September to remember for Common

Sam Brown launches into a tackle for Little Common during their victory over Seaford Town. Picture by Steve Hunnisett (SUS-140927-174201002)

Three first half goals gave Common a 3-0 win at home to bottom-of-the-table Seaford Town in Macron Store Sussex County Football League Division Two yesterday (Saturday).

Seaford arrived at the Recreation Ground having yet to register a single point and the Commoners controlled the early stages without really threatening the visitors’ goal. Martin Denny saw an effort flash over the crossbar and a Steve Morris header looped onto the top of the net.

The game was effectively decided following a five-minute spell midway through the half. The opening goal came in the 20th minute when Casey Ham raced through on goal before unselfishly squaring to Morris, who had the simple task of placing the ball into the empty net.

Moments later the lead was doubled. A neat one-two saw Russell Eldridge burst into the box and when his near post effort was saved, Ham was on hand to knock the rebound in through a crowded area.

Two soon became three when Morris picked up the ball 20 yards from goal and unleashed an unstoppable drive beyond the despairing dive of the Town goalkeeper.

The Commoners could have extended their lead. Eldridge saw a close range effort pushed over before the same player just cleared the crossbar with a free kick.

Ham saw an effort drift wide of the post as the Commoners ended the half strongly, rarely allowing the visitors out of their own half.

The second half failed to produce the goal rush that the first 45 minutes had promised, although both teams had opportunities.

Town saw the frame of their goal rattled on two occasions. Sam Brown’s low drive struck the post before another Morris thunderbolt crashed off the crossbar.

At the other end, a rare lapse in concentration from Matt Cruttwell saw a Town forward presented with an opportunity to reduce the arrears, but Cruttwell reacted quickly to atone for his error.

Ham and Morris both went close with headers before Cruttwell ensured a welcome clean sheet for the Commoners with a save low to his left in the dying moments.

Common: Cruttwell, Hudson (R. Mote), S. Mote, Eldridge, McEniry, Smith, Feakins (Haward), Brown, Morris, Ham (Spice), Denny.