South Saxons Men's 1's 1--v--2 Brighton and Hove Men's 2's

Having conceded a number of early goals in the opening 3 league games Saxons set out with a half court press, thereby allowing the away side possession in their own half. Brighton struggled to break through and created very few chances thanks to tireless work from Andy Acott, Jon Meredith and Will Orr in the middle who were ably back up by the defensive partnership of Paddy Cornish and Tobias Reed. When called upon Mike Sutton made a sharp save but was then beaten by a short corner routine to put Brighton 1-0 up.

The half-time talk was about doing more of the same and keeping the game tight so the team could have a go in the closing stages. Alex Coombs put on a characteristic performance putting himself about and giving the opposition no time on the ball.

Going forward Coombs looked to link up with Olli Beal, Tudor Stainsby and Jamie Busbridge but to no avail. Saxons won a succession of short corners but were not clinical enough to capitalise. Brighton responded with a soft goal to make it 2-0. Gavin Cload, who was back in the right back position that he made his own so many years ago, drove down to the by-line and picked out Busbridge who found a neat finish past the keeper.

Unfortunately Saxons were not able to push on for the equaliser as they tired against the superior numbers of Brighton not helped by a Yellow card to Tudor Stainsby. Alex Coombs took the Man of the Match award.

This Saturday Saxons welcome back James Riley from University but otherwise remain unchanged.