Ash Jones Marshalls Industrious Haven to Bury Visitors

Buoyed by their arresting 2-0 win against the Met Police on Wednesday, the home side went into the match with an air of positivity. Certainly before kick-off, manager Shaun Saunders was in an upbeat mood.

Things started well for Peacehaven with good early chances falling to the lively Josh Jones and the unlucky Evan Archibald, the latter having run from the half way line on a promising run, only to disappointingly shoot wide of the far post.

Mark Knee floated a cross from the left that almost embarrassed the visiting keeper. With Archibald the intended target, Marcus Garnham chose to leave the ball as it just dropped over the bar.

As Bury came into the game more, Haven become a little frustrated. With Ash Jones marshalling things at the back, the defence stood firm to the pressure.

Just before half time, a break on the left was then shifted quickly to the right catching out the Bury defence. Jamie Brotherton’s left foot shot from the edge of the box curled beautifully into the far top corner for 1-0.

The second half was a more even affair with much of the play in a crowded midfield.

Garnham again saved well, this time from a Lloyd Cotton header.

Bury by now had become one dimensional with long aerial balls forward that were food and drink for Captain Jones.

A good run from substitute Tom Burton in the box beating three tackles, looked to be a certain goal, only to be deflected for a corner.

With time running out, Archibald was put through centrally, ahead of the central defensive pair. With only the advancing keeper to beat, he put his shot wide.

One can’t help but feel that with a couple of goals and a bit of confidence that Archibald potentially may flourish.

If others had taken their chances then the pressure to score goals would be eased. In the meantime, there is a need for goals from across the team to help lift the burden off Archibald. Having stepped up two divisions from the County League, he needs time to find his feet.

No-one is saying that with a brace of wins that the Magpies are going to fly up the table, but slowly and surely the squad are finding their feet at this new elevated level.

By Michael Burnage OBE