Verrall and McPhail were both absent through injury but Pedley and Felstein both returned. We started the game with a high tempo, putting the opposition under pressure and soon created some good chances as we enjoyed the better of the early exchanges. However, this early dominance clearly woke Hurstpierpoint up as they came back into the game and they were 2-0 after half an hour following two flowing moves. All was not lost at half time and in the second half we resolved to play more attacking football. The second half was a much-improved performance with our passing, movement and all round play a lot better than recent weeks. Unfortunately, as we pushed for a way back into the game, Hurstpierpoint caught us sleeping twice in defence on set pieces to take a 4-0 lead. Our improved attacking performance in the 2nd half was rewarded with a consolation goal late on from Brian Gow (his first goal for the club). A bad result but encouraging signs for the coming weeks.

 

 

1	Matt Clift
2	Kevin McDougall
3	Richard Ambrose
4	Tim Burchett (C)
5	Dale Mayhew
6	Brian Gow
7	Neil Felstein
8	Lee Stevens
9	Martin Penfold
10	Phil Pedley
11	Karl Harrison
	Goal Scorer: Brian Gow