Lingers all but secure Premier Division status next year!

In the reverse fixture, we took all 3 points with a very accomplished 3-0 win. Vastly improved results for the Pirates since then sending them into a possible promotion push, boiling down to this game knowing a win the only chance of breaking into the top 3. As it stood, Ringmer our closest challengers can get to a maximum of 67 points, for us... a win against Bexhill would take us to 67 points with a superior goal difference whilst also killing Bexhill’s challenge. Objective simple...

Lingfield began with more intent, setting the tone for the game with plenty of possession whilst Bexhill looked to counter off of their pair of centre-forwards. Much to the surprise of all, we actually got the first goal, Dembele attacking down the left, a quick one-two with Connolly to break clear and then whip into the bottom corner, 1-0. It was 2-0 shortly after in similar fashion... Dembele rifled it into Connolly which rebounded back to Dembele to pounce on, in from behind, and tucked away easily. Despite a few more chances to create a very comfy cushion, the first half finished that way. 2-0 HT

In the 2nd half, we continued to dominate, plenty of possession and what was a coasting 45 minutes. The next goal was very important for the swing of the game, and we did get it eventually after the hour or so. Clements dispossessing the centre-half, and Dembele played it back through in behind for Clements to latch on and slide home, 3-0. Ransome came on as a sub for the last 20 mins and picked up 2 goals of his own, the first came from some quick football which got to Connolly and first time into the path of Ransome who dispatched with real quality. He then made it 5 when Heaton broke through into the box, and unselfishly squaring it for Ransome to tap home. Bexhill got a consolation goal from the right-hand side with a top draw strike that went in off the post. That was that, 5-1, a good double over a team that have caused problems against some good sides this year.

This win means we are in an enviable position and a single point from here would be the final touch to completely secure Premier Division status next year. We need to get the rest of these games played and hopefully won though, we travel next week to high-flying and League Champions elect Little Common. A huge opportunity for both sides, 3 points for Little Common would confirm their title of League Winners, whilst anything else prevents that for one more game and we confirm our Promotion bid.

A big thank you to all the support shown, and hope to see plenty of you travelling supporters down at Little Common and soon back at the Lair. Up the Lingers

MOM Ben Connolly

By Sammy Clements