A fiery entertaining game results in The Lingers FA Vase dream coming to an abrupt end

After a long journey on the minibus, The Lingers got off to a quick start; Sam Bell cut in from the left and beat the defender, just as he was about to fire at goal he was tripped from behind, penalty. The cool David Heaton slotted the penalty into the bottom left hand corner, 1-0 to the Lingers. The lead was doubled soon after when Daniel Frith was released, he held off the defender and slipped the ball past the onrushing keeper, a top finish. The dream was becoming more like reality when Matt Burroughs made it 3, he controlled the ball inside the box and smashed it past the keeper, 3-0 within half an hour and absolutely cruising. It was important to get to half time at 3-0 to re-group and ensure the game was managed in a professional manner however, this would not be the case. Alresford came fighting back and scored a deserved goal when a wicked corner was swung in and a header from 5 yards flew past Tony Jenner. The lead was only 1 when a slip in the Lingfield box allowed the Alresford striker to tuck away their second, 3-2 at half time and although a lead, the momentum was with Alresford.

The Lingers did not change tactics at half time, opting to revert back to what had put them in such a commanding lead in the first place..... however, this would prove costly. The Alresford defensive midfielder began to dictate the game and it was soon all square. Some good work down the Alresford left saw the ball crossed to the back post, some poor marking meant the Alresford striker could fire in the equaliser. The Lingers were struggling to stem the tide and could not make the ball stick up front. It was soon 4-3 to the hosts when the Alresford number 4 was given all the time in the world to find a pass inside Connor Leech and the striker finish across Tony Jenner and the comeback was completed. This should have sparked The Lingers into action and it did briefly, David Heaton put Sam Bell through on goal but a good save from the keeper kept it at 4-3. As Lingfield made changes and pushed for the equaliser, they were hit on the counter attack as Tony Jenner was lapse on the ball, being closed down which led to an Alresford goal, 5-3 and game over.

In a game that had started so well and promised so much, it was a great shame to exit the FA Vase in the 1st round proper. A good little run has helped the club financially and there is no shame to going out to higher league opposition...however, with some more experience and a bit less naivety, it could have easily been The Lingers in the hat for the draw on Monday.
The Lingers will be looking to bounce-back with a vengeance on Tueday night against Ringmer.

MOM - TJ Stead
By - David Heaton