Late Mauling at The Lair

The first fixture in December saw the Lingers host Bexhill FC on a crisp afternoon at the Lair. It was the first time the two sides have met this season. Both sides came into the game oozing confidence with two wins on the bounce, and the Pirates sitting one point ahead of the Lingers in the league table.

In the first half the Lingers were kicking into the difficult, low sun that was piercing the trees. As with many games at this level the first 5 minutes were quite frantic. Lingfield were soon able to settle when Matthew Burroughs reached the touchline to the left of the six-yard box and cut the ball back to Sam Bell, who had peeled off the shoulder of the Bexhill defender, and fired home from short range.

Lingfield dominated much of the first half looking composed on the ball and creating some good chances, with both Matthew Burroughs and TJ Stead looking dangerous on the flanks. However, just before the break Bexhill made the Lingers rue the missed chances. Bexhill took advantage of some sloppy play by Lingfield in the centre of midfield, and the Bexhill striker was played through down the right side of the Lingfield defence and slotted a tidy finish past Kristian Mole as he bore down on the striker.

It would be fair to say that Bexhill would have been the happier of the to teams to go in level after a hard fought first half.

HT Lingfield FC 1-1 Bexhill FC

Bexhill took their time to appear from the changing rooms at half time. Whether it was tactical to make the Lingers wait or the manager delivering an inspiring ‘Any Given Sunday’ like team talk; it worked. The Pirates took the lead early into the second half, taking advantage of a lapse in concentration by the Lingfield defence as the linesman’s offside flag was over-ruled by the referee. Shortly after, they made it 3-1 with the Bexhill midfielder chipping home from the edge of the box as the ball broke nicely for him as he was surrounded by Lingfield players.

Lingfield knew there was still plenty of time in the game to overcome the deficit, and for a young team it was refreshing to see that they did not panic. The Lingers kept their shape and discipline and began playing some good football once again in the second half.

Lingfield had a few good chances including a Sam Bell strike rebounding off the inside of the post. In the 75th minute Matthew Burroughs broke down the right side, making a dynamic run into the Bexhill penalty area. He was tackled by two sliding Bexhill defenders. The linesman adjudged the ball to have ricocheted off a Bexhill arm and a contentious penalty was awarded to Lingfield. David Heaton calmly slotted the penalty home to the goalkeepers left as he dived to the opposite corner.

At 3-2 Lingfield were definitely in this game. The Lingers continued to press and going into the 90th minute substitute Connor Leech crossed from the right side for Sam Bell to calmly finish and bag a brace in the game.

You could have forgiven Lingfield to settle for the draw during injury time, having come back from 3-1 down. However, the Lingers were not content with a draw and pressed on for the win. At 90+3 another substitute, Aaron Stead, swung in a dangerous ball from the right as TJ Stead rose like the proverbial salmon at the back post and punched home a towering header to put the Lingers in front and unleash jubilation within the lair.

The man of the match Matthew Burroughs then broke down the left side in the 4th minute of injury time. Rather than meander to the corner he broke into the Bexhill penalty area to square the ball for Aaron Stead to tap in and seal a dramatic victory for the Lingers at the Lair.

Bexhill will feel they should have got something from the game, however, Lingfield showed character beyond their years to fight back and grab victory from the jaws of defeat in an enthralling second half.

The Lingers will hope to continue the winning run at Mile Oak next weekend and try and reel in another team above them in the league.

FT Lingfield FC 5-3 Bexhill FC

Man of the match: Matthew Burroughs

Report written by: Stephen Thompson

Media Coverage : Mike Moore

Download Your Match Day Programme