With the game all square at 2-2 at the end of full time, Peacehaven faced the prospect of their third game this season going to extra time … and the season is only five weeks old.

Mikey Lloyd put the home side ahead in the 17th minute when he scored from a tight angle after Spelthorne could not clear the danger.

Up until then the game had the feel of a pre-season friendly. Both sides were playing neat possession football but there didn’t appear to be a lot of passion and pace about the game. Even the crowd looked to be in pre-season holiday mood with the early autumn sun bringing out summer clothes for possibly one last time.

It therefore came as no surprise when the visitors equalised after Loz Sanded lost the ball and the linesman gave a goal when it looked-liked it may have been hacked off the line.

Peacehaven did occasionally look dangerous when they attacked, but their whole approach was pedestrian – you felt they were playing well within themselves and had a lot more to offer.

With 37 minutes played, Josh Marshall (pictured) put Peacehaven ahead when he controlled a good cross from Lloyd and scored from 12 yards to make it 2-1.

Half time: Peacehaven & Telscombe 2, Spelthorne Sports 1.

As the second period got underway, the crowd expected a reaction from the home side but Peacehaven were making hard work of putting this tie to bed.

On the hour the tempo did begin to lift and ten minutes later Manny Okorougo could have sealed the game when he found himself one on one with the keeper, but somehow he contrived to miss two golden opportunities in quick succession.

With Peacehaven dropping deeper to protect their lead, on 75 minutes Spelthorne were level from a good strike which gave Sanded no chance.

Now the game burst into life with both teams going for the win. With five minutes of added time played, Josh Marshall burst through and hit a thunderbolt goal wards. The crowd held its collective breath as the visitors’ ‘keeper got a hand to the ball and pushed it on top of the crossbar and the ball then bounced out of play.

This was the final action of the game, so extra time loomed.

Both sides had given everything, but who wanted it most and who had a game-changer in their team?

Spelly threatened going forward and were looking dangerous but Josh Marshall, who has hit a purple patch, was put through and he slammed the ball under the advancing ‘keeper to send the home fans delirious.

The visitors reacted and Peacehaven retreated, but they dug in with Marcus Allen and Reilly Grant superb in marshalling the defence.

This was not a vintage performance from Peacehaven, but credit to all the players for digging in and showing a huge desire and resilience to get a win they just about deserved.

Final score: Peacehaven & Telscombe 3, Spelthorne Sports 2 (AET).

Peacehaven & Telscombe: Sanded, Le Grange, Bant, Marshall (S), Allen, Okorougo, Brocklebank, Lambert, Lloyd, Marshall (J), Grant. Subs: Kinkene, Waller, Grimble, Sismayi, Secka.

Attendance: 152.

Peacehaven are next in home action on Tuesday evening when Crowborough visit The Sports Park in the RUR Cup. Kick-off 7.30.

Prior to that on Monday September 16, the Under 23s are at home to Mile Oak U23s. This one starts at 7.45pm

In the first round of the Sussex Senior Cup, Peacehaven have been drawn away to Seaford Town. This will be played on Tuesday October 1.