Bexhill surge up to third

Billy Trivett's in-form team had looked like dropping precious points when they frittered away a two-goal lead but Wes Tate was on hand to claim a glorious winner 13 minutes from time.

"It's a nice place to be when you consider we were rock bottom five games ago," said Trivett.

Having picked up 10 points from their last four games Bexhill went into the match in high spirits and it was looking like another comfortable victory when Alex Hesmer reacted the quickest on 15 minutes after the Ifield goalkeeper had failed to hold a shot from Dave Carey.

But Ifield are one of the more obdurate of teams in the division and began to push their hosts back towards their own goal. Bexhill stood firm though with Tim Funnell, returning after a bout of 'flu, running his socks off in the heart of midfield.

Despite being on the back foot for much of the match Bexhill posed problems on the break and on 63 minutes Carey was brought down in the Ifield box and Darren Witham converted the penalty.

Ifield responded by scoring two goals in as many minutes through Small and Gillingham. Just when it seemed as though the visitors would go on to claim victory Tate sized up a bouncing ball in the Ifield box and waited for the goalkeeper to commit himself before executing a delightful chipped winner.

Trivett said: "It was probably our hardest game we have played this season. We spent long periods of the game having to defend, but you've got to do it from time to time. We had a little bit of luck to go with it but after the first three games (in which Bexhill failed to pick up a point) it was nice to have something go our way. The team is full of spirit and doesn't give up."