Battling Eastbourne United suffer FA Cup exit at Littlehampton Town
After two goal-fests to start the league campaign, Anthony Storey's Eastbourne United travelled to Littlehampton in the FA Cup in good form – but a single goal was enough to put them out.
There was one change to the starting XI as Jack Samways came in for Charlie Ball.
United, on the back of winning their opening two SCFL Premier games, started brightly, with Hayden Beaconsfield seeing his effort deflected from the corner. The corner led to a chance for Samways, whose header forced the Littlehampton keeper into a great save.
On 18 minutes, James Stone beat the offside trap but his resulting lobbed shot ended up falling just wide of the post, arguably the best chance of the half.
It felt that the goal was coming for United, who looked the better side in the first half, however, despite getting into attacking positions they couldn't find the final touch to put the ball in the net.
Littlehampton almost capitalised on United's missed chances right on half-time, but their striker’s effort went wide of Alieu Secka's goal. Moments later, Secka was forced into a save after a driving run from Littlehampton's full-back.
The second half felt like a different story, with Littlehampton more on the front foot. After a foul on Alfie Gander, United boss Storey was sent from the dugout for his reaction to the referee’s decision not to give a card.
Littlehampton broke the deadlock on the 60th minute when Secka's save fell to defender Lateef Oladokun, who reacted quickest to tap home the rebound.
The home side seemed to take control of the match, fending off any United attacks while also creating chances of their own.
There was controversy in the 84th minute after James Stone seemed to be pushed down in the box by the keeper – the ref waved away all penalty appeals.
Chances followed for Teddy Loft and James Hull, neither of whom could find a way past the Littlehampton keeper.
After four minutes of stoppage time the referee blew for full-time. It was a valiant effort from the United boys, and if the performances in the first three games are anything to go by the season ahead looks bright.
Next up they host AFC Varndeanians in a league game.