Saxons beaten by the better team

But whereas Saxons felt they should have won at Mid-Sussex II a fortnight previously, captain Paddy Cornish had no complaints after losing 4-2 to Brighton & Hove III.

A brief lapse in concentration led to Saxons conceding the first goal fairly early on, but they bounced back soon afterwards with Jamie Busbridge scoring to make it one apiece.

The visitors - wearing their brand new bright pink away shirts - ended the half 3-1 down, though, and relief swept the team as the half time whistle sounded.

An inspired half time talk was delivered by Cornish and Saxons responded well at the start of the second period. Cornish hit the post with a brilliant strike and Adam Smithers, the touring Australian, produced some fine stick work to make the score 3-2.

Saxons man of the match Quentin Wedmore saved a penalty flick to keep his team in the hunt until Brighton took advantage of a few mistakes to add a fourth. Harry Tomlinson showed promise on his first team debut.

See Friday’s Hastings Observer for a full report and reaction.