Same old story for EP in home defeat

Dan Huet (left) was on target for East Preston in their defeat away to Eastbourne United on Saturday

EP began well for the opening 35 minutes but did not take their chances and then gifted Mavericks’ Paul Elliott and Sam Blundell goals late in the first half.

Ettridge said: “It was the same old story. We started really well and they couldn’t get out of their half for 30 to 35 minutes.

“We created quite a few chances but didn’t test their keeper and then gave away two sloppy goals.

“It’s frustrating as, when we’re on top in games, we’ve got to take our chances.

“Every goal we concede seems to come from our mistake and that’s down to inexperience and confidence but it was very disappointing to lose on Tuesday, after playing so well for 35 minutes.”

On Saturday, East Preston were undone by former striker Liam Baitup in the league at Eastbourne United.

Ettridge felt his side could have got something out of the game and said: “We were hoping to build on the draw with Broadbridge Heath last week but a couple of players got injured in that game and didn’t recover in time and we had another couple drop out, so we ended up with players playing out of position.

“We gave away two sloppy goals but had chances to get something and could have had a penalty.

“A depleted squad cost us, which was a real shame after we got our first point of the season.”

EP fell behind on 12 minutes when they had a throw-in but gave the ball away and Eastbourne United broke away and Baitup netted.

Dan Huet drew East Preston level when he cut in and fired home with an excellent finish.

United went back ahead on 62 minutes when EP again gave the ball away from a throw-in and Baitup again netted.

East Preston pushed for an equaliser and had a penalty appeal for handball waved away, while Shawn Chikowore had a toe-poked shot comfortably saved.

EP are away to Langney Wanderers in the Sussex Senior Cup on Saturday.

EAST PRESTON v Worthing United: Purkis; Avens, Abraham, John, Lira-De-Androde; Vine, Wilson, Huet, Gritt; Shuga’a, Munday. Subs: Lowdell (Gritt 65), Hallett (Abraham 70), C.Chikowore (Munday 85), Laughlin, Ford.

v Eastbourne United: Ford; Hallett, Abrahams, Vine, Gritt; Wilson, Laughlin, Huet, Bassett; Rennie, Munday. Subs: S.Chikowore (Rennie 60), Purkis, D.Ettridge.

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