Clubs pleased with pre-season form

Russell Eldridge has scored in both of Little Common's pre-season friendlies over the past week

Sussex County League Division Two side Bexhill achieved a very satisfying 3-0 win against Division One team Crowborough Athletic in a friendly at Buxton Drive on Tuesday.

Steve Johnson, Luke Woodley and Linton Rogers scored the goals for a Bexhill side which manager Marc Munday said was more like what he hopes to start the league campaign with.

He said: “I was really pleased with the performance and with how it’s going. I’ve got the core of local players which we all wanted, now I want to add a bit more quality to hopefully make us a very good side.”

Bexhill lost 3-2 to Eastbourne Town reserves on Saturday and 1-0 to Newhaven the previous Wednesday when fielding mixed squads.

The Pirates’ next friendly isn’t until Saturday August 2 when they will contest a double header at Hailsham Town. Munday is also hoping to fix up a game for Saturday August 9 now that Bexhill are without a league game on that date.

Common, who are also in Division Two, have fought out a pair of draws away to Division One outfits this week.

They drew 2-2 at Crawley Down Gatwick on Saturday with goals from Martin Denny and player-manager Russell Eldridge, and 3-3 against Hailsham on Tuesday when Eldridge (penalty), Steve Morris and Nick Richardson netted.

“It’s quite satisfying in terms of where we’re at,” said Eldridge. “I’ve been really pleased with our fitness, and the way we’re starting to progress and develop as a team again.”

Common will take on Eastbourne Town on the 3G pitch at Eastbourne Sports Park on Saturday (kick-off 2pm) before travelling to Newhaven on Tuesday (kick-off 7.30pm).