A tale of two halves

A bright first 10 minutes saw Peacehaven confidently knock the ball around and lead to an early Rob O'Toole goal in the sixth minute.

Unfortunately after this for the rest of the first half there was little to show and some untidy play and lack of pace let Worthing United back in. Tom Chapman was able to squeeze a bobbled shot, following a corner, under a crowd of players and it rolled just inside the post in the 20th minute. The rest of the half left Peacehaven fans hoping for the half time whistle.

The second half was much brighter though and Peacehaven came out with purpose. Some brighter build up play down the right wing by Dudman was regularly drawing in players and creating space down the middle and left channels for attacking pressure. If you'd nipped into watch the National you were about to miss 4 goals. 10 minutes into the second half a good ball to O'Toole left him in space to volley in his second and restore Haven's lead.

The next few minutes saw George Jones use his body well for Worthing United to create some space and generate some attacking play. Worthings strikers were struggling to get through the Haven defence and shots were limited to long range events which weren't going to trouble Josh Heyburn.

Five minutes later some good build up play again down the right found Carl Dunk in space outside the area. His powerful drive was well saved by Callum Christie but his punch drove straight into a nearby defenders back and rebounded into the net.

Haven’s fourth came from some more good interplay from Bradley Murray and Dudman that left Dunk in space to drive in from just inside the area and make it a comprehensive 4-1. Haven then made some changes with Connor Saunders, Ryan Bradley and Craig Bunch joining the pitch.
Haven were now cruising, and whilst Worthing United seem to have a good shout for a penalty denied, where able to play with the ease that was lacking in the first half. There was still time for Rob O’Toole to grab his hatrick.

Everyone was pleased to see Craig Bunch back on as a substitute following his long absence after breaking his ankle. Haven have definitely missed his aerial firepower this season and it didn’t take long for Bunch to nod the ball down to an overlapping Matt Hill towards the right corner flag. Hill’s swinging cross left O’Toole to score unmarked past the exposed Christie from just before the penalty spot and make it 5-1. By this time Callum Christie had had enough of his defence and let them know his view, quite rightly really, but received a yellow card for his concise summary.

A solid defensive display and some great attacking play in the second half mean Peacehaven go to Three Bridges next week having taken 22 out the last 24 available points. With Haven being the form team and still desperate to claim 4th spot and Three Bridges still fighting for the title, next weeks fixture looks like a very interesting day out will be had by all.

Report by @PT_FC