Billingshurst lose to Bexhill but boss French promises: We’ll learn quickly
It was a tough start to life in the SCFL Premier for Billingshurst as they lost 2-1 at home to Bexhill on Saturday.
The home side took a little while to find their feet and Bexhill quickly found themselves 2-0 up within 20 minutes:
Two lapses in concentration meant that Ryan Moir and Ash Latuske gave the away side a dream start.
An understrength Billingshurst side missing a number of regulars might have wilted both in the sun and the disappointment of going behind early in the game but to their credit the home side shook this off and took the the game to the visitors.
The rest of the first half was pretty even with Bexhill striker Jack Shonk skimming the outside of the post with a swivelled shot, and Billingshurst’s best chances came to Tom King, Matt Hards and Ben Cole, all having clear sight of goal without really testing the keeper.
Excellent wing play from Tosin Dada and Thomas King plus a series of corners put the away side under pressure.
The start of the second half saw Billingshurst totally in control and it was no surprise when after good work from Luke Brodie in the 50th minute, Cole met his cross and finished neatly to make it 2-1.
The Billingshurst pressure continued and man of the match King continued to cause his opposing full back no end of problems. A series of saves by Jack Preston kept the home side at bay and when a Bexhill defender cleared off the line, the realisation was that it was going to be one of those days.
Billingshurst continued to dominate, though both sets of players visibly faded in the heat and on the rock-hard surface – but Billingshurst were unable to get the equaliser they probably deserved.
It was a disappointing result but in the greater scheme of things a promising performance; it sets them up for their next game tonight at home to Horsham YM. They visit Erith and Belvedere in the FA Cup on Sunday.
Manager Eddie French said: " I’m disappointed we have not managed to get anything from this game. Bexhill were clinical and experienced, but apart from those two moments we had large spells in this game and deserved something.
"It's a lesson our lads will learn quickly, but I am pleased with the effort and performance from my lads, so plenty of good bits to take.”