Back to Winning Ways for the Magpies

The home fans are getting used to visiting teams starting brightly at Piddinghoe Avenue, in a deliberate attempt to prevent Haven from settling. Redhill’s early enthusiasm was a little over the top incurring two quick bookings.

Charlie Walker looked to have extended his goal scoring, going close with a well taken volley. With his back to goal, a crisp shot over his left shoulder drew a fine save from Andy Greaves in the Redhill goal.

For the visitors, Marcus Elliott was lively all afternoon. From an in-swinging corner the ball dropped to Elliott in the box. His well-timed shot forced Anthony DiBernado into action for the first time.

Tom Burton slid in Josh Jones on the left flank, whose centre was latched onto by Walker. Unfortunately, his shot went skywards and has yet to come down.

With the play compressed in the middle of the pitch, Craig Richards took advantage with a precise ball over the top with Walker running in. This time the forward chipped his shot over the on-rushing keeper perfectly. Maybe too perfectly, as it bounced up hitting the bar.

Peacehaven took the lead from a quick free kick on 35 minutes. Jamie Brotherton’s cross from the right was met by a header from Burton.

Poor defending just after, almost resulted in an own goal but DiBernado was alive to the threat. Elliott did punish Haven just before half time. Given plenty of space, he then afforded himself more room for a turn and shot into the top corner.

Brotherton was booked for some ill-discipline, and was lucky not to be given an early bath as he continued to verbally abuse the referee.

With the gusty wind at their backs in the second half, Peacehaven pushed on for the win. Good chances for both Richards and Brotherton just went over.

Haven regained the lead on 65 minutes, when Walker rose highest to head in Steve Metcalf’s free kick.

Three minutes later, Brotherton extended the score line smashing in on the line.

Despite their task now appearing insurmountable, Redhill never gave up, and went close with two late efforts as they continued to press.

Haven will need all their squad for the run in, and so pointless bookings like Brotherton’s may yet come back to haunt them.

By Michael Burnage