Lingfield return to the Lair with the treasured 3 points.

Lingfield return to the Lair with the treasured 3 points.

Roughly 22 yards from the sea front, we arrive in Davy Jones' locker, and Bexhill a side with mixed results, and we didn't want to be on the other end of one-off their successful voyages. We welcome Ourrrrrrrr Captain David Graves back to the side after a short term niggle, as well as Alec Tuppen who started on the bench alongside a returning Finlay Woods from the U18s.

The game started slow, very scrappy, and with the conditions, wasn't for good viewing. As much Lingers tried to get it down to play, it become very difficult with Bexhill's approach to literally try and firrrreeeee! it up field with no hesitation. A couple times we did manage to get it down and move it quickly we just couldn't find that final ball needed. Few chances to speak of in the first half until the 42nd minute when the goal finally came. A quick throw high on the left hand side from Marco Mwanza, saw Richard Wetton head on to Nick Dembele to head on again to the oncoming Sammy Clements to volley home, 1-0. And an ideal time to get it. The half finished up that way.

As the second half began, all the crew knew it was all hands on deck with the wind in our face as Bexhill's strategy of lumping it long was going to be aided by the conditions. It was a batten down the hatches moment. But a much stronger start from Lingfield as we started to find a rhythm of playing, restricting the Pirates to minimal long ball plays. We made it 2 within 10 minutes of the restart as a quick thinking free kick from David Graves to the first to react Sammy Clements saw him slashed down in the penalty area; and comfortably dispatched by Richard Wetton for his accustomary goal. The Pirates didn't really find any answers to get through Lingfield or stop them attacking, even their Captains hooks weren't coming off, however a much more improved second half! It was 3-0, when a free kick from the left hand side from Conor Wilford saw the oncoming goalkeeper flap at it and get no where near catching it, as it fell to the poacher himself in Scott 'Twig' Johnston to tap home, his 4th of the season, also his 4th yard that he's scored from. Bexhill were reduced to 10 as their No.6 went over board after receiving a big megnuts from Wilford to only lash out, and a straight red for him. A few changes to the game as our very own Jack Sparrow in the anchor of midfield was replaced to a slight knock, Wetton replaced by Ben Connolly and Wilford by Finlay Woods. The game staled towards the end, until the very last knockings when Alec Tuppen was alleged of stamping on a Bexhill player in the box after the ball had gone out. A penalty was given, despite the ball not being on the pitch or anywhere near the penalty box; strange officiating. However Tuppen had to walk the plank after levelling things up 10 a side. A sense of karma as Olly Moore pulled off a world class penalty save to maintain the clean sheet seconds before the final whistle, shiver me timbers that was a close one! FT 3-0, and a professional job done for Lingfield, who set sail for home happy crusaders.

We are on the road again next weekend at Ringmer, looking to claim our first double of the season. Our next home game is a cup game against Broadbridge Heath from the Prem a League above, on Tues 17th Oct. So be sure to come and show your support! A massive thanks to all Lingers fans who came down to show your support, truly appreciated on behalf of all players and management, hopefully the win was worth the travels. A big thanks to Bexhill Pirates for your hospitality.

Goals:
Sammy Clements
Richard Wetton
Scott Johnston

Assists:
Nick Dembele
Conor Wilford

MoM to Scott 'Twig' Johnston

By Sammy Clements