UNITED DISCOVER WINNING TOUCH

BEXHILL United broke a run of six consecutive defeats with a comprehensive win against Ninfield in the first round of the Hastings Intermediate Cup at The Polegrove on Saturday.

With only one win recorded so far this season prior to this game, victory came as a relief to manager Len Watkins who is now looking to build on the result for Bexhill's league campaign.

He said: "It was a good result and hopefully it has come at the right time and given us confidence for the next match. We expected to win before the game, but a win is a win and we will be looking to build on this result."

It took only six minutes for Bexhill to start the scoring when Ollie Leigh marked his return from injury by firing powerfully home. Ian Oliver doubled the home side's advantage 10 minutes later with a shot from the edge of the penalty area.

Bexhill continued to control the game with Leigh, Tim Funnell and Oliver dominating play and the pressure paid off just before half time when Mark Pickles smashed a left foot strike inside the far post after Ninfield had failed to clear a goal-mouth scramble.

Adam Taylor pulled off a great save on the stroke of the break to keep his side's healthy lead intact.

The second period was much the same with Bexhill dictating play. Oliver grabbed his second on the hour after a strong run and shot from 20 yards which left the hapless visiting keeper with no chance.

The scoring was rounded off five minutes from time when the unmarked Dom Bigg gratefully tapped home from close range.

The Ashdown Hurrey Man of the Match was Kris Kayne.

Bexhill: Taylor Wright, Kayne, Makin (Cornelius), Bentley, Jackson (Page), Bigg, Funnell, Leigh (Trivett), Pickles, Oliver.