike Sutton from point blank range, however Saxons defence were slow to close down Suttons half cleared second save allowing their forward to gather the ball and shoot low at the near post.

Their second, also from a short corner, looked to have been closed down by the spirited Alex Coombs, but an unseen stick block allowed the opposition striker to move forward towards the Saxons goal and flick home.

Looking to get back into the game Saxons began to press again with full backs Chris Meredith and Andrew Orr threatening out wide with forward runs and Captain Jamie Busbridge making his presence felt up front. Frustration soon grew though as Saxons could not create any meaningful chances against the resolute Mid Sussex defence. An umpiring decision lead the talented young Andrew Orrs temper to get the better of him and before any cards were given Team Manager Paul Meredith rightly subbed him off to cool down.

Tactically, Saxons looked to their wingers Tudor Stainsby, Olli Beal, and Coombs to be the catalyst to their attacks, but they were stifled by the Mid Sussex full backs on numerous occasions. However, late on in the first half confidence struck Stainsby as he got the better of his opposite number, driving into the D winning a short corner for his team in which he found himself on the end of a move to chalk up the first goal for Saxons.

After the break Mid Sussex restored their two goal lead from the penalty spot. A mazy run by the Middies winger evaded three or four poor tackles from Saxons but he was eventually halted by a cynical foul in the D taking the score to 3-1.

Within minutes though Saxons were back in the game. Coombs began a slick move picking out Andrew Acott with an inside pass, who drove into the D and unselfishly drew the goalkeeper to assist Will Orr to tap in from close range. This was Saxons best period of play and they were unlucky not to score more as Man of the Match Acott created chances for Stainsby, Busbridge and Beal in the D but the goal just would not come.

The final goal of the game went to Mid Sussex. A shot across goal hit Paddy Cornish on his foot. The umpire awarded a penalty stroke which the opposition penalty taker scored high into the net. The frustration of the decision led to Cornish being sin binned, and causing Saxons having to chase the game with limited numbers.

The final ten minutes of the game saw limited chances and a lot of broken play as a few Saxons players were pulled up for petulant fouls and needless arguing with the umpire whilst trying to push for more goals.

Stainsby was sin binned for contesting decisions and other players were getting involved in touchline altercations with the Mid Sussex bench. But praise must go to Tobias Reed, John Meredith, and Gavin Cload who all kept their heads and worked tirelessly to keep Mid Sussex out but the final whistle came with neither team adding to the tally finishing 4-2.

Overall, Saxons may not have been able to match this performance from what they showed they are capable of in their previous games, but with better individual mentality and regaining their collective drive again they can move forward with optimism.

Defeat leaves Saxons with three points from their first three games, however their ability to get on the score sheet will be key if they are hoping to take any points of league leaders Brighton and Hove on Saturday 22nd October at Horntye Park.