Billingshurst claim priceless points with win over AFC Varndeanians
After a poor set of results in September Billingshurst finished the month with a journey to Peacehaven to meet third-placed AFC Varndeanians – and came away with three SCFL Premier points.
The away side had some returning from injury and were also buoyed by the return of Brendan Ebireri, who slotted back in at centre-half.
Billingshurst started brightly and on three minutes, they took the lead. Ebireri found Ben Cole who fed Morgan Prill, the ball reached Jack Sizzey-Carter on the edge of the area. His left foot finish gave keeper Sullivan no chance and the away side led.
After that quick start, the two teams swapped half chances but it wasn’t until the 32nd minute that a corner found a home team forward who scooped the chance over the bar. For the next 15 minutes this seemed to give Varndeanians confidence and they remained on top though to half-time.
Hurst started slowly in the second half but on 53 minutes, Tom Edwards broke clear and found Sizzey-Carter. This time his first touch was not as good and the chance went begging.
It seemed to wake up Billingshurst and on 57 minutes a ball over the top gave Tosin Dada a chance. His chip sailed over the stranded Varndeanians keeper who was grateful to see it land on top his net.
The away team took the crucial opportunity on 75 minutes. Dada made his way to the byline and his left foot cross was met by Edwards on the edge of the six-yard box to make it 2-0.
The expected pressure from the away team never materialised and the Billingshurst defence marshalled by man of the match Kieran Britland comfortably saw out the game.
Manager Eddie French said: “We are delighted to get our first away win in the SCFL Prem against an in-form team. The lads got an early goal, then put in a great shift for the remainder of a competitive and closely fought game.
"The second goal came midway through the second half, and this allowed us to relax a little on the sidelines. We got the job done, three points and a clean sheet. We want more of this feeling.”
Hurst hostLancing on Saturday.