Bexhill clinch comeback win

The Pirates followed their 2-0 win away to Glebe in their first ever FA Vase game the previous weekend with a 3-2 success at Rustington in Macron Store Sussex County Football League Division Two.

Supporters of both sides were treated to an extremely competitive and enjoyable game played under warm sunshine with the lead changing hands several times.

The match soon produced opportunities for both teams. Bexhill captain Jack Aston went close on 10 minutes and Rustington did likewise three minutes later.

With the end to end action continuing, Tom Baker scored on 21 minutes with a shot from outside the box to give Rustington the lead. Bexhill dug in, though, and responded 11 minutes later with a fantastic strike from Jack Aston to make it 1-1 at half time.

The second half continued at the same competitive pace as the first half. Rustington regained the lead on 56 minutes with a second goal from Baker only for Scott McDonald to restore parity again with his third goal in two games in the 76th minute.

With the game neatly poised for an exciting finale, the Pirates made two substitutions. Kevin Barden came on for his debut and Nathan Tudor made a welcome return after around 18 months out through injury.

With both teams pushing for what may be the decisive goal, a much-disputed Pirates penalty claim which the referee rejected led to both Barden and a Rustington player receiving straight red cards for arguing.

Bexhill won it in the 85th minute when George Aston produced a wonderful free kick from just outside the area to score a goal which even David Beckham would have been proud of.

This victory against a strong and competitive Rustington side confirmed the strength and team sprit that manager Marc Munday and his team have instilled and the potential of the team moving forward.

Bexhill: Camara, Cooper, G. Aston, Ottley, Elliott-Noye, J. Aston, Garman, Hill, Munday, McDonald, McMinigal. Subs: Tudor, Barden, Cruikshank.