Reds roar into winning ways on Sussex League opening day

Kieran Hartley produced the standout moment with a wonderful free-kick during the second half.

The match began with both sides looking nervy, but Pease Pottage eventually settled the better as the half wore on.

New signing Clive Pillar looked sharp in midfield and Mark Bevan seemed dangerous down the left, giving Bosham defender Spencer Stent a tough time.

On several occasions Bevan got the better of Stent and whipped in dangerous low crosses but there was no-one on the end of it.

And after a stern talking-to at the break, the Reds looked sharper and more alert.

Their early pressure paid off when James Bracher found space down the right and whipped in a low cross and Alan Pritchard was unable to avoid poking the ball into his own net past his frustrated keeper Martin Francis.

Soon, Bracher notched the second after clinically beating the offside trap and rounding the stranded Francis and slotting home with ease.

Bosham increased their advantage further in spectacular style to really dampen the village spirits.

Hartley took charge of a free-kick and produced a thunderbolt drive to the roof of the net leaving Francis with no chance to react.

Late on, Kieran Purkis got a deserved goal back for Pease Pottage, driving home from the edge of the box, leaving John Pope frustrated at not keeping a clean sheet.

An away victory for Bosham first time out can only inspire and motivate the Reds and the smile etched across the face of manager Tony Hancock after the game really did say it all.

BOSHAM: Pope, Stent, Maunder, Hartley, Dowden, Brett, Blanshard, Hancock, Probee, Bracher, Redman. Subs: Redman, Clayton, Smith.

ALAN PRICE