Supersub clinches nine-goal thriller for Bosham

Supersub Matt Collino's sensational goal broke Saltdean's resistance in a nine-goal Easter Monday thriller at Walton Lane to clinch a 5-4 win for the home side.

The Greens took the lead after a couple of minutes through striker Ebou Jallow, who controlled the ball in the box and lobbed John Pope in the Bosham goal.

This was a major setback to manager Tony Hancock’s plans but the Reds were never behind again.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Joe Hancock received a rebound gift from Saltdean keeper Owen Fisher following a penalty, then Ben Blanshard headed home from a corner by Graeme Dowden.

Bosham were on top but defensive frailties caught them out towards the half-hour.

Jallow was again the beneficiary when Harry Coker scuffed a free-kick into the box only for him to pounce on the ball first and fire in from close range.

Bosham pushed on and after a brilliant save, Pope quickly dispatched the ball up-field and after a swift move involving Dowden and Hancock, the ball arrived at the feet of Hartley on the left-hand side of the box – and the maestro opened his body and slotted in a perfect shot.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Greens levelled for a second time when Matt Den Heijer rose to head home from a free-kick.

After the break, Hartley pounced on a defensive error, pressed into the box, fired low into the bottom corner, leaving Fisher with no chance.

The Reds led 4-3 but Saltdean were back on terms for a third time on the hour when Dean Loader was put through on goal by Richard Watton and finished expertly.

Collino and Gary Rowland both came on to give an extra dimension to Bosham’s striking capabilities and it was Collino who finally struck the killer goal with less than 15 minutes left.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Having already missed a couple of easier chances, Collino worked some space outside the box and then unleashed an unstoppable drive into the roof of the net past the outstretched hand of Fisher.

Try as they might, Saltdean, newly-crowned Challenge Cup champions, couldn’t find a way back and Bosham finally held on for another important win.

BOSHAM: Pope, Blanshard, Probee, Carrigher, Hounsome, Hancock, Hancock, Dowden, Phillips, Hartley, Thorpe. Subs: Rowland, Collino, Pryor, Ash.

ALAN PRICE