AFC Uckfield Town

Having played all three teams that end the day locked together at the top of the league for our last three league games, the visit of AFC Uckfield Town, arriving on a run of four defeats in the league, might be an easier challenge for The Lingers. There was intent from the start as within the first 5 mins both Simpson and Dickinson had shots saved. Uckfield were presented with a good chance from a soft header back to the keeper but Webb Olley saved well and then followed up with another good save from a free kick on the edge of the box. Robinson Davids worked himself a chance but was closed down before he could shoot and shortly after Uckfield had a shot saved to complete a lively opening quarter hour.

Hodge collected the ball on the left, drove into the Uckfield box and produced an excellent shot across the keeper to open the scoring. The next couple of chances came Uckfield’s way with a free kick wasted and a shot saved. Lingfield responded by winning a corner but failed to put in a challenge from a good delivery into the box. The ebb and flow continued as Webb Olley got a good punch on an Uckfield free kick and then Asante had a shot saved, followed by getting on the end of a cross by Hodge that was also saved. Davies cleared a dangerous cross from our box and then Simpson made a good run and a delivered a cross that Dickinson couldn’t finish with his head. Simpson produced another good cross that Wilford headed against the bar in the last minutes of the half. Davies injured an ankle in a challenge and Stripp replaced him. In added time Uckfield had a chance to equalise after a missed defensive header put them through but they were kept out and Richardson finally cleared the ball. A good half and probably an even one but the crucial goal to The Lingers.

The lads made a good start to the second half with Robinson Davids putting a shot over the bar in the first minute and within 5 minutes Wilford was one on one with the keeper but having rounded him could only find the side netting. Hodge fired in shot that the keeper collected shortly before Uckfield had their first chance as they chased a through ball but an alert Webb Olley came out and headed it clear. We needed another goal to be comfortable and on 23 mins a cross into the box was heading on by Asante and Wilford scored with a cute back heel. The game became scrappy and niggly with few chances. Asante won a corner and Stripp had a shot blocked as the ball was cleared. A couple of late chances for Uckfield came as they broke clear but could only blaze over the bar and then Webb Olley was alert and came to gather the ball. Joy at the final whistle as we finally get a win in the league with a clean sheet to boot, and move to 12th in the table above our visitors on goal difference.