Match Reports
11/02/06
Reigate Priory 2-3 Men's Veterans XI
Reigate is a club who's Veterans side are perennially in the top three or four in the League and if Brighton are to fulfill their potential then results are needed against this calibre of opposition. The first game resulted in a 5-1 defeat that rather flattered Reigate and there was a steely determination about the way Brighton set about redressing the balance. Thoughout the match the whole team worked hard for each other, not only moving the ball (reasonably) quickly out wide but also competing for the 50-50 tackles.
David Martin enjoyed a new lease of life on the left allowing James Alexander to pillage his way down the right flank. From one of his many forays the ball worked its way to Tim Ireland in the D. The resulting shot was helped in by ace marksman Adrian Adams and Brighton were one up. Within five minutes the lead was doubled as Ireland watched the Reigate defence part like the Red Sea as he approached from just inside the halfway line. Not wishing to give up this "Moses moment" he despatched the ball precisely past the goalkeeper.
Brighton enjoyed more possession with the midfield combining well but it was from a broken down Reigate attack that produced the game's defining moment. Adams was completely isolated when he collected the ball and after beating two defenders he only had the 'keeper to beat. He was drawn wide to his left and all looked lost until he produced a reverse stick shot that defied logic to take Brighton into half time three goals up.
The second half not only saw Swampy make his Veterans debut but also gave the Brighton defence ample opportunity to get value for their match fees. Cameron Heath was outstanding in the middle but it was John Spearman who earned the plaudit's praise. The Reigate right winger spent most of the match in Spearman's pocket and was left to rue the fact that maybe he was now getting less ball than in previous seasons. Reigate piled on the pressure and despite James Myers' well struck clearance ricocheting off a winger's foot the visitors scored to make it 3-1. It remained like that until the last minute when Reigate scored from a well worked short corner. It was too little too late as Brighton ran the clock down to record a very satisfying three points. That makes it nine out of twelve since Christmas and the inexorable march up the table continues.