Crowborough v Peacehaven

The victory saw The Tye reach a Club milestone - this was their 700th win in the League since joining in 1969, and they were certainly made to work hard for it.

There were two changes to the starting line-up from the side which drew at Worthing on Tuesday, with Josh Heyburn returning in goal, and Luis Freitas making his full debut in place of Kane Louis, and Peacehaven made a positive start to the game - taking the lead within 10 minutes. Freitas took the ball down the left wing and pulled it back to Ashley Rees who's rasping shot was handled by Sam Saunders. Mr Massey pointed to the spot and Carl Dunk stepped up to calmly give 'Haven an early lead.

Charlie Ottway and Tom Saunders both went close for the home side, before Ashley Rees nearly increased the lead just before half time. Dave Altendorff's perfectly weighted pass split the defence and Rees' shot produced a fine reflex save from Ben Head in the Crowborough goal.

Despite the lead, Peacehaven's performance had seemed to lack much urgency, and they were made to pay for this in a crazy opening 10 minutes to the second half. The warning signs were there for all to see with Crowborough's first attack after the break as Sam Saunders long range drive went inches over the bar, but two minutes later the scores were level - in somewhat fortunate circumstances.

Harry Thompson's drive from the edge of a crowded area was covered by Heyburn, but the ball struck Tom Saunders and deflected past the keeper for the equaliser. Peacehaven were on the ropes, and barely had time to settle before they found themselves a goal behind. With Crowborough's next attack the ball was hammered into the box and struck Dave Altendorff's hand, leaving Mr Massey to award his second penalty of the afternoon. Tom Saunders fired home the kick to leave Peacehaven looking somewhat shell-shocked - but the drama wasn't over.

From the kick-off, a flighted upfield ball caused panic in the home defence, and Ben Head raced from his goal only to see a defender nod over him and leave Dan Smith on his own in front of goal. He held his nerve and slotted home to level the scores.

Crowborough's attacking intentions for the second half where clear, but a change of away tactics had a calming effect. Aaron Gunn went back into defence whilst Wes Millis moved into his familiar midfield position, and soon it was Peacehaven who had the upper hand. With 20 minutes remaining a Dan Smith free-kick found it's way through the Crowborough area, and confusion between Tom Boddy and Ben Head resulted in the ball resting in the back of net, and Haven's noses were back in front.

The home side continued to pour forward at every opportunity, and there was no room for error for a hard-working Peacehaven defence. At the other end Wes Millis went agonisingly close with a thunderous header, and Head produced another top class save to keep out a late Ashley Rees effort.

In a defiant rally, an injury time flurry of corners saw everyone from Peacehaven anxiously looking at their watches, but they held on to take their unbeaten run to 6 games, and have the sides above them starting to look over their shoulders.