Heartbreak as Haywards Heath surrender two-goal advantage

JPMT Football - Haywards Heath Town v Eastbourne United. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-140317-101823002

It was heartbreak for Haywards Heath Town, who let a two-goal lead at half-time slip against fellow promotion contenders Broadbridge Heath.

A wonder goal from Mark Bevan and a second from captain Alex Bygraves put the visitors in an excellent position.

But Broadbridge Heath hit back twice through Martyn Flack, his second goal coming in the 92nd minute of a dramatic contest, denying Town what would have been a massive victory.

Midway through the first half, Bevan hit a half-volley 35 yards from goal that flew past Broadbridge Heath keeper James Fisher.

That goal inspired the visitors who went on to dominate the half, adding a second goal ten minutes before the break when Bygraves headed home from a corner.

Broadbridge Heath found a goal back as the game entered its final 15 minutes. Piers McDermott picked out Flack who buried his header.

In time added on they won a corner and Flack rose above everyone to head the ball into the net for the second time to make it 2-2 and break Haywards Heath hearts.

Haywards Heath manager Simon Corless said the conditions played a major part, as his side attacked with the wind in the first half but had to defend against it after the break.

He said: “With the last couple of kicks of the game they got a second goal to get a draw that I don’t think they deserved.

“They can pin sides down late on with set plays, we knew that but we shouldn’t have been in that position.”

On Bevan’s goal, Corless joked: “It was by us near the dugout, and we put it down to the wind!

“It was an absolute cracker, any goal like that should win a game for you. He played out of his skin and has been great for us this season so he deserves it.”