Bexhill United wrap up Easter with derby win over Little Common

On paper, it didn’t look like Bexhill United had much to play for as they went into the weekend. Safely positioned in the top half, others at either end were slugging it out for promotion and relegation, so it might have been a case of cruise control – but football doesn’t work like that.

On Saturday came a trip west to Steyning who are in a ding-dong battle with Haywards Heath for top spot. Bexhill love a challenge and the chance to upset the apple cart.

Steyning are a tough nut to crack, particularly at home, and Jay Skinner-Swain picked a side to counter their attacking threat with Dan Rogers and Richie Welch back in the defensive line and Max Hollobone in his more familiar midfield role.

The first quarter of an hour had Bexhill holding their own but it was clear they were going to be in for a tough afternoon as Steyning get the ball up the park swiftly and boast an arsenal of attacking talent.

On 16 minutes Stan Bridgman opened the scoring as the Pirates failed to deal with a corner and he was presented with a tap in at the far post.

Bexhill weren’t in town to be blown away, with Kyle Holden and Charlie Playford battling for superiority in midfield. The Pirates created a decent opportunity around the half hour with Charlie Curran getting on the end of a cross but steering his header just wide.

After the break Bexhill enjoyed their best period of the match. Jack Shonk had a good effort from distance that missed and Will Saunders, on as a sub on the hour, came as close as Bexhill would get all afternoon with a shot that slid just wide.

Bexhill did well to remain in contention for 80 minutes but two late goals by the hosts saw them claim a comfortable 3-0 win.

Easter Monday morning brought the eagerly anticipated derby clash with near neighbours Little Common in front of a bumper crowd.

With Common in the ascendency in recent years in this fixture, Bexhill started like a train with the kind of energy, pace and pressure that has been a hallmark of their best performances this season.

On eight minutes the Pirates were ahead. Finn Holter hit a long ball straight down the middle, Jack Shonk rose to nod it on and Will Saunders connected with the sweetest half volley to send the Bexhill fans wild.

Richie Welch was getting forward from right back and causing problems but it was another defender, Callum Brand, who doubled the scoring. He was first to latch onto a loose ball from a Max Hollobone corner and crashed it into the net.

Two-nil at the break was no less than Bexhill deserved but Common came out with renewed intent.

Attacking down the slope the home side started to get back in contention and went close with a couple of chances that left Bexhill riding their luck. This was a proper derby and on the hour the hosts pulled one back through Sam Ellis.

It set up a nail-biting finale. Bexhill had a strong shout for a penalty waved away and Charlie Scarles carved out a good opportunity that was dealt with.

At the other end, Common threw everything, including Kenny Pogue, at getting an equaliser but Dale Penn and the rest of the defensive unit, dug deep. Holter pulled off a couple of fine saves against his former club as Bexhill had held out to secure a fine win.

On Saturday the Pirates travel again – it’s a long haul over to Midhurst and Easebourne.