Eason Hat-trick Sees Haven Past Ringmer

Manager Shaun Saunders rang the changes for this cup game, bringing in to the starting line-up Jamie Brotherton, striker Wade Eason and promising youngster James Hammond in the midfield.

Whereas on Saturday the home side struggled in the first half, there was no repeat in this match. Literally from the kick off, Haven’s first attack resulted in the opening goal, well taken by Eason, a recent signing from Crawley Down Gatwick.

Ringmer came straight back at the hosts with Billy Trickett beating Craig Richards down the left. His low cross found the on-rushing Dan Bowell in space, who was allowed by the static defence to get a firm shot on goal. Luckily for Haven, keeper DiBernado got down well to smother the effort.

Tom Lawley intercepted a cross field pass, and ran at the heart of the Ringmer defence. As they retreated, he passed the ball through to the Eason for his second of the match, with a fine shot back across the keeper.

The striker completed his first half hat-trick after good work on the right side by full back Steve Metcalfe. His cross was not cleared and dropped to the grateful Eason.

Then Haven switched off for a couple of minutes, allowing the visitors to pull one back courtesy of Louie Pople, whose shot flew in under DiBernado’s body.

Just as Ringmer thought their endeavour would further be rewarded, Brotherton played Lawley through, who steadied himself and then scored for 4-1 before half-time.

Possibly with the result of the match no-longer in doubt, the second half was a more even affair, as both sides cancelled each other out. For the most part Ringmer defended resolutely, hitting on the break when they could.

For their part Peacehaven did go close with several efforts from Josh Jones, Eason and Brotherton.

Charlie Walker was introduced with 15 minutes of the match remaining. Straight away, he had a rasping shot that just went over the bar.

With the home crowd starting to look at their watches for end of time, Walker popped up just outside the box. His fierce shot secured the 5-1 win and safe passage through to the next round, after what was a well contested tie.

Who next for the Magpies in the quarter finals?

Report by Michael Burnage