They beat the leaders - but Selsey can't beat the runners-up

After beating Three Bridges Selsey’s confidence was high, but goals from Ryan McBride and Tom Burton sealed only a second defeat in seven games for Selsey, their second in a row at the High Street Ground.

The defeat saw them drop out of the top half of the table.

The game presented both teams with early chances – Sam Joyce being called into action by Burton, then James Fallick heading Calum Britton’s corner over.

The majority of the 93 fans in attendance were disappointed 17 minutes in when Aaron Watson won a penalty for McBride to convert.

Nine minutes later, Crawley Down doubled their lead. Lee Wood crossed from the right and Burton headed home.

Selsey responded well with Stuart Souter testing the visiting keeper, and Graham Bush taking a snap shot.

But the league leaders made their position clear as the half closed out with Joyce, who manager Martin described as ‘the best in the league’ last week, called into action twice more.

The pitch began to suffer in the second period and Crawley Down continued to dominate.

The visitors tried to close out the game before Souter recorded an effort on target.

So Crawley Down kept up their record of winning all but one of their games in 2011, while Selsey lost the rigidity that had saw them keep three clean sheets in four games.

The Blues travel to the Sports Park on Saturday to face Peacehaven & Telscombe, who are fifth in the league.

MARK ALLAWAY