Lingers postpone Common’s parade!

They knew what was up for grabs, we knew what was up for grabs, everyone knew what was up for grabs. A few changes to the lineup and squad from that which beat Bexhill 5-1 last week; Wetton came in on the right-hand side of midfield, whilst Wilford went back to left back. Graves returned to starting XI, Bakhit moved up to midfield with Horn out injured, Tuppen on the bench with Naylor who gets brought up from Reserves, and a warm welcome back for Turner who’s had a few weeks out swanning himself in the sun.

A very cagey beginning from both teams, making sure they don’t lose the game early on, with lots of direct diagonal balls just trying to turn the opposition around in the early stages. With the recent weather being as good as it has, the pitch firmed up all over, making it more difficult to play out and move the ball quickly. But we did keep trying to implement our style on the game. A game of very few chances, but the first fell to the hosts, ball through the right-hand side for Crone to get one on one which was engaged and stopped bravely by Moore; Proved the best chance of the half. Lingfield only managed to create a couple half chances from the edge of the box and getting Dembele in behind his opposing full back. It finished up 0-0 HT.

All in the balance after 45 minutes, we got the game back underway. A lot more authority shown in the 2nd half by Lingfield, pushing the league leaders back much more than in the first, and began to look the more likely. Wilford and Hodge were able to push higher and help out Dembele and Wetton on the flanks creating more chances. Despite this, Common tried to utilise the space on the break; Crone again at the forefront of it when he got in the box to only roll his ankle as he tried to shoot, and was forced off. These games are won and lost in moments, and we found one Ball from the right-hand side into Connolly who was waiting in the in the box and was pushed in the back and brought to ground, and the spot was pointed to. Despatched by Heaton, 0-1. 15 minutes to go, but Lingfield didn’t stop coming forward, looking more to kill the game than hold on. A 2nd was got 5 minutes from time, Wilford recycling a set piece on the left hand shifted and crossed in for Graves who was first on hand to nudge past the oncoming keeper, 0-2. Common got a consolation goal in the last minute from a rather dubious handball on the edge of the box, which was curled in with a bit of quality from Eldridge. 1-2. Not enough time on the clock for Common to even think about a late equalising charge and that was that. 1-2 FT

A superb way to finish off our away campaign this season, despite how rocky we have travelled this year. We complete a double over what looks like the eventual league winners, small bragging rights. Also means we’ll remain the only team Common haven’t beaten this year in the league. Common still need 3 points to go and secure title, with visiting 2nd place Langney next Saturday, it becomes a big one. For us, we’ve stopped the celebrations for this week, and still, hold on to our slim hopes of a runner-up spot. We have 3 remaining games, all at the Lair, Hailsham, Southwick, and Billingshurst. 3 wins would mean we’d be unbeaten at home in the league this season dropping just the 2 points against Langney, the only team that we haven’t beaten this year in the league who we’ve played twice. So our own incentives are still very much there.

Thanks to all supporters who travelled the trip to Eastbourne to encourage a valiant victory, and hope to see you all for the closing fixtures at the Lair, Up The Lingers

MOM David Graves

By Sammy Clements