EP lose replayed game at Eastbourne Town

The defeat was difficult take for EP as, just over a month ago, they led 2-1 in the same fixture when the game was abandoned with five minutes left, owing to an injury to Eastbourne Town goalkeeper Greg Nessling.

East Preston boss Sammy Donnelly was pleased with his side’s efforts despite the defeat and said: “I could not fault the effort of all the 11 men we had out on the field.

“We always knew it was going to be a struggle, with so many players unavailable.

“It just leaves a bitter taste knowing that we virtually had the win a couple of months ago but we were denied.”

Town went ahead on six minutes when Smith struck.

Smith bagged his second 17 minutes later to give his side a two-goal lead.

Layton Schaaf then made sure of all three points by netting Town’s third on 55 minutes.

Richard Greenfield was then sent off for EP with 20 minutes left after receiving a second yellow card, before Smith completed his hat-trick with a minute to go.

EAST PRESTON: Allfrey; Miles, R.Curtis, Mannings, Johnston; B.Curtis, O’Callaghan, Greenfield, Charles; Grantham, Brand.