The last time Peacehaven lost in the league was on August 3, the opening day of the season when Alfold ran out 2-1 winners. Since then Peacehaven had climbed to second place in the league.

Haven were up against a Broadbridge Heath side who had not won in the league for three games and had recently seen several of their players depart. They did however include in their line-up veteran defender Gary Charman, who had signed from Horsham on Friday.

Peacehaven opened the game with purpose and confidence and with just one minute played the normally reliable Mikey Lloyd had a golden chance to open Peacehaven’s account after good work down the right by Manny Okorougo, but Lloyd somehow contrived to blast his effort over the bar.

Next is was Heath’s turn and Alieu Secka made a smart save when he came out of his goal and smothered the ball at the attacker’s feet.

Peacehaven looked in total command but were not playing at their normal high tempo to the chagrin of manager Mark Shutt, but were easily containing Broadbridge Heath who were offering very little threat.

On 14 minutes Matt Cheeseman hit a good shot from 20 yards which Bromwich in the home goal pushed around for a corner.

Jake Le Grange was next to get involved with the action. After heading clear from a corner, three minutes later the gritty defender was supporting the attack when he beat his man and delivered a teasing cross into the box which Bromwich claimed.

And then two minutes later Cheeseman hit the bar with a header from a Cam Wiltshire corner. Peacehaven were getting closer and you sensed it would only be a matter of time before they scored.

Lloyd now was back in the action and in the 37th the player found himself in another good scoring position after a superb one two with Cheeseman, but his shot went just wide of the far post.

With a minute to go before the break, Lloyd sent a brilliant ball in across the six yard line but Curt Ford could not quite force it home.

Deep into stoppage time at the end of the first half, Heath were awarded a free kick. The ball was floated in and after a valiant effort to clear it off the line the linesman indicated it had crossed the line and Heath were in front.

Half time: Broadbridge Heath 1, Peacehaven & Telscombe 0.

Peacehaven came out for the second half in a determined frame of mind, as did Heath who were now playing with confidence and determination and were taking the game more to the visitors.

With 52 minutes played Marcus Allen (pictured) was on hand to clear a Heath effort off his goal line and when the home side attacked they did have a dangerous look about them which had been missing in the first period. Still Peacehaven pushed for an equaliser but appeared to have lost some of their normal fluidity.

With the pressure building, on the hour Wiltshire sent in another corner which was cleared for a second corner. And then one minute later defender Allen hit a brilliant low shot from 22 yards which eluded Bromwich and Peacehaven were level.

The 25 or so travelling Peacehaven fans now expected Peacehaven to kick on. Three minutes after the goal substitute Tyler Capon burst through but his effort lacked power to beat the ‘keeper.

But then on 66 minutes Heath were in front. Tim Cook hit a low shot from around 20 yards which Secka got down to and somehow the ball squirmed under the ‘keeper’s body and Heath were back in front.

Two minutes later Peacehaven’s job became even more difficult after a route one lob over the back line found Cook once more who blasted home to make it 3-1 for the home side.

Peacehaven were piling on the pressure and with five minutes left, Ford burst through with just the ‘keeper to beat and calmly lifted the ball over Bromwich to make it 3-2.

And then deep into added on time, Ford looked for all the world that he had been upended in the box only for the referee to waive away Peacehaven’s penalty appeal.

This was not to be Haven’s day and they now slip to third in the table.

This season after more than two decades of trying, Broadbridge Heath are now playing in their own new well-appointed ground.

Chairman Keith Soane and his committee should be congratulated on their hard work and sheer determination to have made this happen and proud of their magnificent achievement. Soane is one of football’s unsung heroes and the club are fortunate to have him.

Final Score: Broadbridge Heath 3, Peacehaven & Telscombe 2.

Peacehaven & Telscombe: Secka, Le Grange, Bant, Kilula, Allen, Okorougo, Brocklebank, Ford, Cheeseman, Lloyd, Wiltshire. Subs: Kinkene, Lambert, Fitzpatrick, Capon, Sanded.

Next Saturday Peacehaven are at home to second placed Lancing.

On Monday evening the Under 23s are at home to Seaford Town. Kick-off 7.45.