Newhaven score five but boss says: We didn't really get going

Newhaven 5 East Preston 1

SCFL premier

Newhaven joint-manager Andy Cook said his side ‘found it hard to get a rhythm’, despite making it three wins on the bounce with a 5-1 victory over East Preston at the Trafalgar Ground.

For the third week in a row the Dockers were ahead within the first ten minutes of the game as Lee Robinson finished after a decent pass from recent recruit Charlie Bennett.

East Preston, who came to Fort Road bottom of the league, had two good chances to level, both from set pieces, but on both occasions failed to test Jake Buss.

Two quick-fire goals for the home side just before half-time all but sealed the win, with Ian Robinson forcing an own goal from a retreating defender and then Lee Robinson netting his second and Newhaven’s third.

The second half never really came to life but another quick-fire double from the Dockers towards the end of the half extended the advantage.

Billy Barker was the creator for both, first crossing for Lee Robinson to head in for his hat-trick, and then Barker’s low cross allowed James Jeffrey to tap in from close range.

The visitors did get themselves on the score sheet in the last minute as substitute Matt Storm drove in down the right and finished well past Buss.

“It was a very comfortable afternoon and the score line does reflect how much we dominated,” said Cook.

“However, we didn’t really get going all game and played in second gear most of the time.

“The early goal from Lee Robinson settled us down but we didn’t really kick on and in blustery conditions we found it hard to get a rhythm, despite lots of possession.

“The two goals shortly before half time pretty much killed the game and so the objective second half was to move the ball a bit quicker, switch it quickly and get in behind them.

“And to be fair the two second half goals were exactly that, with Robinson completing his hat-trick with a very good header and then James Jeffrey completing the scoring, finishing a fine move with a back-post tap in.

“It was disappointing to concede late as we wanted a third successive clean sheet, but credit to East Preston who kept going to the end.

“Another three points and a bit more help for the goal difference sees us s

itting nicely in fourth position in the table with a game or two in hand and on a nice run.

“However, attention switches to the FA Vase this Saturday and we face a tough test with the visit of Ascot United.”

The vase tussle with Ascot in the First Round Proper of a competition that ends in a Wembley final kicks off at 3pm.

Seaford 2 Roffey 0

SCFL division one

Seaford Town’s boss hailed a ‘complete performance’ after they extended their good run of form at home as they defeated Roffey 2-0 on a blustery afternoon at the Crouch.

Goals from Charlie Morley and Ben Dartnall made it three wins from three on home turf, subjecting the away side to defeat amid their indifferent form.

Seaford’s first real chance of the game came after 20 minutes when stand-in winger Alex Saunders found a way through on goal, but could only force a routine stop from the Roffey keeper Andy Barr.

The pressure from the home side told just before the half hour mark when Charlie Morley was brought down in the area following a short corner routine. The striker made no mistake from the spot to give his team a deserved lead.

Seaford went on to double their advantage just before the break when a floated corner was met by captain Ben Dartnall, who was able to head home into the bottom corner.

The second half saw Seaford remain on top.

As the away side began to tire, gaps began to open up and Morley could have had his second but for a smart save from Barr low to his right.

Frustration began to creep in for the visitors and Seaford continued to create chances, none of which transpired into extending their advantage.

Seaford were happy to see off any efforts from the away team,

Seaford Town manager Craig Pooley said: “It was a complete performance right the way through.”

He said the clean sheet was ‘an added bonus to what was a deserved victory’.

Midhurst 4 Hailsham 0

SCFL division one

Hailsham Town made the long trip to high flying Midhurst & Easebourne on Saturday afternoon, going down 4-0 to the hosts.

After a slow start from Hailsham, Midhurst opened the scoring in the tenth minute. Soon Jack Findon saw red for pulling an opponent to the floor inside the box, with the Stags scoring from the spot.

Hailsham reorganised with Connor Townsend as the lone striker in a 4-4-1 formation, and began to grow into the game.

There was a lengthy injury stoppage after a home player was forced off with a dislocated shoulder and the hosts added a third just before half-time.

After the break Hailsham worked hard but without reward as Midhurst added a fourth to kill the game off in the 66th minute.

The Stringers are next in action on Saturday at home to Arundel (3pm).