Based on individual ability this seemed to be a reasonably strong Buxted side. Unfortunately a successful side requires teamwork and understanding just as much as it needs good individuals.  From the moment that the keeper, John Challis, failed to deal with a back pass, presenting the visitor with a soft goal in the first minute, Buxted were struggling.  Fairwarp had the wind in their sails and looked dangerous every time they came forward, which was for most of the game.  Our keeper had little chance with the other goals, three more in the first and two in the second.  In all honesty the visitors squandered several other chances.  Just as worrying, not once did we test Thompson, the Fairwarp keeper with the exception of Ricky Parrish’s headed goal.  We seemed unable to tackle, control the ball or pass.  We offered no midfield challenge either on the ground or in the air.  A few players had their moments, Ricky Parrish at the back got his head to most balls, Dougie showed some typical deft touches and Darren Barton and Pat West gave hints of what they could do.  But until some stability and continuity comes to the seconds, results like this are inevitable.  In three games, 30 players have been used (out of necessity).  This week’s team started with only three players from last week.

Now a word of praise for Nigel Robins who, out on the pitch, was asked to give his no.2 shirt to a late arrival.  Uncomplaining, he then ran the line to come on in the second half.  And another word for Butch, Clive White and James Bonella for marking out the pitch to a standard rarely seen.  Even the referee seemed impressed!