Late goal sends Eastbourne United spinning to defeat to Roffey on stormy afternoon
The advantage of a 3G pitch is that the game is always on – the disadvantage is that the game is on even if conditions are terrible. So it was for Eastbourne United and Roffey last Saturday.
Second-placed United welcomed promotion-chasing Roffey to the Oval Arena and gales and rain were the biggest tactical factor in the first half.
Roffey took an early lead after the ball got blown sideways to fool home keeper Alieu Secka, before a crazy equaliser as Roffey managed to score an own goal under no pressure at all.
Jordan Mase finished well to give Roffey the lead, only for Callum Barlow to snatch it back to 2-2.
Roffey went back ahead, but Dan Hull rose from a corner to head home. The ball was handled by the Roffey left-back, but the linesman confirmed that the ball had already crossed the line.
Six goals in the first half and the wind and rain were leaving the players and supporters absolutely drenched.
All the half-time talk was of the likelihood of another half dozen goals in the second half.
To their credit, both teams had attempts on goal, with both keepers getting exercise, all to no avail.
The fans had just about called it an honourable draw between two top sides in impossible conditions when United lost possession in injury time and Luke Harrison took advantage to make it 4-3 to Roffey to spark wild celebrations.
It was a rare home defeat for United, who remain second in the table.
On Tuesday night Anthony Storey’s men went to Seaford in the RUR Cup and won 2-1 with late goals by Barlow and Sam Scott.
This weekend brings FA Vase action and United go to Hassocks for tie that will be tight if their positions in the league – second and third and level on points – is anything to go by.
Eastbourne then visit Horsham YM in the league next Tuesday.