Bexhill bounce back in cup

A tremendous second half fightback, allied with superior fitness enabled United to overturn a 3-1 deficit and win 5-3 after extra time.

Manager Len Watkins said: "I think the boys deserve an enormous amount of credit for this one. This was a very tough draw - they could be in the County League."

The opening 20 minutes were played at a frantic pace with neither side taking control. United were unlucky not to take the lead from a well-struck Tim Bigg free kick but it was Lindfield who looked the more dangerous.

United went in front though when Peter Harper's left footed cross sailed into the top corner and they should have capitalised on this good fortune. It was Lindfield, however, who took the initiative by scoring three goals in a 15-minute spell as the visiting defence went to sleep.

The second half was a different story. United regained their composure, played much higher up the pitch and started to trouble the home defence. Dominic Bigg had an excellent volley tipped over by the keeper and the hardworking Ashley Weddle got his reward in the form of a penalty which Dickie Anderson converted. The pressure mounted on the home goal and Dominic Bigg was quickest to react to a poor clearance.

Youngsters Alex Hesmer and Ben Elphick were introduced allowing Anderson to play further up the field. Lindfield struggled to cope with Anderson's crosses and Hesmer saw his excellent strike whistle past the far post.

Somehow the score remained 3-3 at full time but only one side was going to win. United's superior fitness allowed them more and more possession and the fourth goal came when Weddle looped his header over the keeper. East India Tandoori man of the match Weddle then fired home into an empty net from almost 30 yards with the keeper again stranded.