Heath show '˜character' to get back to winning way at Arundel

Broadbridge Heath got back to winning ways with a 2-1 away success at Arundel, a victory that sees the Bears move up to sixth place in the division.
DM1726077a.jpg. Football: Arundel v Broadbridge Heath. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-171202-114427008DM1726077a.jpg. Football: Arundel v Broadbridge Heath. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-171202-114427008
DM1726077a.jpg. Football: Arundel v Broadbridge Heath. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-171202-114427008

Heath had to make three changes to the back-four due to injuries and unavailability, with Martyn Flack making his first appearance of the season, partnering Dan Attwater at centre-back in his first start since October 4.

A Jake Holmes brace saw the visitors hit back from 1-0 down to record victory leading to Painter saluting his side’s character.

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He said: “The AFC Uckfield defeat was a disappointing one, not so much the Shoreham game as they are a good side, but to bounce back from AFC Uckfield was important.

DM1726118a.jpg. Football: Arundel v Broadbridge Heath. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-171202-114304008DM1726118a.jpg. Football: Arundel v Broadbridge Heath. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-171202-114304008
DM1726118a.jpg. Football: Arundel v Broadbridge Heath. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-171202-114304008

“Marlon Maxwell, Stuart Chester and Joe Holvey were all missing, so three of our back-four, but we managed to bring Martyn and Dan back in, so they are not bad players to bring back in, despite not having played in a while.

“We showed real character and I am really pleased with the result as they are a side that will start picking up points now.”

Holmes headed over early on, but for the next 20 minutes the home-side created the better chances with Asa Nicholson denied by a clearance off the line.

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In the 18th minute, Harry Russell drilled a low right-foot shot under Michael Chester from 20 yards into the far corner. A few minutes later Russell had a great chance to make it 2-0 but this time he shot straight at Chester.

DM1726231a.jpg. Football: Arundel v Broadbridge Heath. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-171202-114117008DM1726231a.jpg. Football: Arundel v Broadbridge Heath. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-171202-114117008
DM1726231a.jpg. Football: Arundel v Broadbridge Heath. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-171202-114117008

Heath gradually got into the game and on 26 minutes, Shaun Findlay’s lobbed effort was pushed over by James Fernandes. Ollie Moore came close with a shot that went inches wide and Holmes had an effort cleared of the line.

In the final minute of the half the pressure finally paid off when Rod Godfrey played a through ball into the path of Ollie Moore who set-up Holmes to hammer home.

Midway through the second period, a Dan Sandell free kick was handled by an Arundel player and Holmes stepped up to convert the penalty for his 20th league goal of the season.

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Late on, Arundel’s Cian Tilley’s shot was saved brilliantly by Michael Chester, who then blocked the follow up.

Heath: M.Chester, Godfrey, Robinson, Attwater, Flack, Sandell, Findlay Moore, Sultan (Martin 60), Holmes (Clark 80), Weller (Nash 85).

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