Classy hat trick secures victory!

A magnificent second half hat-trick from midfielder Keith Chamberlain meant that a dominant performance was reflected in the scoreline as National Over 60s Football Champions, East Sussex, cruised to a comfortable 6-1 victory against group rivals Kent, in the warm sunshine at Bexhill College last Sunday.

A spectacular, unstoppable volley from the left-hand corner of the penalty box arrowed into the bottom right hand corner earning Chamberlain his first.

His second, another volley; was calmly placed beyond the reach of the visitor’s keeper from closer range.

Chamberlain finished his hat trick with East Sussex’s sixth and final goal of the game.

This time, his beautifully placed curling effort from 20 yards into the same right-hand corner, left the opposition keeper and defenders watching on motionless.

Although the men in orange and black were dominant by every measure and played attractive football throughout the game, Kent had their moments and only a stunning double save from East Sussex keeper Koosha Movevagh prevented the visitors from scoring in the first half.

Player Manager Alan Osman, had earlier opened the scoring, nodding home a perfectly flighted cross from fellow front man Colin Riggs midway through the first half.

Riggs had an outstanding game. Although he didn’t find himself on the scoresheet; his selfless running and his constant willingness to receive the ball to feet and lay it on for the East Sussex midfielders and wide men were critical in securing the win.

Riggs was inches away from scoring after a superb Osman cross in the first half and he looked certain to score in the second half when a chipped pass from skipper Andy Williams put him through one on one with the Kent keeper, yet what looked like the perfect lob somehow bounced over the vacant goal.

After Osman's opener, Tim Kryezui scored his first competitive goal for the men in orange and black, when he made it 2-0, before half time.

Tim had an excellent first half in his attacking midfield role and the way he calmly rounded the keeper and finished a superb back to front team passing move, characterised his performance on the day.

Nigel Pamplin made his debut replacing Tim in the second half and ‘Pamps’ incisive link up play contributed to many attractive East Sussex attacking moves.

The fifth East Sussex goal came via a neat finish from tricky, pacy winger Kevin Clee, who caused panic and chaos in the visitors’ defence on every occasion he had the ball at his feet.

The East Sussex back four of Dave Pearson. Bob Smith, John O’Meara and Steve Burge were solid in defence and comfortable in possession throughout.

Ed Greenwood and Steve Turner carried real threat from wide midfield positions in the first half, whilst skipper Williams sat in his usual deep midfield anchor role.

Kent scored their consolation with ten minutes to go, shortly after Williams left the field with an injury.

However, Chamberlain’s third moments later ended the scoring and ended any last semblance of fight that the visitors may have had left.

East Sussex’s next game in the competition is a big one, away against main group rivals Farnham and District, on 29th November 2026. 

The winners of this fixture are very likely to finish top of the South East qualifying group.