Five-star Ringmer go joint-top of the Premier Division

Refreshed from a winter break Ringmer started on the front foot and showed no sign of rustiness.

Man of the match Marcin Ruda’s midfield dominance and Tom Stevenson’s skilful play from wide areas key features of a solid performance.

Within 15 minutes the Rhinos were in front. Sam Sowter turned sharply inside the penalty area and, whilst Eastbourne defenders expected a shot on goal, Sowter found Callum Connor with a neat lay off. Connor finished emphatically into the roof of the net from 15 yards.

The advantage was doubled 10 minutes later. David Altendorff’s attacking foray led to Sowter wrong-footing Eastbourne’s goalkeeper Louis Peach and the forward slotted the ball home with ease.

Knowing conditions might favour the away side in the second half, Ringmer again sought to start positively.

Within three minutes of half time substitute Martin Stephen had made his first mark on the game. A driven finish from the in-form forward nestled into the far corner thwarting Eastbourne’s ambitions of a comeback.

The game was put to bed just prior to the hour. A clinical through pass from full back Connor Ghosh released Sowter who’s left footed finish again left Peach stranded to take his recent goal tally to seven in the last five fixtures.

A cross-cum-shot from Kalem Taylor beat Ringmer’s Joe Whiting and thwarted the home side’s chance of a clean sheet that the resolute defending of Brad Duke and Ryan Doyle deserved.

But the score line differential was restored two minutes later. A towering header from the returning Sam Strutt from Stephen’s cross again highlighted Ringmer’s squad depth.

Taylor’s close-range finish completed the score line in the closing minutes, their second goal a reward for the away side’s application throughout.

Saturday sees Ringmer make the trip north to Holland Sports, kick-off at 2pm.