Hailsham Town's FA Vase adventure falls at the first hurdle

Hailsham Town's FA Vase campaign is over after a 3-0 defeat by AFC Varndeanians at The Beaconsfield.
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A positive start for Hailsham saw Rhys Taylor shoot wide on 8, before the Stringers were forced into an early change when Ashley Jarvis was forced off with a groin injury to be replaced by Joey Pout on 16.

The Stringers could have then taken the lead soon after - Tim Johnson, who put in another good shift in midfield, putting an inviting ball in which Taylor stretched to reach but could only steer just wide of the upright.

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The visitors saw their first real chance of the game on 24 - a throw worked across the box, with the resulting shot striking the base of the post before being cleared behind, but it was again Hailsham who looked the more likely, with Johnson's drive on 21 flashing inches wide with the 'keeper beaten, whilst Ellis Webster's deflected shot was held. The Stringers would then see another enforced change before half time, as the busy Taylor, who had been clattered in a heavy challenge early on, was withdrawn on 40 for Jacob Feasey.

After half time an early scare saw Wester Young make an excellent stop from close range, whilst at the other end a good ball into the box flashed just in front of a diving Jamie Salvidge, with Johnson's ball back into the box then seeing a Salvidge drive held at the second attempt.

The opening goal came for the visitors on the hour - a corner partially cleared, and a deflected shot then turned in from close range. A third change for Hailsham saw Dan Fox introduced for Charlie Playford on 68, but a minute later it was two, as a cross from the right hand side, arcing towards the far post, dropped into the net, and a third soon followed, with a free kick to the far post converted from close range on 71.

Hailsham did still have chances - Feasey having a shot blocked late on whilst Webster's corner couldn't find the touch it needed.

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Next up for Hailsham it is a trip to Storrington on Saturday (3pm), followed by the return visit of AFC Varndeanians in the FA Vase on Tuesday 29th (7.30). The following evening The Beaconsfield will be hosting East Sussex Fire & Rescue who begin their Emergency Services League campaign at home to Hampshire Police (7pm).

Stringers; Young, Playford (Fox 68), S Pout, Stracey, Jarvis (J Pout 16), Findon, Webster, Johnson, Salvidge, Townsend, Taylor (Feasey 40)

Unused; Jones, McDonald

Attendance; 94

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