Lingfield FC Exit the Peter Bentley Cup

After away and home wins against Oakwood and Broadbridge Heath respectively; it was Quarter-Final time. Saltdean Utd arguably our toughest test of the season to date; and with it being midweek, Away, and on the back of the Little Common game; all tough factors. Saltdean progressed last round AET against Peacehaven. One change to note, Turner came in for Heaton in central defensive midfield.

By no means the same quality of surface as the Lair back at home; however, we tried to play our usual progressive style. And for 20 minutes in the first half, we pushed them back and created some decent chances to break the deadlock. A big spell for Lingfield went begging still 0-0, and Saltdean punished. Losing the ball deep, led to a corner on the left; as the first delivery was cleared, No.10 struck from the edge of the box into the bottom corner, 1-0. The half finished that way, however positives thoughts of the 2nd half were still there, only losing to the odd goal.

Coming out the 2nd half the game restarted competitively, and Lingfield continued to look for the equaliser. However, Saltdean delivered in ideal times in the game. It was 2-0, another corner from the right was met by No.9 across the front post and headed home. As the game stretched, Lingfield started to throw more and more bodies forward. In Cup situations like this, it's made or break. Dan Summers came closest from a free kick central on the edge of the box that hit the bar. In the latter stages of the game, Saltdean finished the contest off on the break. 3-0. Saltdean proved too strong over the course of the game; Lingfield needed to produce more end product in the first 20mins of the game to swing it. FT

Good Luck to Saltdean in the cup, we hope you boys go into to win it, not as sore to go out to the eventual winners. Another well done to all supporters prepared to travel to the depths of the south coast on a midweek night, and we hope to see you all away at Hailsham Saturday afternoon as we look to continue our current league form and keep pushing for promotion.

By Sammy Clements