The combative midfielder scored Haven’s decisive second goal in the 32nd minute after Tyler Capon had found Bradley Bant who crossed to Cheeseman (pictured) who finished first time in the roof of the net.

But then in the 51st minute he was shown a straight red card which gave high-flying Town hope. And to make matters worse for Peacehaven just two minutes later Reilly Grant was sin binned leaving Peacehaven with just nine players on the pitch.

The first half began so well for the visitors who were taking on the favourites to win the Southern Combination Premier League.

With just five minutes played Charlie Lambert won a free kick on the edge of the box after a good run. Up stepped Josh Marshall who whipped in the free kick which went in the bottom corner to make it 1-0 to Peacehaven.

Two minutes later Town responded with a curling effort which just went over the bar.

Peacehaven came back at Town when an effort from Marshall went close and shortly after, Capon drove into the box but Platt in the home goal made a good save.

The visitors were now very much in gear and looking impressive and threatening when they attacked. They were winning most of the 50/50 balls and didn’t allow Town to settle.

On 24 minutes Mikey Lloyd was involved with another good passage of play when he beat his man and drilled the ball across the box but Capon could not quite force the ball home.

Five minutes later Capon played an amazing ball to Marshall who shot on the volley and forced a smart save from the home ‘keeper.

After Cheeseman had doubled Haven’s lead, the expected response came from Town but the effort was wide. From the resulting corner, Marcus Allen headed clear.

Half time: Eastbourne Town 0, Peacehaven & Telscombe 2.

Peacehaven came out for the second period looking like they meant business and Capon found Marshall in the box who passed to Lambert but his shot was saved by Platt.

With an hour played and Peacehaven down to ten men, and for ten minutes down to nine, the game quite understandably from Haven’s point of view lost some of its flow.

On 63 minutes Loz Sanded in the Haven goal made his first meaningful save of the game and then just four minutes later Town pulled one back through substitute Tom Vickers. Now it was game on.

Town started to pile on the pressure and Allen at the heart of the Haven defence was immense as the whole back line stood firm and resolute.

Peacehaven still threatened and Capon went close with a header and Lambert could have sealed it in the 89th minute when he fired straight at the ‘keeper. Two minutes later again Capon went close with a curling effort which went over the bar.

Peacehaven held out for a deserved win in a game which they dominated the first period and had their defence to thank in the second half.

Final score: Eastbourne Town 1, Peacehaven & Telscombe 2.

Peacehaven & Telscombe: Sanded, Le Grange, Bant, Cheeseman, Allen, Capon, Brocklebank, Lambert, Lloyd, Marshall (J), Grant. Subs: Waller, Ford, Kinkene, Marshall (S), Wiltshire.

Peacehaven are back in league action Saturday when they make the trip to Crawley Down Gatwick for a SCPL top of the table clash.