Saunders’ Side Deserve Growing Reputation

Sitting deservedly in the top three after some great performances of late, teams are now coming to Piddinghoe Avenue, with the intention of getting men behind the ball and attempting to defend for the ninety minutes.

From the first whistle, Haven were in total control of the game, only allowing the visitors rare opportunities to get anywhere near Tony DiBernado between the posts.

The opening pressure on the Casuals goal was relentless. Good chances from Jamie Brotherton, Tom Burton and Charlie Walker were all well saved.

Something had to give. On 23 minutes the latest in a succession of corners was met by central defender Craig Richards for 1-0.

A rare attack from Casuals saw left back Dave Hodges send over an inviting cross, only for Jamie Byatt to completely fluff his lines and see the ball go for a goal kick.

Against the wind in the second half, Peacehaven simply carried on where they left off.

Burton had the ball in the net but was correctly flagged offside. Playing deeper than usual, Brotherton set up several opportunities, only for the Casuals central pairing to defend resolutely. The one time they were beaten, Burton’s header hit the bar.

Hodges then ventured forward for the visitors, and was unlucky to see his shot from outside of the box pushed for a corner.

The introduction up front of substitute Mario Quiasska for Casuals, threatened to change the game. The youngster was lively and pacey and turned around the haven back four several times.

His youthful exuberance did earn him a booking, as he followed through on Di Bernado with studs showing.

A free kick on 76 minutes 25 yards out, was parried by the keeper inviting the busy Burton to slide in for 2-0.

Two minutes later, Haven conceded unnecessarily. In a moment of madness, a cheap free kick was conceded out by the touchline. The in swinging kick was met well by Hodges, heading in for 2-1.

Just as the Casuals began to believe in themselves, their enthusiasm was extinguished.

Substitute Josh Jones ended a mazy run by threading the ball through to the on-running Walker. His chip over the advancing keeper on 82 minutes was enough to secure an excellent 3-1 score line and three more points.

Thanks to Michael Burnage